Ages 5-12 Titles from KIDS FIRST!

The story follows the annual holiday seasonal competition in El Segundo, CA, known as Candy Cane Lane where neighbors fiercely compete for best decorated house. This year's competition is amped up with the promise of a $100K prize wife (Tracee Ellis Ross), daughter Joy (), son Nick (Thaddeus J. Mixon and younger daughter Holly (Madison Thomas) aren't quite on board until they learn the severity of the situation.

Madison Thomas definitely steals the show as her dad's sidekick, following him into the popup mysterious and somewhat ominous Christmas shop called Kringle's hidden away under a freeway overpass. Another show stopper is Pepper (Jillian Bell), the shop owner whose ethics are questionable from the get go. Then, there are the magical little village people - Pip (Nick Offerman), Cordelia (Robin Thede), Gary (Christ Redd) and a group of seemingly innocent carolers who burst into song with the slightest provocation. The twisted tale of how Pepper has connived capturing these little people unravels as the plot develops. My favorite part is the 12 Days of Christmas "tree" that Chris falls for and brings home only to learn that each of the elements becomes real - and real enough to be real problems. All of a sudden seven swans are swimming in the Carver's pool. Geese are laying eggs while air borne and dropping them on innocent bystanders, like Carver's wife! Pipers are piping and dancing in the street; drummers are drumming and making pests of themselves. All this madcap craziness comes to a head as Chris hustles to complete his tasks of gathering the golden rings before the magic hour, only to discover minutes before that the number of rings he thought he needed to procure, was vastly underestimated, since the song repeats them with each round and it's 40, not 5 that he needs to collect or become one of the little village people that Pepper bosses around. However the family rallies, Santa shows up, and ultimately, the good guys win and the bad guys are punished.

The film's message really comes down to the importance of family. As Chris tells his family, "everything I do I do for you." And they come to understand that is really true.

I give Candy Cane Lane 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, or those who are kids at heart. It is available now on Prime Video so, check it out. I promise you'll get some good laughs out of it.

The Canterville Ghost is about an innovative American family of five moving to England into a manor which has been deemed haunted by all those who previously lived there. The oldest and only daughter of the three kids encounters the Canterville ghost first, but since she does not want to be there she hatches a plan to have the ghost (who she ultimately befriends) scare her family so they move back home. Since the family's dad is a scientist, he is not afraid of the ghost; neither is his wife; and the kids enjoy playing with the ghost and pranking him as well. Ultimately, the daughter helps the ghost achieve everlasting rest and falls in love with one of the royal members of England.

Overall, this is a great film. I enjoyed the part where the boys are not afraid of the ghost and, in an effort to have fun, play with the ghost's head and use it as a football when trying to care for him. I enjoyed how Virginia was willing to go into the locked garden to help the ghost leave the mortal world and rest with his love (who has died). I love that the film has an interesting storyline -- something to always look forward to and delightful plot twists. For example, the maid whose family had lived in Canterville castle for generations believed the ghost had murdered his wife. It is later found out he was sabotaged by a member of the royal family generations ago who wanted to take over his castle. It is funny when the maid says she is not to speak of the story about the ghost's wife and then immediately spills the story as if they had begged to hear it. I believe a child would enjoy this film because it is humorous, the animation and graphics are well put together, and it is a story about ghosts, friendship, forgiveness, and love.

The movie flows very well. The film definitely draws the viewer in and one cannot help but be empathetic of the characters feelings and emotions. In the first part, there is a scene showing the person who lived there before Virginia's family who is scared of the ghost and is driven insane. In the next scene when the family moves in, the maid explains how everyone who has previously lived there was driven insane and continuously yells. This makes the viewer want to continue watching the movie to see how the ghost will torment the American family that has moved in. The screenplay and characters develop very well. The dad starts off, and remains, a logical scientist who does not fear ghosts. The boys are playful and fun and continue to blame each other for their shenanigans. Virginia goes from being homesick to falling in love with Henry, a member of the royal family.

The visual quality is amazing. The scenes are colorful, contrasting and interesting. It is very interesting to see one of the last scenes where Virginia is in the locked garden where it is incredibly bright and colorful (replicating where Sir Simon's wife had died) and, at the same time, the camera gives a Henry's point of view on the other side of the gate. Some of the concepts are suited for older kids - tweens and teens - such as the idea that people lived using candles before electricity. Virginia's dad hosts a banquet celebrating his invention of light bulbs which may catch younger viewers by surprise. When he shows the banquet attendees that he will be bringing light bulbs to England it makes the viewer question how long we have had such technological advancements. U.S. kids are not familiar with why the higher classes in England are referred to as Sir or Duke. This film definitely invites the viewer to question and problem solve. It makes the viewer question how royal families in England live, specifically when Henry goes to see Virginia before the banquet and says he will protect her from English high society. When Sir Simon explains the story of his love's death, the viewer learns to not believe everything they hear. The two boys are goofy --the ghost ends up displaying kind qualities by saving Henry whom he initially wanted to harm. The parents are loving and kind, and Virginia and Henry meet by chance, become good friends and eventually fall in love.

The film's messages are to never be fearful, to not judge others by what you hear about them, and to learn to give opportunities to new things as one may end up loving it.

I give The Canterville 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It releases in theaters October 20, 2023 and digitally October 5 on all major channels.

The storyline is about a teddy bear that can talk. Marianne goes to town for an almond and ends up playing a carnival game where she sees Teddy move so she attempts to win, and does! Teddy moves the wheel because he wants to go with someone who has more money than her. She goes home to get another coin to play again but before she comes back another man wins Teddy. She goes and tries to find the man but fails.

I love Teddy's character and I also enjoyed Marianne (Marte Klerck-Nilssen) and her brother's close knit relationship. You can tell they love each other. The storyline has unexpected events and is adventurous. Marianne definitely has a big imagination and I wish I had a big imagination like hers. My favorite part is when Teddy and the hedgehog are in the basement and then the hedgehog starts doing a song and dance. It is a great musical moment. She does multiple dances and waves her arms around senselessly while attempting to get Teddy to cuddle. I love how when she dances it sounds like she makes up her own language. I also enjoy when her grandpa comes to the room in a Santa Claus costume and pretends as though he is the real Santa Claus. He delivers presents and afterwards Marianne approaches him and asks if it was him. He says, "yes, but don't tell anyone." She must be extremely smart to have figured that out! The film was made in Norway and it is interesting to see all their different traditions and meals. At first, I was distracted because the words they speak don't match the movement of the actors' mouths, but then I realized that is because the actors are speaking in a different language. I got used to it pretty quickly.

The film's message is to appreciate who you are and what you have. Teddy wants to be someone he isn't and go places he can't and he isn't happy until he realizes he is in a great place already. He is meant to be cuddled and now he has a whole family to cuddle with.

I give Teddy's Christmas 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. This film releases in theaters December 1, 2023.

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

I like the film Teddy's Christmas. The acting is absolutely superb; the plot is adorable and filled with Christmas spirit. I loved all the different settings and was particularly interested in the smooth character development of Teddy.

The story follows 8-year-old Mariann (Marte Klerck).While visiting a Christmas market in her Norwegian town; she spots a talking teddy bear at a carnival game booth. However, when someone else wins it, she takes off on a mission to find it but ends up causing a lot of damage instead.

This is a really good film that I really enjoyed. The acting of Marte Klerk as Mariann is amazing --he really portrays the character well, which greatly influences the entirety of the film. She has such a noticeable spark throughout the film. I also really enjoy the character, Mom (Mariann Hole) in the film. She really brings this character to life, particularly in the scene where Teddy learns what a hug is. That is so adorable because his first hug was with a hedgehog who thinks she is un-huggable. The ending is filled with so much kindness and Christmas spirit it inspired me in many ways. My favorite aspect of the whole film is Teddy (John F. Brungot.) John's voice acting is a perfect match for this role, which is a somewhat sarcastic yet loving character. At the beginning of the film all Teddy wants is a rich owner who can take him places. In fact he originally doesn't like Marianne simply because she is a child and doesn't have money, but at the end you can see how much he has matured since the beginning. It touched my heart to see how far he came in his emotional journey. Additionally the settings such as the snowy Christmas market are very realistic and beautiful, especially the Christmas Market game stand. It is super colorful and an adorable little tent.

The firm's message is to always be honest and know that sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the greater good. Parents should be aware that Marianne's behavior is rather suggestive at times.

I give Teddy's Christmas 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. You can watch it in theaters beginning December 1, 2023.

By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Teddy's Christmas, directed by Andrea Eckerbom, is a heartwarming animated gem celebrating the magic of Christmas. The enchanting story of eight-year-old Mariann and her connection with the sentient Teddy is a delightful blend of nostalgia and whimsy. Zachary Levi's captivating voice work and seamless animation make this Norwegian tale a festive treat for all ages.

In Teddy's Christmas, the enchanting story unfolds in a Norwegian town during the festive season. Eight-year-old Mariann (Marte Klerck-Nilssen) discovers a magical secret at a Christmas market - a teddy bear named Teddy comes to life! Determined to make him her own, Mariann faces unexpected challenges as Teddy dreams of a worldly adventure. Alongside his newfound friend, Bolla (Lene Kongsvik Johansen), the hedgehog, the film takes us on a heartwarming journey exploring the true meaning of friendship and the joy of the holiday season.

This heartwarming tale is a must-see for anyone who embraces the holiday spirit and shares the season's joy with loved ones. Bringing Teddy's Christmas to life is a talented cast led by Marte Klerck-Nilssen as the charming eight-year-old Mariann. The chemistry between Klerck-Nilssen and the animated character Teddy, voiced by the charismatic Zachary Levi, is a standout feature that adds a layer of enchantment to the film. The seamless animation compliments the festive and immersive sets of the Norwegian town's Christmas market. The costuming attention to detail and overall visual design create a cozy and magical atmosphere. One of my favorite aspects is Zachary Levi's voice work for Teddy, infusing the character with personality and charm. The whimsical music further enhances the enchanting experience, making it a memorable and heartwarming holiday film.

At its heart, Teddy's Christmas carries a poignant message about the true meaning of friendship, love, and the joy of giving during the holiday season. The film successfully emphasizes the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones and valuing the simple joys of life.

I give Teddy's Christmas 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. You can catch the magic of Teddy's Christmas releases in theaters starting on December 1, 2023.

The story follows a girl named Asha (Ariana DeBose) who longs to fulfill her wish. Then something strange happens and Asha's wishing star comes to life, Asha calls the wishing star, "Star"! King Magnifico (Chris Pine), a powerful sorcerer who looks like he is doing everything for the kingdom, but in reality, he is doing everything for himself. One of my favorite characters is Valentino (Alan Tudyk), the hilarious goat that cheers up everyone even when they're in a tough situation.

The animation is great although it is not as quite as good as many other animated films we see today. On the other hand, the special effects are incredible and match the story perfectly. My favorite scene is when Asha is talking to her friends about the wishing star coming to her and helping her with her wish. Asha puts Star and Valentino in the chicken pen and tells them to be quiet. When Asha shows Star to everyone, we are treated to chicken dance that Valentino is leading. What makes this scene so funny is the contrast between the serious topic and one that isn't serious at all! Another stunning scene takes place on top of King Magnifico's castle. Asha is in pain from the power King Magnifico has struck her and everyone in the kingdom, with. The citizens of Rosas are looking up at Asha. They too have been struck by King Magnifico's bad magic, but they still sing with their hearts content to fight for their kingdom. You need to watch and see what happens next, I believe that you will love it just as much as I did!

The film's film is to always keep dreaming about your wishes -- you will find a way to get there and someday they will come true. What matters most is that the wish is really your heart's desire. Another message is to keep fighting for your dream because, if it is really what you want, it will come true.

I give Wish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on November 22, 2023.

By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, Age 12

Wish stands as the latest jewel in the Disney crown, a captivating addition to the beloved collection that has defined the magic of animated storytelling for generations. The film, reminiscent of prime Disney, artfully weaves a tale filled with enchanting moments, exceptional acting, and an irresistible vibrancy that pays homage to the studio's golden era.

At the heart of Wish lies the compelling story of Asha, portrayed with grace and charm by Ariana DeBose. A soon-to-be 18-year-old, Asha embarks on a journey discovering the transformative power of wishing upon a star. Her wish, far from ordinary, becomes a courageous plea to thwart the plans of the imposing King Magnifico, portrayed with regal charisma by Chris Pine. The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of whimsy and depth, capturing the hearts of audiences from start to finish.

The palpable enthusiasm surrounding the film is undeniable. Wish not only delivers a cinematic experience that is compelling and entertaining, but manages to empower its audience at the same time. The film's brevity sets a new benchmark for Disney, departing from sprawling narratives and standing as a testament to the creative prowess of the filmmakers. In terms of technical brilliance, Wish excels in its innovative approach. The combination of 3D characters and 2D backgrounds creates an animated masterpiece, showcasing the film's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Chris Pine's portrayal of King Magnifico is outstanding, portraying the character as a misunderstood villain, shedding light on Pine's underrated acting skills. Ariana DeBose, with her remarkable voice and expressive acting, brings depth and authenticity to her character, adding to the film's overall allure. The pacing of the film is a noteworthy element, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film.

The film's message, "some dreams come true," resonates perfectly with the quintessential Disney spirit. It encapsulates the magic of dreams and the belief that, no matter the circumstances, some wishes do come true.

I give Wish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on November 22, 2023.

By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Set in the beautiful kingdom of Rosas, I found Wish to be an enchanting and fascinating movie with amazing singing and really funny characters!

Asha (Ariana DeBose) lives in Rosas where a sorcerer king named Magnifico (Chris Pine), and a queen named Amaya (Angelique Cabral) rule. Asha also has a cute sidekick, a goat named Valentino (Alan Tudyk). Magnifico has a special power which is the ability to grant wishes. Young Asha makes a wish so powerful that it's answered by a cosmic force, a ball of boundless energy called Star. With Star's help, Asha is able to save her kingdom from the evil king and prove that magic things can happen.

Rosas is a beautifully animated town where people always have fun. However, the setting sometimes looks rather flat, uncharacteristic of the lively Disney animation I am l so used to. Sometimes the secondary characters look like they are all wearing the same clothes and they don't have much impact to the story. Ariana DeBose's singing is so spectacular; you can hear the power and the emotion in her voice. Chris Pine is a great voice actor for Magnifico because you can hear the difference between when Magnifico is the good king vs when he plays the "Evil sorcerer." Alan Tudyk is really funny and is perfect for the role of Valentino! The little Star is super cute and lively, making me laugh out loud! Wish was especially made for the 100th anniversary of Disney Studios and meets KIDSFIRST! criteria. I loved the interesting story and the many great songs. Disney is also launching a new Wish Together campaign with their decade's long partnership with Make-a-Wish Foundation with the release of this movie.

The film reminds us to never give up following our passion because when we do, we lose the light inside ourselves and we forget what we are living for. When somebody pushes us down, that is the time that we have to do our best to stand up to them because we have the light and power within each of us. We also are reminded that we are always stronger when we stand together. When Asha is defeated by Magnifico, she starts singing a powerful song which moves everyone to sing with her and they defeat Magnifico together.

give Wish 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters now.

The story features Leonardo (Adam Sandler) and Squirtle (Bill Burr) who are quick witted, full of jokes and the best classroom pets ever. Leonardo, Leo for short, overhears a parent saying that lizards live up to 75; at age 74, Leo decides it is time to escape and live his life to the fullest. In comes strict "old school" substitute teacher Ms. Malkin (Cecily Strong) who wants to teach the 5th graders responsibility by taking turns to care for the classroom pets over the weekend. Each reluctant 5th grader who takes Leo home discovers his secret, along with wisdom about who they are and how they can better fit in the world. Every student returns Leo to the classroom and Squirtle is his biggest fan, boosting Leo's spirits and outlook on his caged life. When his secret is revealed, jealousy and distrust seeps in and Ms. Malkin, who feels the most threatened, takes Leo away.

Each 5th grader experiences positive change after their time with Leo and, in return, Leo experiences living like he never has before. The animation is colorful and realistic, from the background scenery to the small details like how a caterpillar is depicted. Each of the actors who play the 5th graders fits their character from their personality to their hair and body type. I especially liked Summer (Sunny Sandler) with her fast-talking, super sweet kindness, as well as the overly "great" and popular Jayda (Sadie Sandler). The little balls of energy that represent the kindergarteners are on point. And from the overprotected, super-safe, drone-watched home of Eli (Roey Smigel) to the over-the -top, mega-great mansion of Jayda's family, it is easy to get a sense of each character from their surroundings. The musical element of Leo propels the characters into songs that tell of their struggles, hopes and dreams while moving the story along in a beautiful way. I like the opening song that expresses how the last year of elementary school is about being on top and the melancholy song toward the end of the film each 5th grader sings about when they were younger.

While facing his mortality, Leo learns the important lesson that he has a lot of life experience to share. He is transformed from a grumpy old lizard with nothing to show for his 74 years to beloved friend and confidant who discovers he has many more years ahead of him. Another theme of Leo is in the significance of not underestimating yourself and the film delivers the message to live an authentic life by sharing your talents and being true.

I give Leo 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Leo releases on Netflix November 21, 2023.

The movie reveals the childhood trauma that Tyler Perry went through and shows how he became the most successful African American filmmaker we all know. It's also a tribute to his late mother, Maxine, hence the title of the movie.

According to co-directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, this movie took ten years to make. I had no idea what Tyler went through as a child because he had a pretty private life, so it was incredible to learn more about him and see how strong he is. We already know about his success, but in this documentary, we get to see all the challenges he faced. It highlights many aspects of his life like his faith, his abusive father, his previous studios, the start of his famous character Madea and the impact he had on the movie industry. Something else that is interesting that I learned about from this film is that Tyler Perry's newest studio is on an old confederate army base in Atlanta, which really makes this movie come full circle. The beauty of this rich documentary is that it provides so many different points of views from so many different people and perspectives. We hear from his supporters, his haters, his family, and his friends, such as Oprah Winfrey, Ozzie Areu, Gayle King and Ari Emanuel. In addition to hearing from all of these people, the movie also uncovers never-before-seen videos of Maxine Perry, Tyler's mom, which is really special since she has passed away and she's the movie's namesake.

The film's message is all about forgiveness. Even after all the abuse, Tyler was able to forgive and move on from his trauma, which really allowed him to grow. Be aware that this movie deals with abuse, has a few graphic images and also some profanity. I give Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Prime Video on November 17, 2023.

The plot of this film is centered on a girl named Caralique (Isabella Blake-Thomas) whose mom is forced to give up her fashion dream in France and moves to the United States due to a loss of her job and therefore, money. However her daughter still continues to come up with fashion ideas. This eventually lands her mom a job. The story continues to play out from there.

The movie Caralique focuses a lot on fashion. With that being said, the fashion in the movie is absolutely stunning. All the designs are gorgeous and innovative. They could be worn in real life if someone created them. The film also utilizes languages in a very unique way. In the beginning the mom speaks a lot of both French and English to the daughter, fostering her use of both languages. Then as the daughter continues to get older they use less French but the influence can still be seen. The editors also add subtitles for when French language is used in the film so even if you don't speak French, you can still understand what's going on. There are lots of characters in the movie. Each has a distinct personality, such as the character named Eloise (Abbie Georganna) who has an accent and has a very different place in life and in her school, different from others her age.

The message of the film is to trust your instincts and never give up on your dreams.

I give Caralique 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 plus adults. The film can be viewed on VOD and DVD beginning November 21. 2023.

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

Caralique is a film full of lessons we need to bring to life and has thrilling scenes that I really enjoyed and made me thrilled.

The storyline follows Caralique (Isabella Blake Thomas), a young girl, inspired by her parents, who is completely in love with fashion design and has been since she was a little girl. She wants to make people happy by wearing her clothes. Difficulties happen, but still, Caralique has an extraordinary idea that can change her life.

This film is fantastic and so inspiring! It made me believe that we never have to give up even during the hardest situations. My favorite part of the film is when Caralique realizes that she is different, and that is what makes her successful. Scenes like this make us reflect on life. The acting is absolutely brilliant! For example, Caralique cries when she loses a very dear relative and is very discouraged and I could really feel her despair. I also liked the costumes, which play a major role in the film - each one is uniquely based on an individual personality. Caralique's brilliantly shows the stages of her life. Since childhood, she has dressed with a child's version of contemporary clothes, such as simple denim shorts, a white outfit, or even a dress, with the help of her mother. In adulthood, she dresses differently from the normal, with clothing ideas uniquely her own, reflecting her personality.

The film's message is to be yourself no matter where you are, believe in your dreams and don't listen to the bad advice.

I give Caralique 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and DVD on November 21, 2023.

By Anna Clara B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Caralique is extremely appealing -- the plot pulled me in from the very beginning, starting with the brief overview of Caralique's life story and following with interesting conflicts. The characters are easy to sympathize with, adding to the anticipation of what will follow in the story, making each scene that much more enjoyable. It's a heartwarming story about sticking to what you believe in and doing what you are passionate about.

The storyline follows a young aspiring fashion designer who learns to never give up on her dreams even when she is faced with hardships and has to overcome the difficulties of the fashion industry. Caralique (Isabella Blake-Thomas) learns from her motivating mother and father to chase what she wants most in life -- creating fashion in a unique way.

The conflicts help build the fascinating character, Caralique, into someone you can easily relate to and feel sympathy for; her determination is both incredibly riveting and entertaining. Visually this film is spectacularly colorful, each scene being just, if not more, entertaining than the last. This fits the theme of the film perfectly as the fashion is well displayed into every frame and you are easily drawn to what the character will make next. Caralique is a driven character who promotes individualism and staying true to your passion; she succeeds in this by showing great determination and problem solving in unique ways. The writing in the show is very good, with well-timed pacing and easy-to-follow content. Each scene is significant to the plot development, whether it's something dramatic or something small. Each character has its own time to be evaluated by the audience and therefore builds sense of empathy for further development. The concepts within the film are definitely suitable for a youth audience -- a great amount of the film centers on a teenager's daily life hanging out with friends, having a part time job, and going to school. A child could enjoy this film, as the story centers around a child's motivation not to give up on their dreams even in their teenage years. This incredibly important life lesson is communicated throughout the film perfectly using language a child can easily understand and relate to. This film easily encourages audiences to focus on their passions even if they face hardships, which in turn can motivate younger audiences to start their journey early.

The film's message focuses on the importance of staying motivated to achieve your dreams and not letting others stand in your way. The film encourages the audience to stay motivated and chase your dreams, which is a wonderful life lesson for any age group especially kids.

I give Caralique 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It releases on VOD and DVD November 21, 2023.

By Maverick C., KIDS FIRST!

Caralique is an emotional film that is also beautiful and inspiring. This film has an excellent story, talented actors and pretty props, designs and costumes. Caralique is truly a work of art that everyone should experience.

This film follows a girl, Caralique (Isabella Blake-Thomas), from her journey as a young, 8-year old (Kali Funston) to a teen with big dreams. Her mom, Arlette (Helene Cardona), was a talented fashion designer who gave up her dreams to raise her daughter. They struggled financially for most of Caralique's early life, and when her mom loses her job, they must "go on an adventure," as Arlette calls their search for a home. At one of her mom's unsuccessful job interviews, Caralique gives the interviewer a drawing she made. This drawing is the key to Caralique's success, but she faces many obstacles before she gets there.

Caralique's plot is fun and engaging, with many emotional points as well. The story has a perfect amount of happy, uplifting parts to balance the sadder moments. The main characters are determined and sweet, creating great role models and an inspirational storyline. However, some events in the film are slightly unrealistic. For example, even with Caralique's impressive artistic abilities, it is doubtful that a job interviewer would take a second glance at a drawing given to them by an eight-year-old. While this makes the film a bit less realistic and relatable, it does boost the optimistic mood and themes of the film. The actors that portray Caralique and Arlette add so much to the film with not only the raw emotion through their voices and facial expressions, but their chemistry as scene partners. Isabella Blake-Thomas and Helene Cardona truly appear as mother and daughter on screen. Their relationship is vital to the development of the story and the emphasis on the theme -- and the actors do not disappoint. In addition to the mother-daughter relationship, fashion design is a primary focus of Caralique. Since both main characters are so talented in fashion design it's important that the dresses, fabrics and designs reflect these qualities. They certainly live up to this expectation. There are original designs, vibrant colors, unique ideas and matching hair and makeup for each one. The screen is so pleasant to look at all the time with these beautiful costumes and props.

The theme of Caralique is to never give up on your dream, even if it seems like everything is against you. Both Caralique and Arlette must overcome so many obstacles to achieve their goals. This inspirational message is a big part of Caralique, and is developed throughout the film.

I give Caralique 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Caralique on VOD and DVD/Blu-ray beginning November 21, 2023.

In the film, Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) are now officially, finally, a couple. As they grow closer, Poppy discovers that Branch has a secret past. He was once part of her favorite boy band "BroZone," with his four brothers. BroZone disbanded when Branch was still a baby, as did the family, and Branch has not seen his brothers since. When Branch's bro Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of pop-star villains, Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells), Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop-culture obscurity.

Trolls Band Together embraces the boy band era with so many references to everyone's favorite bands. The movie delivers a lot of heart, along with showing the importance of family values, friendship, and love. The entire movie is filled with humor, catchy cover songs, amazing animation, and lessons about family. Directed by Walt Dohm and Tim Heitz, the animation in this DreamWorks production is stunning -- all the vibrant colors throughout the movie are amazing. I was not able to take your eyes off the screen. All the music goes so well with the storyline in every scene. It features a new original song, "Better Place," from Justin Timberlake's old boy band NSYNC. It was so fun to sing and dance along. The voice actors are terrific. Timberlake and Kendrick are joined by Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Icona Pop, Anderson Paak, Ron Funches, Kenan Thompson, Kunal Nayyar plus a handful of newcomers. They could not have picked a better group of actors to voice these characters. The script by Elizabeth Tippet is so smart, but my favorite part is all the songs and dances throughout the movie. Trolls movies have been a hit with viewers of all ages and this one is no different. I predict that everyone will be singing and dancing and loving every minute of this movie.

The film's message is about family dynamics and how all family relationships are different. It shows viewers that no two families are the same and all families have their differences with each other, but they are still family. Be aware that it contains some rude and suggestive humor and some scary creatures like the Bergens and large spiders, plus the trolls are chased and eaten.

I give Trolls Band Together 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Trolls Band Together in theaters on November 17, 2023.

By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

It's time to hit the backstreet for a new edition to the Trolls movie franchise! Trolls Band Together has the perfect music, acting and animation that kept me *Nsync with the story!

In Trolls Band Together we get to see the family of Branch (Justin Timberlake) and their former band "BroZone." After the band breaks up, one of the brothers, Floyd (Troye Sivian) gets kidnapped by Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Venner (Andrew Rannells) who steal his talent. It's up to Branch, his brothers, Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and some other new and recurring characters to find a way to save him before it's too late.

The film's main characters are Poppy, Branch and the BroZone brothers. There are many new characters introduced in this film. I personally love characters with an evil aura and Velvet has to be my favorite. She's the perfect mix of a prideful mean girl and a typical big sister. Velvet's singing performance by Brianna Mazzola sounds so angelic and beautiful, which I loved as well. Speaking of singing, the music covers in this film are outstanding! I love the boy band references throughout the film, like New Kids on The Block, 98 Degrees and One Direction. Plus NSync came together to record a new song for this film. In the film, we see a lot of issues between family members. BroZone members are constantly at odds with each other - John Dory (Eric Andr�), trying to be the boss of everyone and the brothers treating Branch like a baby, causing hard feelings and arguments. Even Velvet shows her evil and demanding ways towards Venner. This movie is worth watching and covers a lot of issues we can relate to.

The film's message is about the true meaning of family. Being a family by blood is one thing, but actually portraying an equal family system is more important, especially among siblings. Kindness, equality, and understanding can relieve so many issues. Things parents may need to look out for are kissing scenes, love-related aspects like making out or having kids, and other very subtle words.

I give Trolls Band Together 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It opens in theaters November 17, 2023. Be sure to stay for a short post-credits scene.

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

Trolls Band Together is an awesome movie! This latest film in this DreamWorks trilogy did not disappoint me! It is filled with surprising back stories for some of the most beloved Trolls characters.

Similar to the first two Trolls films, viewers join a rescue adventure led by Branch (Justin Timberlake) and Poppy (Anna Kendrick). The film starts with a lead up to the wedding of Bridget (Zooey Deschanel) and King Gristle (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) when a person from Branch's past comes crashing in.

We learn that Branch has three older brothers, John Dory (Eric Andr�), Spruce (Daveed Diggs), Clay (Kid Cudi) and Floyd (Troye Sivan). They had a boy band, BroZone that failed, leaving Branch to live alone with their grandmother. Fast forward to present day and Floyd has been kidnapped by the film's villains, Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells) who plan to steal Floyd's singing talent. John Dory tries to get the band back together, to save Floyd. First, he enlists the help of Poppy and Branch, and then they set out to find Spruce, and then Clay. My favorite part is when they are searching for Clay and end up at an abandoned golf course and discover a new community of trolls. Viva (Camila Cabello) is the leader of the troll community. I don't want to spoil the surprise but a main character is very important to Viva. The animation is very good and consistent with the Trolls trilogy, which means vibrant colors, a wide range of characters and lots of pop music montages from the '80s, '90s and 2000s. The music adds a lot of energetic fun to the film, including a new song called "Better Place," from the 90s boy band *NSync. That should make some parents in the audience happy since the band hasn't released a new song in 20 years!

The message of Trolls Band Together is that things do not have to be perfect to work, including families.

I give Trolls Band Together 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. It releases in theaters on November 17, 2023.

By Kira O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Want to embark on a magical adventure filled with funky characters and a spectacular soundtrack? Trolls Band Together is the perfect movie for you and your entire family to watch together on movie night as I and my family loved it.

The story follows Branch (Justin Timberlake) who discovers that one of his brothers is being held captive by villainous pop stars Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells). Poppy (Anna Kendrick), Branch and his other brothers, Clay (Kid Cudi), John Dory (Eric Andre) and Spruce (Daveed Diggs) embark on an emotional journey in order to rescue their brother Floyd (Troye Sivan). During the journey Poppy discovers she has a long lost sister named Viva (Camila Cabello). Throughout their journey the Trolls learn the importance of family, and the importance of sticking together and solving problems together.

What I enjoy the most about this film are the character designs and animation throughout the entire film. The animation is perfectly clear and visible; it is very different from the original Trolls movies, and looks hyper-realistic. I love how they reference bands like NSYNC, One Direction and Boys ll Men to describe Branch and his brothers' former band that disbanded. Another thing I love about this film is the comedic timing of the characters. The jokes are absolutely hysterical! Although there is so much to love about this film I am not a fan of the visual effects; the colors are so exotic that they made me feel quite nauseous and dizzy. The flashing lights and the variety of colors made my eyes hurt. Another thing worth mentioning is the soundtrack, which made me feel like dancing and singing along. I really admire how they brought NSYNC back together to record the song "Better Place" for the film. All in all, this film is a fun and family-friendly film that I and my family really enjoyed! Plus, I love the very important message this movie conveys.

The film's message is that family is the most important thing and that family should always stick together. Never take family for granted and always put family first. Please be advised that there is brief profanity.

I give Trolls Band Together 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Trolls Band Together releases in theaters Friday November 17, 2023

The Marvels centers around members of the Avengers. Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), better known as Captain Marvel, has found herself and her superpowers linked with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and new teenage superhero Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), aka Miss Marvel. These three powerful women must team up to stop Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), the ruler of a struggling civilization who has set her eyes on taking resources from thriving planets. However many secrets about Carol's past resurface as they do so.

Iman Vellani's performance as Kamala Khan overpowers the movie with a new side of joy to the MCU. Her explosive personality bursts through the screen as a huge highlight throughout the entire film. I love her character as she brings it to life with a passion. There are so many insane plot twists throughout the film and, while most are a great addition to the plot, a few get a little too crazy for my liking; though they aren't wild enough to drag the movie down. I enjoyed the plot being based around three strong women who are in charge. It's something not seen as often in superhero movies, especially in the past, but the MCU has been doing it a lot recently and it's very empowering. My favorite part of the movie is towards the beginning when Monica, Kamala and Carol first discover their powers have been entangled and they find themselves fighting soldiers in three different places and switching back and forth between locations throughout the battle. It's super fun to watch and my eyes were glued to the screen.

The message of The Marvels is that true friends and family will love you and always be there for you no matter what. Carol learns this throughout the movie as she sometimes worries about what the people who care for her will think about her past; eventually, she accepts that they will love her for who she is now and not what she's done before.

I give The Marvels 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 10, 2023.

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

The Marvels is a blockbuster film, filled with action and adventure. It is highly engaging while still staying true to the message throughout the entire movie.

In this film viewers are reunited with Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) for a second time, in this sequel to Captain Marvel. The plot follows Captain Marvel, along with her little cousin who isn't so small anymore. After experimenting with the power of time and universes, the two powerful women find themselves to be linked with a teenage girl from New Jersey, who likes to think of herself as Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani). These three team up in order to gain their revenge on the Supreme Intelligence, all while going up against old and new enemies, and keeping the universes stable.

A huge standout in this film is the CGI effects. Throughout the movie the three main characters' powers are synced together, and we often find them switching positions mid fight. The way that this is executed is very impressive. The visuals in the fight scenes, moving from space, to earth, and to other galaxies is all so overwhelming, but intriguing at the same time. Additionally, the costumes are really impressive and eye-catching. In the different universes that they explore, the people in those villages have the most unique looks - everything from their hair, to their makeup and their attire is so creative, and really stands out. I also enjoyed Captain Marvel's signature suit she wears, which really contributes to her statement look. Finally, this film is highly engaging. There is never a dull moment, and it held my attention the entire time. Every scene is packed with action, and definitely lives up to the original film, as well as the Marvel name. I also enjoyed the plot, and how straight forward it is. It gets right to the point. I never found my mind wandering off, or feeling lost in the story. The movie kept attention 100% of the time, which is rare.

The message of The Marvels is to remember your truth, and always do what you believe is right. Be forewarned that this film contains some intense fighting scenes and the use of weapons.

I give The Marvels 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Marvels releases in theaters November 10, 2023.

Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The film, The Marvels blends teamwork, girl power, comedy and emotion with action-adventure. It's heartening to see a movie that not only entertains but also resonates with positive themes.

The central plot revolves around Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Mrs. Marvel (Iman Vellani) teaming up to thwart the menacing Der-Bann (Zawe Ashton) from wreaking havoc on their homes - classic Marvel setup.

The enthusiasm for the film is palpable; the movie is successful in delivering a compelling, entertaining, and empowering cinematic experience. The brevity of The Marvels sets a new record for Marvel in terms of its runtime and it stands out in a franchise known for sprawling narratives. The commendation extends to the CGI and camera work, with special mention of shots and angles that enhance the viewing experience. It's clear that attention to detail has been a priority, ensuring that every frame contributes to the overall brilliance of the film. Brie Larson's portrayal of Captain Marvel showcases her character's development. The shift from a more serious tone to a nuanced performance is highlighted, indicating growth in both the actor and the character. Zawe Ashton's portrayal of the villain, Dar-Benn, earns high praise, what I consider to be "Oscar-Worthy." The film's pacing is lauded for its seamless flow, allowing the audience to absorb every moment without missing a beat.

The emphasis on "girl power" as the film's message is particularly noteworthy, aligning with the growing trend of empowering narratives in the entertainment industry. However, be forewarned about the profanity in the film which adds a layer of responsibility to parents.

I give The Marvels 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Marvel fans, both young and old, will find an exciting experience when this film opens in theaters on November 10, 2023.

By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love The Marvels. It is fun, laugh-out-loud funny, has some heartfelt moments and the chemistry between the three leading ladies is outstanding. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end.

In The Marvels Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), aka Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. However, unintended consequences see her shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to a wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with two other superheroes to form the Marvels - Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Captain Marvel and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) learn to work together because their powers become entangled.

I love all the action scenes and watching the three leading ladies working together to fight against evil. I recommend watching Ms. Marvel and Wanda Vision on Disney+ before watching The Marvels. They give you the background on Kamala and Monica, which will help you understand where they are coming from in this film. I immediately fell in love and related to Iman Vellani's (Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel). She is a Marvel fan, just like us, and she is so excited to meet her heroes and fangirls just like we would do ourselves! I was so happy to see her family in the film as well because they steal the show. The family scenes are full of laughs and the family dynamics really make this movie. The chemistry between the three leading ladies is truly amazing. They work so well together and look like they are having so much fun together. Their friendship seems genuine on the screen. The battle scenes are epic, especially when the three of them switch places, which is so fun to watch.

The Marvels is about teamwork, girl power, friendship, family, heart and action. It shows how family will always be there for you, no matter what, and reminds you to always stay true to who you are. You are never wrong when you are doing what is right.

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

The story revolves around the determined coach, Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) who takes on the challenging task of coaching an American Samoa soccer team with a historically abysmal loss record. Their only goal is to score one point, a seemingly insurmountable task.

This film is a delightful cinematic experience that celebrates the power of belief, teamwork, and the indomitable human spirit in the world of sports. As the film develops, it dives deeper into the characters' lives, particularly Coach Rongen and the soccer team. The connections that form between the players showcase the power of heartfelt camaraderie in sports. The film brings out both the emotional and comedic aspects of these players journey. It's clear that the cast and crew put their heart and soul into this project, resulting in a standout film. The camera work is outstanding - it captures the action on the field with finesse, making you feel like you're right there with the team as they strive for victory. Michael Fassbender's performance as Coach Rongen is commendable, as he skillfully balances humor with emotional elements in the film, delivering a memorable character. Oscar Kightley, as Tavita, Coach Rongen's right-hand man, brings a good-spirited energy to the film. His character adds to the loveable dynamic of the team, making it easy for the audience to root for them. The film's pacing is fast-paced, keeping the story engaging and ensuring that viewers remain invested in the team's journey from start to finish.

The film's core message is a simple, yet powerful one: believe in yourself and have fun. It's a message that resonates with both young and adult audiences, reminding us of the importance of enjoying the process and having faith in our abilities. It's important to note that the film contains some profanity, alcohol use, glimpses of drug use, and a transgender lead character, which may require some parental guidance depending on the age of the viewers.

I give Next Goal Wins a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults who appreciate uplifting and heartwarming stories. It releases in theaters on November 17, 2023.

In 1947, the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is in retirement in Venice, and when visited by his American authoress friend Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), he is pulled into a mystery at the palazzo, a former orphanage haunted by children's spirits. Oliver invites Poirot to a seance held by opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly), who's mourning the death of her daughter, Alicia. He must get to the bottom of whether Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh), a medium who means to summon Alicia's spirit during the s�ance, is legitimate or not. What ensues is a creepy series of -- perhaps fortunate -- events. The plot is interesting, but the solution to the mystery is not particularly unique, though it is unveiled with a lovely, dramatic monologue by Branagh. The setting of the story in post-World War II Venice is most striking; some characters suffer from PTSD, and even Joyce Reynolds was a nurse during the war. Everyone is in mourning of some sort.

The story revels in the richness of its visuals, unique setting, and in its talkative script. Kenneth Branagh not only headlines, but also directs the film. Branagh, cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos and production designer John Paul Kelly are a dream team; they beautifully capture one of the world's most striking cities, interspersing the action--which takes place in the dark, ornate palazzo--with classic, scenic shots of gondolas and canals at sunset. The classic horror movie effects like scurrying rats, falling chandeliers, and banging doors are not overdone, though they are somewhat cliched. Branagh hams up Poirot's Belgian French accent and truly seems to be loving his role. Tina Fey shines as the sharp-tongued American, the authoress with a suspicious motive; she balances out Poirot's gloominess with some humor and an almost campy demeanor. This, along with other elements in the film, means that A Haunting in Venice is both a horror and a whodunit, a perfect film for Halloween, the spooky season, or anytime.

A Haunting in Venice touches on all kinds of themes -- religion, the supernatural, and belief in good over evil. Poirot repeats time and again that his job, dealing with cruelty, vice, and death, means he simply cannot believe that God exists. He lives, instead, on cold rationality. This mystery doesn't exactly make him change his mind, but he ends with a belief that he, as a detective, can do some good in the world, and he decides to emerge from retirement. There's optimism and light even in this dark tale. Parents should be aware that A Haunting in Venice contains mentions of suicide, death, murder, and violence.

I give A Haunting in Venice 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. A Haunting in Venice debuts on digital retailers and Hulu on October 31, 2023, and arrives on Blu-ray/DVD on November 28, 2023.

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

A Haunting in Venice combines real life and supernatural elements into one creepy mystery. Although it is slow to start and a bit overwhelming at times, but it has a very interesting plot with many in-depth characters.

This film follows retired detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) as he attends a Halloween party followed by a seance at a palazzo that is rumored to be haunted. Trapped in the house with people he doesn't know and danger increasing by the minute, he realizes he must identify the murderer as quickly as possible. As he speaks with each of the other people trapped in the house and puts together the pieces of the trouble, he must also ignore the voices he's hearing and children's ghosts he's seeing.

A Haunting in Venice takes place in a haunted palazzo, which sets the story up to be scary and suspenseful. The palazzo is dark and appears old and abandoned. The structure, furniture and general style of the place also clues me in to how ancient the house really is. It is perfectly ominous, forcing me to constantly be on the edge of my seat. While this film does an excellent job of creating suspense and eeriness within the haunted palazzo, some of the supernatural elements are unnecessary distractions. The main focus of the plot is around the mystery, figuring out who committed the murder of Alice long ago, and who could be committing crimes now. However, with the constant emphasis of supernatural bits, such as the supposed ghosts and voices that some people seem to be seeing and hearing, the mystery seems less important than escaping these spirits. While the combination of the supernatural and mystery elements make for a constantly suspenseful story, it often leads to too much chaos, distracting me from the mystery and the story eventually becomes slightly hard to follow. With all of this being said, the mystery itself is very well done. Clues throughout the film as well as careful concentration during each of the characters' alibis all add up to the shocking ending of who is responsible for these crimes. Each character has so much depth, with their alibis showing information from their background, providing possible motives and revealing some reason to suspect them.

The theme of A Haunting in Venice is to be careful who you trust. Even though most of the characters seem to get along fine, they all realize that the murderer is among them, possibly even someone they thought to be their friend. The Haunting in Venice does contain some gore and mildly inappropriate language, as well as scary and creepy elements.

I give A Haunting in Venice 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch The Haunting in Venice on Hulu and other digital retailers beginning October 31, 2023 and on Blu-ray and DVD beginning November 28.

By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

A Haunting in Venice is a chilling murder mystery with a ghostly twist. I love the set design and the plot development, and the use of symbolism adds to its grim sophistication.

The storyline takes place over Halloween night and follows Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), a retired detective who has relocated to Venice, Italy, intending to find a peaceful balance in his life away from solving mysteries. Poirot's old friend Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) convinces him to join her at a Halloween party at the palazzo, where he meets Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly), who persuades him to solve the mystery of her daughter (Rowan Robinson)'s murder. However, all is not what it seems, and after a disturbing session with a spiritualist (Michelle Yeoh), Poirot begins to suspect he is up against a supernatural force.

The setting of Venice is fitting for the movie, with its peaceful canals and masquerade parties. The palazzo has an abandoned charm, and the dark, Baroque-inspired interior reflects the ghastly style of the movie. The lighting is dim for the most part, adding to the ominously peaceful vibe. I enjoyed the cinematography, especially for flashback scenes, which are black and white and grainy, like an old movie. This pattern repeats itself in the flashbacks in all Poirot movies. A Haunting in Venice is, in part, a psychological thriller. If you pay close attention, you will notice that apples are used as a symbol throughout the film. At the end, Poirot confirms that the apples were used as a diversion - someone used them to try to play games with his mind. At the beginning of the movie, Poirot is nearly drowned while apple-bobbing. Apples are placed in every room in the palazzo, intended to lead Poirot to think he is losing his mind. There are also multiple references made to Adam and Eve, one of which is the apple. Another is the cuckoo clock, which features Adam, Eve and Satan. This clock is shown multiple times. The chiming of the clock is used to foreshadow an epiphany, a reveal or a shocking event.

The message of A Haunting in Venice is that we should all watch out, because the people we trust the most might be the first to betray us. Another message is that you should never rule out any possibilities if they have a chance of being the truth, because sometimes it can surprise you. Be aware that there are disturbing scenes of violence, spiritual possession and psychosis.

I give A Haunting In Venice 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. A Haunting in Venice debuts on digital retailers and Hulu on October 31, 2023, and arrives on Blu-ray/DVD on November 28, 2023.

Based on the popular and highly-engaging video game, the storyline follows Mike (Josh Hutcherson), who is struggling to make it financially while having to care for his younger sister. He gets offered a security job night shift for the abandoned "Freddy's Pizzeria" and, at first, is hesitant, but eventually realizes that he has no choice. Mike struggles with past family trauma and has very vivid dreams at night. When he starts to fall asleep at work his dreams get longer and clearer. He soon learns that the job he has taken can be the answer to more things than he could have ever imagined.

A huge standout in this film is the cinematography. Every camera angle holds so much purpose, and is made with such intention. Moods are created from a singular camera angle and set the tone for the entire film. For example, the flashbacks scenes that accompany Mike's dreams focus on specific moments to highlight their importance. The director, Chris Columbus, creates this uncomfortable feeling through his work, and delivers an outstanding film. Additionally, I really enjoyed the suspense throughout the entire movie. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I was riveted to the screen. I wanted to cover my eyes, but didn't want to look away at the same time! There is the perfect amount of scariness, laughter and surprise. Lastly, the message of this film is both heartwarming and intriguing. The importance of never giving up is highlighted in such an interesting way and can almost be hard to spot. However, at the end, even though we are left wanting more, it is clear that hope is one of the only ways to get through life. Joy and happiness is a must in order to continue successfully, and that is the underlying meaning of this movie.

The message of Five Nights at Freddy's is to listen to your heart and never give up on what you believe in. Be forewarned that this film does include gruesome content.

give Five Nights at Freddy's 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Five Nights at Freddy's in theaters and on Peacock October 27, 2023.

This episode continues Loki's (Tom Hiddleston) journey at the TVA with Mobius (Owen Wilson), but it travels back in time to visit another variant of "He Who Remains," named Victor Timely (Jonathan Majors) in 1893, who, after being given a TVA notebook by Ravonna (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and the rouge cartoon clock, Miss Minutes (Tara Strong), proceeds to work on various invention prototypes. This leads to a feud between the many teams in a battle of their wants and needs from this new "He Who Remains" variant. You'll have to watch to see how the story unfolds.

I love seeing Jonathan Majors as the "He Who Remains" variant. His character's stutter is realistic, adds depth to his role while he gives an incredible performance. It is hard for me to even believe it's him. The costumes are also amazing. When the present-day characters travel to 1893 their outfits change to reflect the new era. The special effects of characters like Miss Minutes' and Loki's powers are mind-blowing. Keep in mind this episode is pretty lengthy, but it doesn't feel like it, at all. It's incredible how the writers can stray from a typical Loki storyline and still make it engaging and entertaining. Music also plays a big part in this show, especially in relation to the different time periods and the action scenes. And keeping with the time travel, even the regular Marvel intro is updated with the sounds of classic piano tunes, which is really creative!

This episode touches on believing in yourself, finding where you belong, and trusting in others. This episode shows many examples of these messages from Victor Timely presenting all his new ideas to the times when evil strikes and betrayal occurs. The only scene that is somewhat inappropriate is one where Miss Minutes tries to flirt with Mr. Timely.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3,1893 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. You can watch it on Disney+ now and new episodes release every Thursday.

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

Loki Season 2, Episode 4 is a new fun, adventurous and action-packed experience for those who have already seen the first season as well as those who are just beginning to watch the show. I really enjoyed the new season of Loki because of the CGI, the acting, the time manipulation in the show and the messages in the show. This series is kid-friendly with some moderate violence and could also be of interest to adults as well.

The storyline follows the mercurial villain, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Along with Mobius (Owen Wilson), Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) and a team of new and returning characters, Loki tries to stop the temporal loom from exploding and destroying not only the TVA (Time Variance Authority), but also a big fraction of the quantum realm with it. Throughout his journey he makes new friends and meets new enemies. Once he and his team begin their mission to prevent the explosion of the temporal loom, something horrible happens, something so horrible that it would change their lives forever.

This new episode is phenomenal, and I enjoyed it a lot, primarily because of the CGI. The CGI makes everything like space debris and the particles flying around in the quantum realm look so realistic. Another thing I really enjoyed about this episode is the acting. The cast play their roles so well and put on terrific performances. Additionally, the time manipulation is absolutely mind blowing. In one scene we see Loki talking to Sylvie, and when Sylvie goes to the next floor, she sees present day Loki zapping another Loki from a different timeframe. This scene is the icing on the cake for me. I like how this show is kid-friendly but can easily interest some adults as well.

Although there are many messages this series portrays, the one that I really like and rings very true to life is that the most valuable thing a person can spend is time, whether it's time with family, time at work, or time alone. Be forewarned that it does contain moderate violence, some cursing, and some alcohol use.

Loki Season 2, Episode 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available now on Disney+ so be sure to check it out. See ya!

by Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Episode 5 of Loki: Season 2 is a unique, thrilling portrait of Loki rocketing through the multiverse, paying for his past mistakes; it offsets Marvel's other tedious TV projects with action and vivacity. It didn't disappoint my expectations, and I'm sure it won't let down ardent Marvel fans, those binging the show, or others looking for an episode to catch on Disney+.

Loki: Season 2 picks up with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) searching for the soul of the Time Variance Authority, an authority dedicated to preserving the Sacred Timeline. In Episode 5, he's focused on using his almost-funny time-slipping abilities to get to all the people who were at the Time Variance Authority when wires were crossed. None of them recognize him, and Loki can't stop slipping into new times and locations. For example, he sees Mobius (Owen Wilson) selling jet skis as a middle-aged dad in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2022. The God of Mischief assembles a team and tries to earn their trust. Perhaps it's because I was entering this episode blind, but the plot seems extremely complex for the first half of the episode as I pieced things together; luckily, things were much easier to understand after establishing some context.

In Season 2, the stakes are elevated, and the writing is super strong; I was glued to the screen throughout the 45-minute Episode 5. The visual effects are very realistic, as are the practical sets -- the color-correction across timelines differs, but it adds to the aesthetic of each character whom Loki is trying to find. The cinematography is wonderful, with lots of close-ups and medium shots to capture Tom Hiddleston's emotions, along with those of the other characters. Mentioning the cast, all skillfully carry the complex plot, which could have become overwhelming. Tom Hiddleston is one of my favorite actors - the lovable yet full-of-himself Norse god Loki. Ke Huy Quan as OB, the techie trying to help Loki, is another favorite I didn't expect; his earnest effort to help and bumbling personality go together wonderfully. Owen Wilson as Mobius adds a wonderful comedic tint to the episode, with physical comedy (miming that he'll call the police on Loki when he first arrives), zingers, and more subtle lines (He remarks with a bewildered expression that when Loki time-slips, "it looks like you're being born, or dying - or both at the same time."). Overall, a wonderful package.

This episode of the show promotes teamwork and taking responsibility to solve problems when they arise. Loki may be the God of Mischief, but he takes a remarkable amount of accountability to restore the TVA and works with every character across timelines. Loki's time-slipping can feel a little bit like a jump scare, with his face and body contorting and some demonic noises accompanying it, so parents with young children might want to tell them to brace themselves.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 5 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Loki Season 2 is playing exclusively on Disney+ now, with new episodes weekly.

This short documentary is part of the popular docu-series, Faceplant, about seven entrepreneurs who share their game-changing life lessons with us. This film offers a portrait of Damien Escobar, a gifted violinist whose journey to success and back is heartwarming. From his early start in music, his acceptance into Juilliard at 9 years old and performing for three U.S. presidents, to the lows of financial hardship and personal crisis, this documentary gives us a glimpse into the rollercoaster life of a musical prodigy.

This is a short film hat will resonate with a wide range of audiences, from aspiring musicians to anyone in need of inspiration during challenging times. The film exquisitely profiles Damien and the talented and ambitious individuals who mirror him. Damien's resilience and passion for music shine through every frame, making it impossible not to root for him, in this a classic underdog-to-hero story. One of the standout aspects of this documentary is its ability to convey the emotional depth of Damien's journey. The audience can feel his triumphs and setbacks, and the film truly makes you emotionally invested in his story in a short period of time. Additionally, the interviews with Damien provide valuable insights into his experiences and mindset. My favorite part is when Damien shares his rediscovery of his love for music and embarks on a successful solo career. It's a testament to the power of passion and determination, and it's truly inspiring to witness him rise from adversity.

This film carries a powerful message of resilience, the pursuit of one's true passion, and the importance of finding joy in the journey of life. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own paths and the obstacles they may encounter along the way.

I give Faceplant, Season 2: The Side of Success No One Talks About 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can find it streaming online now at Millionstories.com.

The story begins in 1987 with a boy named Aristotle (Max Pelayo) who keeps to himself. He goes to the local swimming pool in hopes of learning to swim and meets Dante (Reese Gonzales). The two instantly click as they realize they have a lot in common and start hanging out every day. Dante moves away for a year but the two boys exchange letters and remain in contact. Both Dante and Aristotle have a long road of self-discovery ahead, but that doesn't interfere with the strong connection between them.

I love how this film deals with so many different themes all at once -- family dilemmas, sexuality, self-growth, and ethnic identity. I always relate to seeing Latino representation in films; Aristotle is Mexican and I love that this film has a lot to do with his heritage. The cinematography is delicate and bright as is the overall aesthetic of the film. My favorite scene is when Aristotle and Dante tie their Converse shoes together and hang them on a light post at night. The lighting and simple concept of tying their shoes together is so beautiful; especially in the way that scene is shot. It is so powerful and meaningful. The acting is also impressive. Max Pelayo's portrayal of Aristotle is terrific - despite Aristotle having lots of inner conflicts, Max portrays him in such a beautiful way. I love Reese Gonzales as Dante as well; Dante is a very awkward person but in the cutest way and Reese captures that dichotomy and plays into that tricky kind of feel. I'm a huge fan of Eugenio Derbez, who plays Jamie Mendoza, Aristotle's dad. He's such an incredible actor. Eva Longoria, as Dante's mom, and Veronica Falcon, as Aristotle's mom, both really caught my attention. I love how both moms are so different and both love their kids infinitely. Veronica is the perfect example of a Mexican mom. I wish Eva had more screen time but nevertheless she is great. This film is based on a novel with the same name by Benjamin Alire S�enz and is produced by Eugenio Derbez and Lin-Manuel Miranda who narrates the audio book.

The film's message is that true love always prevails, but takes time. Please note that it contains some strong violence, strong language, sexual material, teen drug and alcohol use and smoking.

I give Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters, HBO and Netflix September 8, 2023.

Ammu's Treasures is a three-volume omnibus of 35 songs and 21 chants compiled by renowned musician Chandrika Tandon. The album features many maestros including Cyro Baptista, Martin Bejerano, Rakesh Chaurasia, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and more.

Ammu's Treasures is beautifully composed, with each piece clearly having hours of thought behind its instrumentals, vocals and mixing. Plus, the accompanying lyric videos by Marc Lumer and Bob Spang are vibrant and enjoyable. The album was conceptualized by Tandon as a gift to her grandchildren, and it's evident that she painstakingly pieced together the motley array of songs in the album; I'll admit that the mix of pop songs, nursery rhymes, chants and instrumental pieces took me by surprise at the beginning, but only those who actually listen to the songs will realize how they come together to form a beautiful lyrical panoply. My personal favorite pieces are "Chants - To the Light," "Listen to the Pouring Rain," and "Au Clair la Lune," as much for their nostalgic value as for their elegance.

Ammu's Treasures was created to spread intergenerational love through art (one of the purest kinds of love!). And you do truly feel it after listening to two or three numbers, a magical sensation that envelopes you with joy and warmth. It's truly wonderful.

I give Ammu's Treasures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 5 plus adults. Ammu's Treasures released on all major audio vendors beginning September 7, 2023.

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

The children's album Ammu's Treasures is very well sang by Chandrika Tandon. The vocals are strong and lyrical. It brings back memories of my early childhood and the songs I used to sing, and the happy, cartoonish music videos will appeal to young kids.

Ammu's Treasures is a collection of 35 songs and 21 chants that range from traditional folk tunes to familiar and popular songs and nursery rhymes for multi-generations, sung by Grammy nominee Chandrika Tandon. It includes some music videos featuring an animated family of colorful bears -- one of whom is dressed in traditional Indian clothing - along with other characters.

Ammu's Treasures is appropriate for a multigenerational audience, particularly younger kids. For example, babies and toddlers will enjoy the nursery rhymes like "Teddy Bears' Picnic," "Hush Little Baby" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." The colorfully animated music videos, such as "Miller of the Dee" will also attract younger viewers. Many of the songs will be familiar to both children and adults, such as "Edelweiss" and "Scarborough Fair." Songs like "Au Clair de la Lune," "Molly Malone," "Vive Le Compagnie," and "Que Sera Sera" might remind adults of their own childhoods. Ammu's Treasures features many maestros including Cyro Baptista, Martin Bejerano, Peter Calo, Purbayan Chatterjee, Rakesh Chaurasia, B�la Fleck, Eugene Friesen, Maeve Gilchrist, Jamey Haddad, Bobby Keyes, Kevin Kliesch, Howard Levy, Romero Lubambo, Marcus Rojas, Dave Schroeder, Michael Ward-Bergeman, Kenny Werner, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Scott Cannizzaro, Teese Gohl, John Kiehl, Kevin Killen, Mirek Vana, and more. Marc Lumer and Bob Spang contributed their talents to the lyric videos. Chandrika Tandon also acknowledges her Indian heritage with songs such as "Surganani." In the song "There's a Hole in My Bucket" the name of the girl is changed from Liza to Kavi, which is an Indian girls' name. I like that.

Ammu's Treasures conveys an overall happy, cheerful message meant for the ears of younger audiences. There is no inappropriate language in any of the songs.

I give Ammu's Treasures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. Ammu's Treasures released on all major audio vendors beginning September 7, 2023.

The storyline follows the Vanderhouven family when a generations-long family curse turns Alex Vanderhouven (Reid Scott) to stone. It's up to his wife Sky Vanderhouven (Lyric Lewis) and their two kids, Russ (Andre Robinson) and Pandora (Gabrielle Nevaeh) to return artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes to finally lift the curse for good. The Vanderhouvens need to solve this mystery soon before it's too late.

This very adventurous show is full of unsolved mysteries and has lots of educational benefits. For example, in one episode we learn about two ancient civilizations -- the Aztecs, and the Olmec. The animation is phenomenal and the voice-acting cast is amazing - Rhys Darby, Rhea Perlman, Phylicia Rashad and horror legend Robert Englund, among others - which makes it outstanding. The voice actors really portray their characters exceptionally well. The way the director shows the bond between the family members and how they support each other is rare for an animated show. This show is so inspiring and heartfelt. However, I will say that the storyline is very predictable; for instance, when the kids go looking for their father I already knew something bad had happened because of how he was being so secretive from the beginning of the show.

The show's message is that, with the help of a family member, friend, or a trusted adult, you can do anything.

I give Curses 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12, plus adults. This show premieres on Apple TV+ October 27, 2023, just in time for Halloween. Be sure to check it out.

The film follows the next generation of Spy Kids, Nora Torrez (Gina Rodriguez) and Terrance Tango (Zachary Levi)'s children, tasked to save the world from a diabolical villain's doomsday device. The young cast, led by talented newcomers Connor Esterson and Everly Carganilla, brings fresh energy to the franchise. The action sequences are exhilarating, and the gadgets are as ingenious as ever, providing a visual spectacle that left me on the edge of my seat.

Spy Kids: Armageddon excels in production elements. The imaginative sets, cleverly designed spy gadgets, and visually stunning special effects create a world that feels familiar and full of surprises. Standout performances by Everly Carganilla as Patty Tango-Torrez and Connor Esterson as Tony Tango-Torrez add depth to the cast, and their chemistry with the lead characters is delightful. Rodriguez's signature style shines through in the film's direction, keeping the pace engaging and fully immersing the audience in the Spy Kids universe.

At its core, Spy Kids: Armageddon delivers a positive message about teamwork, family and believing in oneself. The young spies face challenges and make mistakes, but ultimately learn and grow from their experiences.

I give Spy Kids: Armageddon 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults who have fond memories of the original Spy Kids movies. You can catch this exciting family adventure right now on Netflix, making it a perfect choice for a cozy movie night at home with your little spies-in-training.

After a meteor strikes Adventure City, damaging their Pup Tower - the PAW Patrol finds themselves with superpowers. But the pups soon realize they're in danger because Humdinger and mad scientist Victoria Vance are after these superpowers to make themselves into ultimate supervillains. It's up to Ryder and his team of mighty puppies to keep what is theirs as they learn that truly no pup is too small.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is fantastically entertaining for younger viewers, with its fun storyline, bright colors and adorable characters. There are so many fun scenes that younger kids will enjoy. I really enjoyed the music choices in this film - it's a good mix of popular songs that different age groups will recognize and they are placed at nice points of the movie. The film takes place in Adventure City and the animators really excel in the attention to detail in creating the city as well as the other settings throughout the film. My favorite scene is when Sky tells Chase about her backstory; it is a really sentimental point of the film and is super sweet.

The theme of PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is that if you believe in yourself you can do anything. Sky spends most of the movie contemplating her size because she's the smallest in the group, but in the end she learns that her size doesn't determine whether she can be a hero, she just has to believe in herself. Ryder says throughout the movie, "no pup too small." The pups learn the importance of this throughout the movie when they realize they all must work together to keep their powers.

I give PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. It releases in theaters September 29, 2023.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, tells the captivating story of Ruby (Lana Condor), a 16-year-old girl longing for acceptance in high school. Her life takes an extraordinary turn when she discovers her lineage as a descendant of warrior Kraken queens and her destiny to protect the oceans from power-hungry mermaids. As Ruby grapples with her newfound identity, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, forming an unlikely friendship with Chelsea (Annie Murphy), a mermaid, and reconnecting with her estranged grandmother.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken brings its characters to life with a talented cast that shines throughout the film. Lana Condor delivers a remarkable performance as Ruby, capturing the essence of a shy teenager thrust into an enchanting underwater world. Annie Murphy adds depth to her character, Chelsea, the captivating mermaid, while Jane Fonda's commanding portrayal of Ruby's grandmother adds gravitas to the story. The film's imaginative world-building and stunning animation immerse the audience in a visually captivating underwater realm. For fans looking to dive deeper the Blu-ray and DVD release offers a treasure trove of bonus materials, including deleted scenes with intros by co-director Faryn Pearl, and a chance to meet the talented humans behind the scenes. One standout aspect is the pivotal scene where Ruby discovers her true heritage and destiny, a breathtaking moment that symbolizes her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

The film's underlying message is of self-discovery and embracing one's uniqueness is strong.

I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 4 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages, 5 to 18, plus adults. Ruby Gillman is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.

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

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a hilarious film with a captivating story -- I couldn't even get up for more popcorn! It is illustrated by bright and interesting characters that you will root for and evil ones you'll be afraid of. I love the music chosen for the film, but my favorite part is definitely the animation.

The storyline follows 16-year-old Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a kraken girl who just wants to be a normal teenager, but the universe has other plans for her. When she accidentally sends Connor (Jaboukie Young-White), the boy she had planned to ask to prom, overboard and dives in after him, she discovers that she is not only a giant kraken, but underwater royalty, granddaughter of the kraken queen (Jane Fonda). With the help of her new kraken superpowers and her Uncle Brill (Sam Richardson), she uncovers her family history and the ancient rivalry between the krakens and the evil mermaids, all while trying to maintain her friendships and avoiding the monster-hunting sailor, Gordon Lighthouse (Will Forte).

You need to know that the kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the power-hungry mermaids. The characters in Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken immediately drew me in. Viewers will cheer Ruby on from the beginning because of her determination and her vivid personality. Her little brother, Sam, has a contagious happy energy that made me feel more awake when I watched him destroy his opponents at dodgeball. Uncle Brill is so effortlessly hilarious, even when he doesn't mean to be -- such as when he accidentally reveals Ruby's lineage to her. His goofy antics kept me entertained throughout the film. It's hard not to adore Connor, with his big eyes and innocent personality. The wicked mermaid (Annie Murphy), on the other hand, is malicious and terrifying. The soundtrack of Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken features upbeat songs that many teenagers will find relatable, such as I Just Wanna Shine by Fitz and the Tantrums. What I find most stunning about the film is the animation. I love the way the mermaid's hair is like a glowing white mist -- and how all the krakens' markings glow in the dark. The underwater Kraken Kingdom is beautifully constructed, and I love the way the main building is designed with a skylight. The lights and darks and the animation's color scheme make a huge impact on the film as a whole. Even the fast-moving scenes, such as the fight for the trident, are seamlessly animated, and it almost feels like a three-dimensional experience.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken reminded me that anyone can do anything, regardless of their age or species! Our differences don't make us weird; they make us special. We can't all have laser eyes, but everyone has a superpower unique to them, just waiting to be unlocked.

I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The movie releases in theaters June 30, 2023.

By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

The film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is great! I like that they center the film on a 15-year-old and her struggles as a teenager. The film also has some really talented voice actors and hilarious characters that made it really fun to watch and a great time at the movies.

The film is set in a seaside town where Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) is a teenage kraken just trying to fit in when, after an accident, she turns into a giant kraken! She is embarrassed about her newfound power and desperately wants to hide it. The conflict arises when Ruby tries to learn about her powers, but her mother (Toni Collette) tries to stop her. Ruby decides to learn anyway and finds out that she is much more than just a giant kraken.

Thematically, this film explores coming-of-age and how to treat each other nicely. There are a ton of great things about the movie. To begin, the animation is very creative and colorful. While mostly CGI, it includes traditional 2D animation mixed in. The design of the town is well crafted, and the krakens are very interesting because they have tentacle-like arms and legs that stretch and bend in hilarious ways. The voice actors are great in this film, as well. Annie Murphy's portrayal of Chelsea really covers a wide range of personalities, from sweet to menacing. One of the funniest characters is Uncle Brill, who is just trying to help but always seems to end up getting bonked. My favorite scenes are all the ones under water, because of the wide variety of creatures we see. The ending has a bit of a plot twist.

The film's message is very uplifting -- to answer the call and discover your true self. It's a very positive social message, especially for teenagers. Be aware that there is one mildly disturbing scene where a character almost drowns.

I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is available now in theaters.

The storyline follows three young sisters who accidentally become stranded on a remote island, battling nature's dangers and wildlife as they strive to stay together and survive a thrilling, unplanned adventure.

I like the originality of the storyline, which engaged me throughout. The girls' resilience in the face of challenges adds depth to the narrative. The only drawback is that the film runs a bit long which makes it difficult to maintain its intensity. The cinematography completely immerses the audience in a captivating world with breathtaking shots that showcase the remote island's wild beauty and close-ups that intensify emotional moments, such as the sisters' struggles. The camera effectively captures encounters with wildlife, like sea lions and elephant seals, which adds to the film's tension. Dynamic camera angles within the sea cave enhance the sense of adventure and danger. The costumes suit the storyline perfectly - given the girls being stranded on a remote island, they primarily wear wet bathing suits throughout the film. The remote island off the coast of Baja, California, serves as a breathtaking and immersive setting with its rugged coastline, sea caves and natural wildlife, such as sea lions and elephant seals; it creates a sense of realism that enhances the adventure and peril of the girls' journey. One standout location is the sea cave, which becomes the story's central element of tension and wonder. The dark, labyrinthine passages of the cave, illuminated by natural light, add a sense of mystery and danger. The background music, featured music, and sound effects enhance the film's storytelling. Notably, the music intensifies during critical moments, such as when the girls face danger or navigate treacherous waters, effectively building tension. The natural sounds of the sea, waves and wildlife make the audience feel intimately connected to the characters and their struggle for survival. The central characters are portrayed by real-life sisters Autumn Schmidt, Avila Schmidt and Scarlet Schmidt. The sisters are carefree and adventurous at the start, embarking on a fun day at the beach. However, their characters transform significantly as the story unfolds, and they become stranded on the remote island. They evolve from carefree individuals into determined and resourceful young girls who have to rely on one another to survive. Each sister faces personal challenges and fears, and their growth is evident in their ability to confront and conquer these obstacles. This film benefits significantly from the collaborative efforts of the filmmaker family, with parents Ann-Marie Schmidt and Brian Schmidt directing and co-writing the film alongside their daughter Avila Schmidt. Their combined talents result in a cohesive and emotionally engaging narrative, and excellent performances by their daughters, Autumn, Avila, and Scarlet. My favorite part is when the girls dare to escape from their house to sneak to the beach. This scene captures their adventurous spirit and sets the tone for the entire film. It's a moment filled with excitement and anticipation as the sisters embark on what they believe will be a carefree day of fun. The scene effectively establishes their characters and close bond, making it a memorable and engaging start to their remarkable journey.

The film's message is about the strength of family bonds and the ability to adapt and grow in the face of adversity. It highlights the power of unity and determination and the importance of facing challenges together. It conveys that, even in the most challenging situations, the support and love of family can help individuals overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Note that the film does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. The girls perform dangerous stunts and engage in water activities that require caution and expertise.

I give Island of Lost Girls 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available on VOD and DVD October 3, 2023. So look for it!

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

Island of The Lost Girls is a strange juxtaposition of a childhood "Mission Impossible" combined with "Survivor." As a viewer I felt a bit lost in the purpose of this film.

The storyline follows three orphaned girls who seek adventure together on the beach in California. The story begins with an adoption interview with the oldest daughter Avila (Avila Marie Schmidt) which turns out to be unsuccessful when the couple realize that Avila has two younger sisters and they are not ready for that kind of commitment. The middle sister, Autumn (Autumn Fiore Schmidt), declares it's going to be "a grand adventure, I promise" and her words are truer than anyone could predict. As the girls sneak out together to overcome their disappointment about the failed adoption, they encounter wildlife and dangerous situations after they are caught in a rip current and pulled away from shore. Luckily, they overcome these situations and learn to survive together on a remote island.

The cinematography, under the direction of Heatha McGrath, is outstanding and really highlights the beauty of the island and wildlife. I really love all the interesting camera angles and wildlife footage - the location is incredible. The camera work is outstanding. I like how they included all the childhood flashback scenes. I should mention that the film is truly a labor of love by the entire Schmidt family. The parents, Ann-Marie Schmidt and Brian Schmidt direct and co-write the film and the girls are all played by their three children, Avila, Autumn and Scarlet. The music by Cali Wang drives the emotions in the film and the three girls contribute musically as well. You cannot find three more independent, fearless and adorable girls who I easily fell in love with. Their interaction is genuine and makes you want to be part of their family, especially the youngest, precocious Scarlet. The girls' adventures include unbelievable and dangerous scenes against the ocean waves and currents combined with local wildlife such as sea lions. Scarlet interacts closely with elephant seals who are dangerous and fighting. Avila and Autumn scale cliffs and maneuver through dangerous caves and Autumn falls from dangerous heights in more than one scene which makes their adventure seem more like a dangerous mission. In spite of all that, the girls learn to survive on this island and to scavenge resources and food from wildlife and what is available to them.

The film's message is that love is unconditional and demonstrates how you can be independent and take risks while supporting one another in the spirit of love. Most of the film shows and even glorifies dangerous behavior for young children such as the girls performing dangerous stunts and water activities. There is very little adult supervision shown, which makes it doubly dangerous.

I rate Island of The Lost Girls, 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It is available on VOD October 3, 2023.

The storyline reveals the true life story of Jose Hernandez, the first migrant farmworker to become an astronaut. His journey is filled with incredible perseverance and resilience, as he overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve his dream of reaching the stars.

A Million Miles Away is full of remarkable acting. Michael Pena leads as Hernandez with much charisma and dramatic depth. He excellently captures the humble, smart and ambitious astronaut. It's very difficult not to root for him, as we can all resonate with aspects of his journey. Rosa Salazar portrays the strong, supportive, and similarly determined Adela, who marries Hernandez. Salazar's performance effectively portrays the film's theme of dreams interfering with reality and one's struggle to chase their ambitions while concurrently supporting their family. The way in which Hernandez's story is told in this film is especially captivating. The film connects his past with his present life, helping us understand how his earlier life influenced who he has become. Throughout the film, watching Jose get closer and closer to becoming an astronaut is incredibly satisfying. The film keeps us engaged and eager to see how his life unfolds - making it a truly memorable viewing experience.

The film's message is one of aspiration and persistence. Jose's path is filled with barriers and obstacles, but his unyielding determination drives him to fulfill and pursue his dreams. With Jose Hernandez's traits, one can reach what previously felt a million miles away.

I give A Million Miles Away 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on September 15, 2023.

Little Heroes takes place in a small town where four young friends -- Robbie (Coleman Christian), Brewster (Max Gerstenberg), Eric (Corban Jazz) and Grace (Ashtine Besteda) -- are enjoying their summer break. Brewster's father works in a factory which gets a contract with the town government. He soon finds out that the factory plans to expand their operations, and as a byproduct, is dumping hazardous chemicals into a lake where his son and his friends swim. The friend group catches wind of this and realizes they must use their wits to find a solution.

The casting of Little Heroes is a high point, as is its production quality. Coleman Christian as Robbie and Max Gerstenberg as Brewster are the stars of the cast; it's evident they paid attention to even the littlest nuances in playing their characters. Director and producer Brittany Goodwin has taken all the pains to ensure that every audiovisual element of the film is perfectly tuned. The score by Andrei Shulgach comes off a little bit like stock music, but it does suit the film. It's similar with the costumes, which fit the film's eclectic characters but somehow seem snatched out of a children's book. My personal favorite is the set design by Jennifer Dopp, Donald Imm and Craig Weaver, and the editing and color-correction by Justin Moe and Cinegach Studios. The town in which Little Heroes takes place looks picture-perfect, and every frame is vibrant. I also enjoyed how the plot came together; sure, it is predictable at some points, but there are other plot points (including a romance!) that come out of nowhere. The script feels a little bit forced and the chemistry between Brewster and his father doesn't really work for me; their relationship feels unnatural.

Little Heroes promotes teamwork, caring for our environment, and friendship. It also shows that our individual talents are what help us most in times of crisis. It's a great film for young viewers interested in conservation and those who are fans of realistic fiction. Parents should know that the children do wander around on their own in the film and do risky things like jumping into a biohazardous lake. Also, one character nearly drowns.

I give Little Heroes 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on October 17, 2023 on demand.

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

I really like the hilarious adventure film, Little Heroes. It has a suspenseful storyline that kept me engaged and is a wonderful comfort movie!

This film is about a group of friends attempting to save their whole town before a factory releases harmful chemicals into their favorite lake. Will it be too late to stop the corrupt factory?

The characters in the friend group are Robbie (Coleman Christian), Brewster (Max Gerstenberg), Grace (Ashtine Besteda), and Eric (Corban Jaaz). Other main characters are Diana (Alexa Feldman), Drew Brewster (Brian Stever), and Kerri Smithson (Brittany Goodwin). The characters' interactions are entertaining and they make me feel like I'm in the scene with them. I really admire that despite hardships in their lives, Robbie, Brewster, Grace, and Eric always show up for each other. This is shown when Robbie has a deep conversation with Brewster about his dad working extra hours to make more money. Audiences could relate to this on a personal level. Robbie is a supportive friend, as are the others. I also like the diversity in the friend group. From interests to feminism, everyone in the audience is represented in some way in the group. They are all completely different but get along. Next, I applaud the director and writers, Brittany Goodwin, Doug Maddox, and Jeremiah Wiseblood. They created a suspenseful storyline with an interesting resolution (you'll have to wait and see!) The film is slow at times but it eventually picks up the pace. The camerawork is shaky when there's a lot of action, and closeups when the scene feels more intimate. The sets are well-made, too. I like their clubhouse because it looks like the perfect hangout place. The watering hole, town ice cream shop, and factory look realistic, as well. There's tension in the music when Brewster sneaks into the factory. All of these little details enhance the movie overall. My favorite part of the film is the characters Grace and Diana. They're both strong female leaders and I like their personalities.

The message of this film is that community is the only thing that matters. Love comes before money, power, and success. Brewster's dad figures this out. Another message is that teamwork makes the dream work. Also, Robbie mentions to Brewster that he has "friends that love him," which is an important reminder.

I give Little Heroes 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this for ages 8 to 12. Little Heroes comes out October 17, 2023 on VOD.

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

The storyline takes place in New York City and follows Wilbur (Leon Mayfield) and Casey (Heath C. Heine), two ordinary men work the night shift as guards in a mysterious government facility. They soon discover the building is home to ghosts who have been trapped and contained in glowing green tubes (a reference to Ghostbusters, where ghosts are trapped in similar tubes). When the ghosts escape the building, it's up to Wilbur and Casey to stop them from taking over the city.

There are many similarities between Ghosters and Ghostbusters, such as the theme music, the New York setting, and even the logo with the ghost shown at the beginning (though it isn't exactly the same). Fans of Ghostbusters will enjoy certain scenes, like the scene where one spirit takes over a giant statue, a nod to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. However, some things are very different - the iconic four-person crew is missing, and Ghosters is set in the 21st century and ends in a video game. I especially like Wilbur's character -- he provides comic relief, such as when he has to ride a child's bike and when he eats a Domino's� pizza during an attack scene. But while the movie is funny and the landscapes of New York are beautifully captured, it falls a bit short. It has no climax; the movie never peaks. It's all action from the start with no plot twist or big reveal. The characters have no objective or goal either. Wilbur and Casey's escape from the building lacks pizzazz - we are left to use our imaginations. The animated images are confusing as well. Although Ghosters has a funny tone, the ghosts are actually pretty scary looking, with sunken white eyes and limbs that can twist and contort in ways we can't imagine. They're terrifying but very unrealistic. I'm still not sure whether they are supposed to be funny or creepy!

As this movie is meant to be a spoof that makes fun of another movie, the message is a bit unclear. Be aware that there is some mild language, very mild graphic content, some alcohol references and one drug reference. The ghosts may be quite frightening, especially to young children and they scared me.

I give Ghosters: Phantom Patrol 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on AVOD on September 22, 2023.

The film Ghosters: Phantom Patrol is a very interesting movie. I like this film because it's the perfect mix of funny and suspenseful along with also tackling tough family dynamics.

This storyline follows two guys, Wilbur (Leon Mayfield) and Casey (Heath C. Heine), as they work an overnight surveillance job in a government building. The two, being unemployed, take the job and everything seems to be going fine until they find out they aren't the only ones in the building.

One of my favorite moments in the film is when Joey (Arthur Gazarian) and his dad, Casey, get to bond over fighting some ghosts. Casey was going to miss his son's birthday because of his new job that he got but he later ends up making it up to his son when he joins the battle against the spirits with his dad. The way that Heine and Gazarian show the reconciliation between a dad and a son in a time of need is truly amazing. My favorite character is Wilbur because he is hilarious throughout the film. There is a moment where Wilbur gets out of the facility he's trapped in after Casey does. Once he realizes that he was left there to fend for himself while the others are off looking for what may help them with the ghosts, he finds a very small bike and begins to pedal himself to the source of the issue to be as much help as he can, even if it's going to take a little bit longer for him to get there than the others.

This film's message is that your family will always have your back. Even while Jenah and Casey are not happy with each other, Jenah still stands by Casey's side in his time of need, making sure he is safe. Be aware there is mild swearing and brief discussion about violent actions.

I give Ghosters: Phantom Patrol 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Ghosters: Phantom Patrol will be available in theaters this fall on September 22, 2023.

The story follows Ginji (Katie Zieff) arriving in Cade City to fulfill her dream of becoming a courier, and when a thief steals her package, Ginji's droid backpack helps her. The film is from Cyprus, but the dialogue is all in English.

The animation is very outstanding! Kudos to Slava Ushakov, the creator. This really is some of the best animation I have seen in some time. It is very unique and beautifully created - very vintage style with a completely wildly futuristic background of Cade City. All of the characters are interestingly formed, relating to animal type shapes sort of and each one is quite different. I love how her backpack is anthropomorphic - and very cute. I like the relationship between Ginji and her backpack, UB7 (Erik Zieff). He always tries to help, but Ginji will not listen and she winds up getting into trouble. Ginji and UB7 argue quite frequently, but UB7 tries to help her and eventually Ginji has to save him. Even though they argue a lot, Ginji and Ub7 show their friendship and devotion by saving one another. They also make a new ally in Verona, (Katie Zieff), who goes from foe to friend and leads them on a path to new adventures.

The film reminds us that sometimes you need to listen to others because your stubbornness can get you into trouble or prevent you from doing important things.

The story follows a young boy, Sooraj, struggling to adapt to his new school in a Mumbai slum, facing bullying from students and teachers. Plus, he soon finds out that he won't be able to practice his beloved sport of soccer on the school grounds because the government is reclaiming the land. When he joins hands with a local gangster, Sooraj sees his future could change.

This film has great production quality, camera work, and script. I love how Sooraj's daily life is portrayed in the film, especially his interactions with his mother. I like how everything unfolds clearly in the first hour to set up for the climax of the film. The cinematography is superb. There are lots of tracking shots in the high-adrenaline sports scenes, and the lighting is played with to give an appropriate mood. The sets suit the storyline. Suraj's home in the Mumbai chawls is true-to-life, as is his government school. Everything from the narrow lanes to the clamor in the slums is perfectly reproduced. The background music is a mix of traditional Indian rhythms and more modern Indian music, and the tempo and rhythm of the background track adjusts to the pace of the scenes. The scenes where Sooraj runs from his bullies are especially well-matched with their background tracks. Sooraj sees some people as animals (an interesting detail I wish was expanded upon a bit more in the story). Most of the VFX are believable but I am not a big fan of the detailing of the monkey-head given to school bully Babu; it seems fake. I love the performance by Ritvik Sahore - he shines as brightly as his name, Sooraj (meaning sun). I especially love the depth of his emotions, his crisp and powerful dialogue delivery, and his clear passion for the role. Another Indian star, Avneet Kaur, who plays Mili, Sooraj's best friend (and perhaps love interest), is compelling as well. She pulls off the role of a simple, if slightly cheeky, schoolgirl very well. Prashant, Sooraj's gangster friend, is my personal favorite character, simply for how the role is played by actor Prashant Narayanan. Viewers go from suspecting his motives to downright disliking him to realizing his true nature as a kind, helpful, Robin Hood-like figure.

The appearance of some prominent Bollywood actors like Ravi Kishan and Govind Namdev is a pleasant surprise, too. Director Manish Tiwary is a virtuoso in his direction of this film. His personal background as Bihari has clearly influenced the portrayal of Sooraj and, his time in Mumbai, shows through his portrayal of the city. His direction makes every single character's performances riveting. My favorite part of the film is the equation between Sooraj and Prashant, his Mumbai gangster friend; it's a wholesome element that lightens some heavy parts of the film. I also like Sooraj's backstory, delivered in comic strip-style, though it does stereotype Bihari people a bit.

The film promotes respect, kindness, resourcefulness, and resilience as keys to success. Be forewarned that it shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. Kids run through slums, fight with each other, and one is forced to wield a weapon.

The story follows two young girls, Andrea (age 4) and Marina (age 6) who become friends during the pandemic while playing on the rooftops of their respective houses.. They fly paper airplanes to each other with pictures on them and should across the space between the buildings to share information. Suddenly, Marina's parents spare and she moves away without notice. Andrea is puzzled and heartsick until she finds a remnant of their friendship.

Beautiful concept, simply made. Very nice camera work and audio. Most of this is non-narrative with minimal language in Spanish, and English subtitles. The two little girls are absolutely adorable. Their movements are so natural and you can feel the connection between them. I love that this takes a look back at how our young ones experienced the pandemic as it will always affect their lives.

The film's message is about friendship, even in the most challenging situations.

The storyline follows Camille, who is alone at school and excluded from the other children on the playground. She makes cupcakes in an attempt to make friends, but she endangers herself in the escalating attempts to be accepted.

Social isolation at school is a real issue and I admire this little girl making an attempt to step forward to be accepted. However, she goes over the top in her quest to have others like her to the point that she endangers herself and her health. The animation is very good and the kids' faces are very expressive. Background music begins rather sad and you can emphasize with Camille's sense of isolation; it gets happier when she is baking and interacting with her cat. As the film progresses we see her getting tired, overwhelmed and then frightened. The music really moves the story forward - it is critical to the film since there is no dialogue. However, Camille's face is very expressive so you can feel the emotion of Camille as well as the others. My favorite scene is when Camille comes home from school and is greeted by her cat, who is likely her best friend.

The film's message is about fitting in at school, or elsewhere. Showing how Camille is taken advantage of by the other children in her search for friendship is a reminder to not over extending yourself.

This tongue-in-cheek mockumentary follows a quirky team's quest to discover the next significant invention at the BizKidz Challenge, leading to uproarious antics and a humorous take on our obsession with success.

I recommend BizKidz for a youth and family film festival. Its focus on young entrepreneurs and their journey to pursue innovative ideas makes it entertaining and inspiring for young audiences and their families. The film's creativity, determination, and teamwork themes align well with the festival's target demographic. I appreciate the comedic approach to satirizing our culture's fascination with success and innovation. It offers a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on these themes. I love how each kid has a different business idea, which adds a unique and engaging dimension to the storyline. The cinematography and camera work uses a dynamic range of angles and a documentary style that lends the film a vlog-like, intimate feel. However, there are scenes where the camera work becomes somewhat busy, which lead to visual distraction. The characters wear typical attire for young people, which align perfectly with the film's style. The locations, specifically the business fair and the stage, suit the storyline. The film relies on dialogue and natural audio to convey the story so there is minimal background music or sound effects.

Some young actors portray characters participating at a kids' business fair while others represent potential entrepreneurs. George Andrew Moore as "Bradley," Kylie Kwon as "Amy," Finely Malone as "Cindy" and Malia Keita as "Eek" are key characters. Their character development revolves around them as young entrepreneurs experiencing the BizKidz Challenge, offering a glimpse into their personal growth, insights, and evolving perspectives as they engage with the competition.

The behind-the-scenes contributors play that shape the film's creative vision and execution include director Canedy Knowles and writers Don Stallings and Canedy Knowles, who play an essential role in coordinating and managing the filmmaking process. My favorite part of the film was witnessing all the fair attendees' interviews about their innovative ideas and professional attitudes. This segment provides a fascinating glimpse into the young entrepreneurs' creative minds and dedication to their visions.

The film's message promotes the idea of young entrepreneurs' creative and innovative potential, highlighting the importance of nurturing their ideas and fostering a supportive environment for the next generation of business leaders.

Annabelle's grandfather dies and she is sent to an orphanage, which she runs away with two other kids from in hopes of rescuing the animals on her family farm. Mysteriously, a unicorn appear and, as the kids try to figure out why the unicorn is there, they are pursued by the headmaster of the orphanage until a sympathetic social worker comes to the rescue and discovers a secret that could change Annabelle's life forever.

The storyline is warm and creative; the plot is plausible and interesting. The story of the relationship between Carl and Annabelle is very complete. But for the villain, the owner of the orphanage, her story is not as complete. It made me wonder why she has such a hatred for children or why she wants to control the kids so much. The cinematography in this movie is very good and, while there aren't any particularly interesting shots, the presentation is excellent. The sets and locations are excellent; my favorite set is orphanage. It isn't very modern and has a bit of a retro feel to it, but the color scheme of the orphanage head's office is very nice. The background music is light, very much in keeping with the fairy tale themes of rainbows, unicorns, and cotton candy. My favorite cast members are the young ones; all three of whom have well-developed story lines - the brother who loves magic, the sister who loves unicorns and Annabelle, who loves farms and small animals. These characters are very fairy tale rich. My favorite moment is when the unicorn pendant on the necklace turns into a real unicorn's horn, which was quite unexpected.

The film's message is about protecting your loved ones at all costs, including the animals in your life.

A baby snail is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator.

The story line is about a baby snail, the Hawaiian pupu kani oe named George, who is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. Presented in shadow puppet style, we watch George struggle to survive invasive threats to his own life. In Hawai'i, these snails have maintained a harmonious relationship with their environment, until invasive predators arrive. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the very last of his species.

Great short! I love the animation, the story, and its message about the environment. This story is not particularly complex, but it's certainly relevant to our planet today, with issues of extinction and sustainability and is presented in an entertaining animation that definitely kept my attention. The animation is really, really cool; the 2-D figures that look like cut out pieces of paper traversing a flat, but colorful world are oozing with charm. The backgrounds add an enormous amount of atmosphere to the story. The background Hawaiian music complements the story well, including a haunting piece after a tragic event that really stands out. My favorite scene is the one where George is out on his own after the death of his parents.

The storyline follows a girl who is an influencer as she begins to put too much online for her fans and faces the consequences of it later.

I really enjoy how, in between what seems to be a perfect life online streaming and posting YouTube videos, we see snippets of Samuelle's therapy sessions and messages to her mom, showing that, just because someone looks perfect online doesn't mean their home life is perfect.

I really like the shots of Samuelle filming her YouTube videos and how, when she has extra pieces of information, she leans in from a different angle. It's almost as if she is breaking the fourth wall even though she has been talking to her audience the entire time. The costume changes when Samuelle is filming her YouTube videos to when she is in her therapy sessions or when she is talking to her mom. The outfit changes shift the mood because, when she films, she wears more vibrant clothes and wears her hair down or put up. When she is in therapy or talking to her mom she wears a beanie to cover all her hair and a hoodie with the hood up. It's almost like she is trying to hide herself when she isn't on camera. There are sound effects throughout the film that shift the mood of the scene. There are times in between segments when she is changing from her YouTube personality to her personal life and the sound effects there change the mood from upbeat and happy to worrisome and fearful. At one point Samuelle, begins to see some odd green scales appearing on her neck. They slowly climb down her neck and closer to her face before the film ends. This is very well done; it does appear that she is slowly becoming a green monster with scales.

Samuelle Lepage (Malie Aubin-Juteau) is the main character in this film. The way she is portrayed shows what it's like to be a teenager like her today -- going to therapy and arguing with her mom, as well as being an internet personality, is what makes her such an interesting character. �tienne Jacques is the writer, producer, and director but his writing is what impresses me the most. There is a scene that shows two young men being outed on social media. Being able to not only talk about such hard topics but portray them well and without judgment is what makes his writing stand out. My favorite thing about this film is how, throughout the film, you see Samuelle's character change from being excited about going Australia to her trip being postponed after an incident that happened at a party she threw and her ending up in therapy.

The film's message is about how what you put onto the internet will stay there forever so be careful of what you post. Be forewarned that it talks about kids doing risky things, there is a little bit of blood but nothing too gory, and a weapon is shown multiple times.

The story revolves around a young boy whose mother is ill. We see her on oxygen and don't know the details of her illness, only that the boy is quite troubled by it. He seeks refuge in his treehouse and a dark figure mysteriously appears to offer him hope.

The camera work, audio recording and edited are all top notch. This film was made by a team of students from middle, high school and college who shadowed industry professionals to create this. It's an admirable piece that would play well at any KIDS FIRST! film festival. The outstanding performance by Franklin Young as the boy will stick in your mind long afterwards. The background music also deserves mention as it so perfectly sets the tone of the film.

The film's message is about finding refuge and help in times of fear.

This short film explores the history of underfunding of reservation schools and the neglect of Native Americans who don't receive a proper education.

Brown vs. Board of Education, Native Americans have 1870s Indian Schools were founded to assimilate Native Americans.

This documentary is informative and, if you are unfamiliar with these statistics it will be a wake-up call as it begins in the 1870s when Indian schools were founded to assimilate Native Americans into white culture, taking thousands of young people away from their families and putting them into boarding schools where they were not allowed to speak their native language. That practice ended in the 1930s, but little has been done to assure that Native people receive proper education. In current times, during the pandemic, due to lack of connectivity, many Native Americans were unable to participate in online schooling and hence, the number of Native Americans entering college dropped dramatically. The unemployment rate on some reservations is as high as 89%. The film makes good use of archival photographs and excellent information. The two narrators are quite competent although the audio level skips around a bit and one narrator is particularly fast so it's difficult to follow her. I really appreciate the flute background music, which plays hauntingly throughout.

The film's message is to inform the audience about the history of educational challenges for Native Americans, dating back to the 1870s and continuing today.

The story revolves around Lily and Oliver, who have lost their mother and their father, Jim, has a new girlfriend, Anna. Jim plans a camping trip with his girlfriend and children in order to help them bond with each other, but Lily and Oliver have other ideas and are afraid that Anna will replace their mom, so they play pranks on Anna, hoping to get scare her off.

The storyline is a bit predictable and addresses the conflicts that arise when family structures change due to the loss of a parent and spouse. The plot develops quite naturally and predictably, but it's not cloying in any way. The two child protagonists are well portrayed and their situation - having to deal with their father's new girlfriend is relatable. The rationale behind the children wanting to get rid of the girlfriend, Anna, is very touching; they don't want their father to forget about their mother, for whom they are full of love and longing. On the other hand, the love connection between Anna and Jim is a bit unclear. We don't see when they relationship goes from being just friends to something more, so that is confusing. The acting is pretty good, especially from the primary characters - Jim, Anna, Lily and Oliver. The "missing person" here is the deceased mom and wife, whose presence seems omnipotent in the memories of both the children and Jim. The repeated comments -- "Mom said" or "my wife used to say" --become an ominous drum roll in Anna's mind and beg the question of whether this man or his children are ready to move forward or not. It takes a complete meltdown before Jim finally steps up to the plate and addresses his children's poor behavior. It takes an all-out crisis to bring everyone together and realize that there is more to fear than the emotions they have been dealing with.

The camera work is quite good, with adequate lighting and a blend of camera angles throughout. I particularly like the use of animated line drawings at the opening of the film to indicate what is to come. That is heartwarming and lighthearted. I should point out that there is a spot around the 15 min mark when Jim and Anna are at night and the scene is too dark to see them. The setting includes multiple rooms in a middle class home and when they go camping, they are in a vehicle on the road and then in a wooded area. The background music is very non-intrusive gives a calmness to the film.

The theme of the film is about adjusting to new situations after the loss of a loved one and the difficulties it brings. In the end - love conquers all. There are a few unsafe situations that one would not children to replicate, like allowing Anna's hear to be hit by a branch and Oliver overeating chocolate to the point that he vomits.

In her animated film Love Letters for the Subway, Mary Hawkins uses hand-drawn letters to represent New York City's subway lines. The images in the film are inspired by the architecture, geography, and everyday life of the neighborhoods through which the trains run.

The clever concept and great visuals of Love Letters for the Subway are perfectly suited to the New York City subway system. Each letter or number tells a story, from the Ferris wheel to the protest signs, buildings, staircases, subway pillars, flowers, the pond with ducks, and subway rails. I had to watch the film multiple times to appreciate all of its nuances. The background music by Carlos Dengler is also well-suited to the film, giving it a sense of motion and excitement. Love Letters for the Subway is a love letter to New York City and its inhabitants. The film captures the richness and diversity of life in the city, from the hustle and bustle of the subway to the quiet moments of reflection in Central Park. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the city that we call home.

The story follows a young boy whose illness relapses, and he meets a girl in the hospital who shows him how to keep living despite his sickness.

This film tackles the tough, but not uncommon subjects of mortality, living with a sick family member, and learning to prepare for the end of things, and those are important lessons for youth and families. As a childhood cancer survivor I know firsthand what it's like to be so young and yet so isolated in the sterile, cold halls of a hospital. This film excels at showcasing the different attitudes surrounding that. The kids are too young to fully grasp what's going on but they are becoming more aware (and in the case of the girl, she knows exactly what's going on); the Father is struggling not only emotionally, but socially, as he tries to get answers about his son. This story is a very well-woven tapestry of emotions.

The cinematography is outstanding. The camera is used less as a tool and more as another pair of eyes through which we are looking. That coupled with the excellent art direction and color palettes make the technical merits of this film stand out. During the hospital scenes in the film the doctors all wear white coats, yet look somewhat disheveled, signifying that they are all worked to the bone. The patients are all either wearing gowns or their own clothes, depending on how severe their illness is. On the whole the costuming of this film do perfect service to tell the story. There are a lot of different locations and I would be really interested to know which ones were Sets and which ones are actual locations. It is hard to believe that they shot in a working hospital. However, if the hospital was a sound stage, it looks extremely authentic. This film was shot in Russia and I imagine that Russian hospitals look different from the U.S., but it looks believable and authentic. The background music is fitting. At times it's slow and somber, especially in the low moments where drama and nearing-tragedy are on the move; at other times, the music has elation and light hearted fun, as the kids remember what it's like to live.

The film's main protagonist, Mitya (Aleksey Rodionov), starts the film as a quiet and calm boy, and as the film progresses, he becomes more aware of the inevitability of life, and learns to grasp each moment. Marina (Taisiya Kalinina) is a girl that Mitya meets in the hospital, and who convinces him to escape with her to go on an adventure. She's cocky, brash and bold, the perfect antithesis to Mitya, and she draws out that zest for life in Mitya - though, by the end of the film, she matures and doesn't necessarily lose her spark, but she becomes much more reserved as her own illness progresses and she loses someone close to her. The bus scene is probably my favorite, because it showcases the kids on their own, going for their goal, and little to stop them. As I said, the cinematography and color work of this film are both fantastic elements and I would love to see it on a big screen.

This film's primary message is to not let your current circumstances or hardships get in the way of your will to live, even right up to the end. Life is about to enjoying things and not dwelling on what has, what will, or what might happen.

The story line follows a young person who is misidentified by two witnesses and wrongly convicted of a bank robber, yet we see who the actual robber is.

Excellent product by middle school students. Good camera work; good audio work; good editing; good casting. This short film really serves as a PSA for this important issue as we can easily see the problem that created the misinformation. Well done.

The film's message is about how easily misidentification comes about in today's judicial system.

The storyline follows a mad man who lives with his roommate, a half blind man. As time goes by, one of the man's eyes makes him go crazy from sneaking into his room to killing him.

Based on the classic story by Edgar Allen Poe, this short animated film by a high school student rings true to the original. I like the narrator; he is easy to understand and he gets a bit creepier throughout the film. The animation is unique with carefully sculpted clay characters and stop motion animation. I like the odd looking clay people and quirky furniture. The sets have many little details. The main set is an early 1900s house in Ireland with patterned rugs and fancy wooden chairs; the walls have an very lived-in look that makes it seem real. The costumes fit the time with classic British police uniforms and overcoats. The background music works well, making the already scary scenes more terrifying. The protagonist goes from being bothered initially to the break of insanity by his neighbor's eye -- so much that he has to end his neighbor's life. After that, he is still affected by it and it drives him insane. My favorite part is when the red dot of blood appears on the floor and the protagonist immediately tries to cover it.

The film's message is to not let things go to your head. Be aware that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence, blood and killing.

Yana, a young Ukrainian girl, struggles to assimilate into her new Irish school until she meets with Chloe, her new best friend.

This is an exceptionally upbeat film about self-discovery. I found it thought provoking about the difficulty of families displaced by war in Ukraine who are adjusting to a major life change. I really appreciate the message of hope and acceptance in this story, as well as the openness of Yana's new classmates who welcomes her. The cinematography is exceptional. I love all the interesting camera angles catching Yana's face and the lighting in the various scenes. I applaud Evan Barry for exceptional cinematography. The background music is stunning, thanks to composer Liam Bates. Yana (Evalina Soloviova) and Chloe (Lily Rose McCarthy) are both very emotional and expressive girls and I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. The confidence of Chloe is especially appealing as she helps Yana assimilate in her new home. My favorite scenes are when Yana comes home to find that Chloe has welcomed herself in her home pushing their friendship and then later when Yana teaches Chloe how to swim and arrives at an important self-realization.

Change and acceptance are an important part of life and finding that one person who understands and supports you makes a difference.

The storyline is about a moth named Teca (Luy Campos) and her little pet Tuti (Hugo Picchi) who understand the importance of reading instead of eating a book.

I love the story line because it shows the importance of reading and talks about how kids are forgetting to read daily. This film is a combination of animation and live-action. Both are done perfectly --I love how the camera shows the scenery of the city during the live-action parts and in the animation we always get a perfect angle of the characters. For example when Teca turns to a book character the quality of the animation is on point. The costumes are perfect. Teca has a great outfit and always appears with a bow on her antenna. The locations for the live-action are great and the backgrounds of the animation are very well done. The music follows the story line perfectly. Every scene when Teca or another character has a strong feeling the music fits their mood quite well. Zico (Micael Gomes Matos) and his Grandmother (Nelma Nunes) love to read every night and Teca learns how to read and appreciate a book by listening to its story. The Directors Eduardo Perdido, Tiago M. A. Lima, Diego M. Doimo made an amazing film with a very compelling storyline and message to all. My favorite part is when Teca meets her mother.

The film's message is that we all should go more to the library and read constantly.

The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom.

Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration.

The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life.

This middle school student made documentary tells the story of Amelia Earhart, a woman who was ahead of her time.

This film tells an inspirational story and provides information in an easy format for audiences to digest. I really like how the content unfolds; it's very easy to follow and, for anyone unfamiliar with our heroine Amelia Earhart, very eye-opening. The selection of historical photos and timeline are excellent and, together with good editing, deliver a commendable short film about Ms. Earhart. The background music works well and the narrator's voice is quite good, although the audio is not always very clear and, at times the background music overshadows the narration. I especially love the photos and information about her early years. The titles really stand out here as they make treat transitions between sections and are very well done. The challenges she overcame from her early years show her spirit and how truly inspirational she really is.

The film's message is to dare to dream and follow those dreams.

The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons.

The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film.

This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings.

This short film, by a middle-school student delivers a strong message about abused or neglected children.

The camera work and audio recording are quite good. The titling with its poignant messages really drive home the film's message and are very impactful and clear to read.

The film's message is to create an awareness of abused or neglected children and encourages the audience to look for the signs.

This video is about how the Indiana University Football team teaches concept of "Love Each Other" to its players, coaches, and fans.

I love the idea of this documentary but it has some issues with the production values due to poor lighting, poor audio recording and students speaking too fast or not enunciating well. However, the message overshadows the delivery and, for that reason, I'm recommending it. Keep in mind that this is made by middle school students and we hope they will improve their attention to production details in future work. Love is a concept often not taught or promoted in schools or on sports teams and that is the key concept that is explored and defined in this short film. I believe audiences will overlook the production flaws and relish the message these young people bring forth here. I say, Bravo to them for choosing this topic for their film.

The film's message is about loving each other, despite our differences.

What a charming animated short this is, very well executed. This fits right in to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival as it easily generates discussions about fitting in.

The film begins as we see a lone boot in a snowstorm that tries to go inside a building to get out of the storm but is prevented from doing so by other foot ware. He's rescued by some bags that may be filled with money, as we see money flies all around him. They protect him and escort him to a house where he's greeted by a single high heel and, ultimately, his life turns around in the best way. Using foot ware as the main characters is an interesting way to define characters with different personalities or ethnic backgrounds. The boot perseveres, regardless of its situation and, when united with the high heel, we see how its life is fulfilled. The animation of this film is very well done; I love the subtle details like the snowdrifts, the door closing, the flying dollar bills, the high heel with a bow at the back, the shoelaces connecting the shoe family at the tables as if they are arms and hands, and more. I enjoyed the background music, especially the outro under the credits. Very well done!

The film's message is spelled out at the end: you never know what someone is going through unless you walk a mile in their shoes.

The film is about a girl who is very curious and loves to read before going to sleep. One night as dozes off to sleep she enters into her imagination.

I love the animation; the images are very sweet and soft focused. The girl's face lacks a mouth, which is interesting since there is no dialogue. I'm not so keen on her lack of having a mouth -- it's weird when she eats something that a little opening appears that allows her to eat. My favorite scene is where Ana gets sucked into her imagination. Her whole world spins and she is sucked into the book she is reading. This film is non-narrative and I did get a bit lost at some points and wasn't sure exactly what was going on. I did get that Ana loves to read and imagines herself being part of the story. Ana's costume is simple and fitting for her character - a blue dress with a pleated skirt. At one point, she touches her waistline and a flipbook sort of thing appears creating an animated story within the story. As she walks through the imaginary world she's been drawn into, the ground appears to be littered with pages of a book and then, she emerges, from another book, pulling herself up by the bookmark and, la voila, is back in her own bedroom. She peers into a mirror and sees a distorted image of herself and uses twine to tie herself to the objects in her room. It's all very odd and esoteric. Because this is a non-narrative, the background music plays an important role. It is pretty unobtrusive yet helps keep the film moving at a steady pace. From the beginning to the end, Ana is the only character in the film. She is a curious girl who wants to solve problems and pays attention to little details throughout the story. The Director (Joao Rodrigues) and Producer (Rodrigo Areias) have definitely created an interesting piece of art. The images are extraordinary. The storyline is thought provoking and allows the audience to interpret it in their own way.

The film's message is that every problem can be solved.

The story follows a young girl, Celina, who, at puberty, begins to suffer exclusion from her friends and tries to do everything to please everyone. However, she discovers that this is not how things work.

This film hits home. It's so realistic in portraying the type of situation that Celina handles. This film is one that many young people should see, because of the script and the story. It teaches a lot. I like this film so much that I don't see any downsides, only positives, which I want to bring up here. I love the plot development from seeing Celina happy until the moment her life changes. It is impressive to see this, because when you watch it you felt all her emotions. The camera work is quite good; I really paid attention to every camera angle and found them interesting. There are close-ups that clearly show the kids' facial expressions and long shots that give us a view of her in her surroundings. The costumes are very typical for pre-teens and each one matches the personality of the character. Some are more extravagant than others, just like how the girls behave. More attention is put on the development of the protagonist, Celina, whose behavior changes due to the bullying. My favorite part is when Celina is with her friends after school and they start solving girly issues.

The film's message is that you need to develop self-love and not care that much about what other people say about you, and let your own happiness fulfill you.

This documentary follows Mike Xu's personal travels to Feicheng in Shandong province in China to explore his grandfather's art and the heritage of his family.

Beautifully constructed, this documentary reveals as much about the filmmaker as it does his quest to learn more about his grand father and the origins of art in his family. Nice camera work, excellent narration and very good editing make this easy to watch, learn and understand from.

The film's message is really about exploring your family origins and allowing yourself the opportunity to learn from your elders and their community.