Ages 8-12 Titles from KIDS FIRST!

This title has online video!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

I give Crescent Gang 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on VOD and as a digital release June 13, 2023. By Bria H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What an incredibly heartwarming and uplifting film Crescent Gang is! It captures the essence of hope and family with its touching story and relatable characters. The talented young actors bring authenticity to their roles, conveying the emotions and resilience of children in the foster care system. It is family-friendly and uplifting.

Crescent Gang follows seven foster kids who face heartbreak when they discover their beloved group home is being sold and they will be separated. Determined to stay together, they embark on a high-stakes scavenger hunt in Las Vegas, where they encounter a family court attorney in search of her inner peace. The film beautifully captures their quirky and adventurous quest, highlighting the importance of friendship, resilience and the possibility of finding a loving family.

I like Crescent Gang for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and positive message of resilience and family. The film is captivating and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the talented young actors, including Valeria Camero as the determined new kid. The cast also includes Kira Marie, the spirited family court attorney, and Mariah Taveres, the resilient foster child, both of whom deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The production elements are noteworthy, with the vibrant and bustling backdrop of Las Vegas adding dynamic energy to the story. The imaginative and well-designed costumes add to the visual appeal, complementing the characters' personalities and enhancing their individuality. The direction by Gino Payne and Onyx Keesha, who have drawn from their personal experiences in the foster care system, shines through in the film's heartfelt portrayal of the foster care journey. The plot development and pace keep the audience engaged -- perfectly balancing the kids' quirky adventures with their emotional journeys. Without giving away too much, one of my favorite parts of the film is when the kids realize their hard work and tenacity finally pays off.

The film's message is one of resilience and the power of a chosen family. It reminds us that support, love, and hope can be found in unexpected places and that no matter the challenges we face, we can find strength within ourselves and in the bonds we form with others.

I give Crescent Gang 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and adults. It releases on VOD on major platforms June 13, 2023.

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The documentary, An Inclusion Lens, is so inspiring. It could even convince people to start including people from different backgrounds in the things they do. I also like the background music as it makes the film feel so wholesome.

Also, I like how they didn't just talk about what inclusion is, but also what inclusion isn't.

This film, by 16-year-old Arushi Maheshwar, is very inspiring and teaches a valuable lesson. It reminds us to include people of diverse backgrounds in everything we do. I like the variety of people that speak about their concept of the word "inclusion." They are different ages and from different background. We hear from a young woman, an adult male, a technology professional, a woman artist, a high school student, and a music teacher. They all answer the question, "what does inclusion mean to you," which results in a diverse narrative on the topic of inclusion. Hearing their varied responses is what makes this documentary stand out. The camera quality is good, and combines videotaped interviews with still images, which together work for this film. The background music really hits the spot. The only shortcoming is the uneven audio recording; I had to adjust the volume on my speakers as I watched it in order to hear everyone clearly.

The message is to include people in everything you do.

I give An Inclusive Lens 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

By Gavin S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

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

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

This title has online video!

Prehistoric Planet 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Prehistoric Planet 2 releases on Apple TV+ May 22, 2023

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

By Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The insightful book, Planning Your Dreams, is a valuable resource for teens seeking guidance in mapping out their future careers. With practical advice and a clear strategy, it empowers young readers to make their dreams a reality. The author presents compelling reasons explaining why planning for a successful career is essential, capturing the concerns and pressures many young people face in choosing the right path. By addressing these concerns head-on, the book immediately connects with its intended audience.

Planning Your Dreams provides a concise overview of the book's intent. It emphasizes the importance of starting career planning early and highlights the benefits of doing so. While it doesn't delve into every detail, it offers enough information to spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore the strategies presented.

One of the book's strengths lies in its relatable examples and personal anecdotes. The author introduces the concept of understanding dreams and aligning them with career choices. The book goes beyond conventional advice, encouraging readers to identify their passions and translate them into viable career options. The book also addresses various aspects of career planning, such as mapping out goals and developing a strategic plan. The author's guidance on these topics is clear and practical, providing readers with actionable steps to follow. Planning Your Dreams carries a positive and uplifting message, emphasizing the importance of pursuing fulfilling careers that align with one's passions. It successfully motivates readers to take action and offers a realistic approach to achieving their dreams. The book is entirely suitable for its target audience. It promotes positive social behavior by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.

I give Planning Your Dreams 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as it specifically targets teenagers who are navigating career choices. However, adults who are seeking career guidance may also find it insightful and beneficial. You can purchase the book online at various bookselling platforms or directly from the author's website.

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 19

Planning your Dreams is very inspirational. What I like most about this book is how the author uses pictures at the start of every chapter.

This book is about having dreams, and planning them. It teaches you the steps to take toward achieving your goals and, gives you options if you do not achieve your goals.

This book teaches the reader many skills they could use in life to find a job and be successful in life. I like how it gives you steps towards achieving your goal and teaches kids to have an entrepreneur mind set, even at a young age. It reminds you that if you do what you love, you won't have to work a single day in your life. It gives options of jobs for certain interests and encourages people to try new things and find new interests. I like how it emphasizes that it's okay to fail and that, even if you don't have the talent to do something, it doesn't mean you can't do it -- you can always get trained. The book flows very well. Plus, I like how it teaches you what to do if you fail to achieve your goals. The vocabulary is definitely suitable for kids as well as adults. The illustrations are bright and colorful. One special feature I like is the sidebar where you can scroll through different chapters and pages. Another practical thing is that it has pages where you can write down your own goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

The book's message is that if you know what you want to do in life you have to work hard.

I give Planning your Dreams 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It is available online at many online retailers.

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

The book Planning Your Dreams is super educational and beneficial for teenagers. It focuses on thinking ahead and what you want to do with your life to make you happy and fulfilled.

Planning Your Dreams focuses on thinking ahead in your life and finding things you're passionate about and ways you can turn them into careers. It looks at finding things that combine your skills and your interests.

If you're concerned about your future or feeling unsure about what you want to do after high school, there are many ways you can prepare for life beyond your teenage years. This book examines ways to turn hobbies into careers, and how to turn dreams into reality by setting goals and making plans. It explains how to have a career that truly makes you feel fulfilled. The entire book is based on how to plan your life in a rewarding way. This is a useful thing for kids to know and think about. Plus, it has great information about careers and jobs. The author has a spectacular way of talking about things that kids love doing such as playing video games or exploring nature and turning them into exciting careers. It can help even the laziest kids think ahead in life. All this is important for teenagers to learn and will help them think about careers they might want to pursue in the future.

The book reminds us that it's never too early to think about what you want to do with your life, and there are many careers that can focus on your passions.

I give Planning Your Dreams 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find it online at book retailers.

By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: Book ISBN # 9780971551039

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-17
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!, age 16

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

This title has online video!

I give book Club: the Next Chapter 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults, due to some mild profanity. It's in theaters now, so drop what you're doing and catch a matinee today. You'll be glad you did. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Book Club: The Next Chapter is a feel good, comedic film. It's entertaining and light hearted, putting you in a happy optimistic mood.

Book Club: The Next Chapter, a sequel to Book Club, brings together four best friends, who finally reunite after being in quarantine. In order to celebrate Vivian's (Jane Fonda) big news and go on their long awaited girls' trip, the group departs for Italy. While on their trip, they encounter many obstacles and surprises, providing the ladies a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

I really enjoy the beautiful scenery shown throughout the film. As the four friends travel throughout Italy, we see the sights of Rome, Venice and Tuscany. Most of the movie was filmed on location, which is an incredible aspect that really elevates the film. Everything is so colorful and eye-catching, which definitely made me much more engaged. When I look at a fun and exciting scene, I'm automatically more interested in what I'm watching. This movie definitely has that effect. Additionally, the characters really stand out. Each of the women have such distinct personalities. For example, Diane (Diane Keaton) is more reluctant and very set in her ways. Carol (Mary Steenburgen) is very optimistic and wants to be adventurous. Then there's Vivian who is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and taking a leap of faith, and lastly Sharon (Candice Bergen) who knows exactly what she wants, and won't let anyone change her opinions. All the characters have different personalities but they all cohesively work together. Each actor excels in her role and really brings her character to life for a second time in this sequel. The strong chemistry and friendship between these women is evident, and really made me feel so fulfilled and happy to watch them on their adventure. The storyline is a lot of fun and has many dynamics. While the women are in Italy they encounter many rough patches. They constantly have to reroute their trip, and even run into people and memories that slow them down a little. However, they still come out stronger than ever in the end. This film is exciting to watch, and definitely held my interest the entire time.

The message of Book Club: The Next Chapter is a reminder to take risks and live life to the fullest because you never know when you might no longer have that opportunity. Be aware there is some light profanity.

I give Book Club: The Next Chapter 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters May 12, 2023.

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Go Crazy. It's a really cute video with a positive message that spreads happiness.

This short film is about being yourself and showing positivity. It showcases different dances from all over the world, as well as people having fun, and doing things that they love.

The cinematography and editing are quite good. There are many different angles used, as well as fun filters and transitions that add interest and attention. I especially enjoyed some of the fun scenic international backgrounds showing people just having fun. This also adds to the diversity of the characters. The main song highlights the concept of the film and really adds to it. This song is super upbeat and sets the mood of how it all plays out. There are many special effects using colors and textures. They are used throughout the transitional moments to enhance the fun feeling. There are no specific characters; it shows many different people having a good time. I enjoy the production design because all of the special editing effects really elevates the entire film.

My favorite part of the film is its message to have fun and be yourself. It's a good reminder to stay positive and be yourself no matter what.

I give 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Global Climate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Global Climate expresses the effects of climate change as well as ideas of solutions for climate change in one short video. This mini documentary focuses on the information while providing beautiful photographs of landscapes, demonstrating how underappreciated our planet truly is.

Global Climate gives an overview of how climate change has already impacted not just humans, but everything on Earth, how it will continue to impact our planet and what we can do to slow the warming climate.

Global Climate is a short video with engaging visuals and an educational message, perfect for families in search for an introduction to climate change. The presentation of the information flows nicely, with each fact making sense with the picture shown and it is clear how each point connects to the broad topic of climate change. The video is a bit short on creativity as it's just text and pictures, but the simplicity does help get the point across. The photographs are beautiful, with views of many different landscapes around the globe. The lighting makes for spectacular pictures. Not only are these pictures pleasant to look at, they convey the film's message that if we don't do something about climate change, these wonderful things that we take for granted could be gone. The locations used are well chosen to match each fact displayed on the screen, contributing to the main idea of Global Climate. There is some instrumental background music that fits the film quite well. The narrator adds to the film at certain points, reading aloud facts that appear onscreen. My favorite part is the images of the landscapes - snowy forests, enormous icy mountains, vast blue oceans and so much more. These locations kept me engaged throughout the entire video.

This documentary expresses how important it is that every person takes actions within their daily lives to fight the warming climate. The desperation of our planet is conveyed by a demonstration of what we have to lose and astonishing facts about climate change.

I give Global Climate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: Screenplay

I give Battle Plan 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Mikella G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the short animated film, Battle Plan, because it tells an important message in a very simple way. It reaches the audience that its intended for which is also important. Overall it flowed very nicely and it stands out.

The storyline follows a young girl who has an epiphany about the current state of our planet. She sees the harm that pollution is creating and designs a plan to help save the earth. It's a musical ode to young activists everywhere.

What a lovely short film from France by filmmakers John Banana and Mathilde Michea. I like how the story raises awareness about climate change. It is entirely non-narrative so the girl and her actions tell her story, highlighting how actions speak louder than words. The 2D animation is really cool. I like how it transitions from black and white to color to show different moods and feelings. It also uses a variety of angles to show us different points of view. The different locations - the girl's bedroom, the shipyard, the shopping center, the school yard - all are well defined. The music, by Tim Bruzon, is perfect for the film and creates a vibe of strife and discontent. The main character, the young girl goes through a major transformation during the film, from her initial awakening until we see her speaking before a huge audience, passionately relaying her message to a group of bored adults. But, the other kids join her and together they her journey of helping the planet. She grows and goes through the different stages. By the end she is affecting others, and making real changes. The ending is dedicated "to all the great little Gretas" in honor of Greta Thunberg. My favorite thing is the film's message which really emphasizes the importance of cleaning the planet, and how change must be done.

The film's message is that climate change is a real thing and helping the planet is a necessity.

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

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12-18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Sweet short film with a great message about connecting with your community.

The story follows a young Dominican woman struggling to identify with her community. A lively neighbor helps her find people she can relate to.

It's a challenge to connect to a new environment and this short film takes on that challenge following a young woman whose charming neighbor convinces her to step outside her comfort zone and dance her way into the neighborhood. Nicely produced. Great visuals, great music.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12-18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give My Big Big Friend: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but little ones would need someone to read the sub-titles. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love My Big Big Friend: The Movie; it's a colorful and fun animated film from Brazil. The message of facing your fear of meeting new people is perfect for all ages. It brings a smile to my face and reminds me of when I was young. All the children in the film have animal friends including a pink polka dot giraffe, blue elephant, and a green kangaroo. This feature film is based on the TV series My Big Big Friend, and is in Portuguese with English subtitles.

The storyline follows three kids, Yuri, Lili and Matt, whose parents have arranged for them to go to day camp with their imaginary animal friends Golias, Nessa and Bongo. Instead of being excited, the children are afraid of meeting new people. When it is time for them to catch the bus to the camp they run away instead. They find themselves at place that is governed by a clown, Mr. Doodledoubt. Mr. Doodledoubt appears to be their friend but his real aim is to separate the children from their animal friends and make them as miserable as he is. The rest of the story is about how the children use art to rescue their friends, face their fears, and return home.

The story line is magnificent -- I love the close relationship the children have with the animals and how the animals encourage the children to face their fears. The story is very easy to follow and kept me wondering what might happen next. The animation is very well done with vibrant and well defined colors. The figures of the children are realistic but stylized. The art supplies that the children use to help find their friends are also fun and realistic. The backgrounds are beautiful. The colors of the landscape are vibrant and exciting. It is fun to see the children get inside of huge bubbles and fly around the world. The music is original and helps tell the story. The voices are clear and fit perfectly to the animated characters. It is very easy to pick up the tunes and hum them to myself. There are no special effects per se but the animation of the fireworks is very well done. The voice actors skillfully fit all the personalities of the animated characters including the giraffe, elephant and kangaroo. My hat's off to the director, Andres Lieban, who has won several awards for his work on animated films. My favorite part of the film is when the art supplies are singing and dancing about how art is smart. It is very imaginative and fun.

The film's message is that you can learn to face your fears and use your internal resources to deal with new experiences and have fun.

I give My Big Big Friend: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but little ones would need someone to read the sub-titles. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

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

I give The Tea Party 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kudos to 16-yer-old student filmmaker Arianna Grace Goarley for a lively and thoughtful production. Beautifully made, plus it delivers an important message.

The story follows Alice who becomes anxious when her friends arrive early to her tea party. As her anxiety peaks, it triggers her ADHD anxiety as she imagines her friends to be characters from Alice in Wonderland. Will Alice be able to find the coping skills to make her tea party a success?

What an impressive short film by a young filmmaker with excellent production values from the camera work to the editing, plus excellent sound recording and background music. Azari Ollivierre makes an adorable Alice, especially as she transitions to different emotional states. The other cast members are also quite well cast. Love the set, especially the white chaise. All the details - the food and plates, the hair and makeup - are all very well chosen. I love that Arianna brought her own experience with ADHD into this script and uses breathing techniques to help Alice deal with her anxieties. I have to saw that the portion when the party guests transition into imagined Alice in Wonderland characters is terrific. The silly antics like throwing food, doing handstands on the chair are perfect. And, let's not forget the narrator whose voice and delivery are perfect for this film.

The film's message is about how to handle our anxieties without letting them get the better of us.

I give The Tea Party 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Little Girl, Big Imagination: At the Beach 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Little Girl, Big Imagination: At the Beach offers a charming blend of music and dance.

The film follows a little girl who goes to the beach with her doll, then falls asleep and dreams of her dancing beautifully.

This middle student created film is fun and calming. The location at the beach is quite beautiful and the dancer is quite lovely. The classical music plays big part in creating an overall tone of the film. My favorite part is when the girl starts dreaming in the sand.

The message is that you can be what you dream.

I give Little Girl, Big Imagination: At the Beach 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Elephant in the Room 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Beautifully produced and information, this documentary opens our eyes to an issue that many of us are unaware of.

Elephant in the Room highlights the severity of man-animal conflict and presents a real life case that the world should feel proud of and emulate. The film gives us a first hand example of how a small village migrated from their ancestral village in order to preserve the elephants who first lived there. The young daughter is amazed and delighted when she realizes that her village left their ancestral lands for the sake of the elephants, which is a great example of how elephants and humans can live alongside each other peacefully.

Wonderful and colorful video; I love the opening scene of the villagers all dancing together and celebrating the upcoming birth. I love how the story of the elephants is told in animation. And, most importantly of all, I love how the villagers resolved this story and how their leader recognized that it was the villagers who had encroached on the elephant's territory, not the other way around. This is a wonderful tale that gives an inspiring message to the world.

The film's message is about how man and animals can live in harmony by paying attention to each other's needs.

I give Elephant in the Room 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Dig Deeper 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Mikella G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Dig Deeper because it is raw and honest, plus it highlights a real feeling that lots of kids go through when they feel unheard by their families.

This short film takes place in NYC, and follows Mariah (Nina Gerson), a teenage girl who struggles to discover the truth about her family after she sees her father in what appears to be a suspicious activity.

I like that the storyline is realistic, and describes a plausible teenage experience. It has a dark comedy feel to it. My hats off to Anthony Fazio, the high school student filmmaker for excellent production work. The camera work is quite good as are the audio recording and the background music. The sets and locations are in New York City, which is cool for me since I live there. The main character, Mariah (Nina Gerson) shows different levels of personality throughout the film. In the beginning, she is alarmed but still stays calm. Eventually she grows angry when she feels neglected and unheard. I really enjoyed the plot twist at the end. Mariah is pretty disrespectful to her family at the end before she discovers the plot twist. Her comment has been bleeped out to make it youth and family friendly.

The film's message is to not assume things without knowing the full story.

I give Dig Deeper 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Mikella G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 9 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Her 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This short film by sixth grader Grace Aisling Landauer is poignant and rather heart-breaking.

The story is about a young girl, a teenager who is excited to celebrate her friend's birthday, but it doesn't quite go as planned.

I really enjoyed the animation of this film, featuring simply drawn characters. The main character is particularly well constructed with great facial expressions that show a range of emotions from anticipation to joy to disappointment. The plot explores the girl's anticipation to celebrate her friend's birthday only to be turned away. It's heart-breaking in a simple way that we can easily relate to, especially during our fragile tween and teen years. However, there's a little light at the end, and for that, I was grateful.

The film's message is about the trials and tribulations of a young girl's life.

I give Her 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 1 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Mortality Tale 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Bravo to six graders Grace Landauer (director) and Siena Gutierrez (writer) for a terrific short animated film on a serious subject, handled in a fun way.

The story line is about a girl who questions her mom about life and death.

I love that these middle school students took on the subject of life and death, cleverly creating an animated piece using line drawings. It's short so it doesn't delve deeply into the topic, but it's a great discussion starter. The narrator of the film (not identified) has a terrific voice that is perfect for this. It's very girly sounding, without being too cute or too serious. I have to say that the film left me wanting more. I would love to see these two girls develop this into a longer piece - but at the same time, it's quite good just the way it is.

The film questions what happens to you after you die.

I give The Mortality Tale 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Evil Lies Adults Tell Children 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It's silly, imaginative and informative. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like Evil Lies Adults Tell Children quite a bit; it's visually engaging, has a wacky set-up, and an emphasis on simplifying complex ideas for younger audiences.

The story follows a group of otherworldly life forms that make up one entity seek to dispel myths and mistruths.

This is a hybrid puppet / animation / live-action web-series where otherworldly forms make up one entity and offer advice to children to dispel myths and mistruths, addressing things such as car culture, wealth, privacy, college, grieving, paying rent, devotion to careers, birthday parties, and ageism.

It's not revolutionary or especially surprising, but it gets to where it needs to go quickly.

The animation is kind of fascinating; it has the texture of stop motion and there's some bits of special effects. The characters speak and move with the smoothness of 21st century animation. They appear as a mish-mash of shapes and colors that make up a face-like creature. Each character has distinctive traits, but there's little progression for any of them. They learn things, but it's primarily to teach the audience. My favorite part is the animation.

The film's message is to never be afraid to ask questions; the thirst for knowledge should never be fully quenched.

I give Evil Lies Adults Tell Children 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It's silly, imaginative and informative. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 22 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Party of the Year 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Party of the Year is a thoughtful made comedy about two high school boys eager to become popular, to the point of lying about a party guest by a popular influencer. In their struggles to make it happen, something off the wall occurs. You'll have to watch it to find out what.

Unpopular high schoolers, Jeremy and Eddie want to change their status and are willing to do almost anything to reverse their unpopularity including lying about YouTube star, Lady Crimson, coming to their party!

This truly made me laugh. It's well made with good video, audio and editing. Plus, the young actors are well cast. The momentum of the film grows from the opening scene when Jeremy and Eddie first realize that they're losers and have to do something about it. I'm impressed by the fast dialogue that's delivered really well, especially from Jacob Berland and Lawson Wright who play Jeremy and Eddie. The turning point is "the big lie" when Jeremy tells the other kids that a big YouTube star is coming to their party. It's bound to either make them super popular or be a complete bust! I love the shot in the living room with a photo of Jack Nicholson on the wall behind the guys, as they are busted for their "big lie." Then, miracle of miracle, guess who makes an appearance and their fate is sealed?

The film's message is to "go big or don't go" - seriously, the lie thing could have really taken them below ground, but instead, luck was on their side.

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

I give Solitude and Spirits 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is an impressive short black and while film by Finn Bell, a high school student. I love that he chose to shoot it in black and white as it has a very classic feeling to it.

Robert is a down-on-his-luck alcoholic who has hit rock bottom. In the dead of winter, he finds himself struggling to make it by. He spends his days pretending to work for charity, while secretly stealing money to fuel his addiction. When he receives an unexpected act of kindness from his landlord, who offers him a warm meal and celebration, will Robert find the strength to finally confront the harsh realities of his alcoholism and improve his situation?

Generally, we wouldn't accept a film about an alcoholic, but since it's from a high school student, we're looking at it differently. It's well shot and well edited; the acting is good; the background music is good. We feel this is a worthy entry from a high school filmmaker. It's thoughtful and provoking.

The film's message is about the dark depths that alcoholism can take you and the possibility of escape.

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

I give Children of Mavungu 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Children of Mavungu is an outstanding documentary film about children growing up deep in the jungle of Suriname which is a county in northern South America. Mavungu is the most powerful forest god who protects children. The children live in Pikin Slee which is a village originally founded by slaves who escaped from plantations during the Dutch colonial rule. The film provides insight into the culture, beauty, and life found in this unique part of the world. The dialogue is in both Dutch and the native language of the country with English subtitles.

This is a tough and adventurous documentary about children growing up deep in the jungle of Suriname, South America. We see a mysterious world full of rituals and forest gods, of which Mavungu is the most important for children. The film focuses three children who are finishing up primary school - Yoseva who is 14, Kenny who is 13, and Maticha who is 14. Since they earned good grades in primary school, they will leave their village and pursue higher education in a city. The film examines the village life of each child and explores their feelings about leaving their village.

This documentary provides a unique opportunity to learn about a part of the world that is unknown to many people. It is a privilege to experience the lives and culture of people who live in areas of the world that are inaccessible to most people. The personal experience of each of the three children shown in the film is handled in a very respectful manner. The cinematography is exquisite and the jungle shots are amazingly beautiful! The close-up shots of the birds, animals and insects are stunning. The filmmaker captures the beauty of the jungle, the Upper-Suriname River, and all the people who live in the village in a remarkable way. The children and their families wear a mixture of the traditional attire and modern clothing. The documentary is filmed in Pikin Slee, a village deep in the tropical rainforest of Suriname. The background music is native to this area, but occasionally modern songs in English are played over the radio. The film traces the lives of the three children, both in school and outside of school. Several of the cultural rituals that early teenage children experience are also shown in the film. I love all of the film, but my favorite scenes are when the children are exploring the jungle. It is very interesting to see the children with cell phones.

The film's message is that, while education is extremely important to society, it also can mean cultural loss as children leave small villages like Pikin Slee to seek opportunities found in cities.

I give Children of Mavungu 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give Fox Child 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Marilyn S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a lovingly made film that addresses a condition many don't know a lot about. The filmmaker reveals that he too lives with Tourette's syndrome and the work on this film helped him accept his own symptoms. This film examines the life of a young girl living with Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder resulting in "tics" - involuntary twitches and vocal expressions. Being different from her peers, she is teased and rejected often. After a particularly bad day, she meets a mysterious fox who leads her into a magical world inside of herself where she starts to learn how to face and to accept her condition and gain self-love and confidence.

Beautifully made, this claymation animated film addresses an important subject - Tourette's Syndrome - which many people know little about. I so admire the work by the filmmaker in creating this short film. Plus the filmmaker also has Tourette's Syndrome, so the topic is understood from the inside out. When the girl's mother rejects her, it's heart-breaking. But, the fox represents salvation and understand and the girl gets a new lease on life. I don't know how many of our partner venues will find this film suitable for their audience, but it certainly deserves consideration.

The film's message is really about understanding this neurological disorder and the film does that quite well.

I give Fox Child 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Marilyn S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 13 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Berny 2 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a commendable short sci-fi film made with middle school students as the cast members. The storyline follows a group of school-aged children who set out to discover the source of a strangeness that takes place every year on the summer solstice. It is from Italy with dialogue in Italian and English subtitles.

We love our middle school student actors. It is directed, produced and written by Paolo Pier Luigi Guglielmetti (an adult). The camerawork is quite good with interesting shots. Some of the lighting is a bit lacking, but not enough to make it unwatchable. The storyline is unusual and well developed. All the youth actors are quite believable. I love the odd old man. The use of thought bubbles is well conceived. The background music works very well; it has a driving beat which helps push the film along. We learn that Berny lives in a parallel world 100 light years away but appears on Earth every summer solstice, to run tests on #Earth's inhabitants. The kids form a team to track down Berny and create an imaginative solution.

The film's message is about teamwork and solving problems, even when they're very odd.

Berny 2 gets 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Little Image-Bearers: Jesus: The Savior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mr. Phipps is a Fred Rogers sort of host of this show that informs kids about different things in the world.

In this episode, Mr. Phipps visits an emergency medical technician to discuss life-saving measures that are used in emergency situations. In puppet pretend, Prince Bobo must get the key from the dragon to free Fair Lady Lala. Despite Bobo's best efforts, confrontation with the dragon is inevitable. After Bobo's display of courage, Mr. Phipps decides to create his own sword using household items.

This is an episodic show hosted by Mr. Phipps, played by Caleb Phipps, who is also the film's Director, Writer and Producer. In this episode, we meet an emergency medical technician who tells us what epi pens are all about. Caleb's on-camera presence is very calm and direct. You feel as if he is a responsible adult who kids can trust. The segment with the puppets is quite cute and has another good message about helping others. That's followed by a craft segment, making a sword out of a cardboard tube and foil. The last segment features an excerpt from the Christian Bible, which is delivered with great gusto. The film is well produced with good video and audio, including minimal sound effects and background music. I can easily imagine this finding a place on daytime television, but certainly it would be appropriate for a youth and family film festival, provided the Christian content is appropriate for your venue.

The show's message is about learning how the world works.

I give Little Image-Bearers: Jesus: The Savior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - As a world traveler and ocean enthusiast, I love Aliquam III. This film instills a sense of responsibility and empathy towards marine conservation in young audiences. Following young people as they embark on their scuba diving experiences in the oceans around Australia and New Zealand is incredibly captivating. Witnessing their journey, exploration and discovery is inspiring. I also appreciate the focus on raising awareness about the importance of preserving underwater environments. This film has the potential to entertain, educate and inspire young viewers as they develop a deeper connection with the oceans and become advocates for marine conservation.

This documentary follows ten children as they journey from land to oceans -- taking their first breath underwater and gaining a fresh appreciation for the importance of our oceans so they can spread this knowledge to their own communities.

This documentary offers an opportunity for young viewers to learn about the oceans, marine life, and the significance of preserving underwater environments. It promotes environmental awareness and empowers children to become advocates for ocean conservation while watching peers personal transformative journeys. One aspect of the film that stands out is the children's journey from land to ocean. This narrative arc creates a sense of progression and personal growth for the young people. It allows viewers to accompany them on their transformative experiences, building anticipation and a connection with their individual stories. The emphasis on the children taking their first breath underwater adds an element of excitement and adventure to the film; it serves as a symbolic representation of their entry into a whole new world beneath the surface. The overarching theme of spreading knowledge and awareness to their communities adds depth to the storyline. It highlights the potential for collective action and inspires viewers to consider their role in promoting environmental stewardship. The focus on empowering young individuals to become ambassadors for ocean conservation creates a sense of hope and possibility for positive change. The storyline of this film offers a compelling narrative arc, combining personal growth, adventure and a call to action for viewers. These elements can potentially engage and inspire audiences, particularly those passionate about environmental conservation and the future of our oceans.

Aliquam III is a well-executed documentary that employs various techniques to capture compelling visuals, including underwater shots of the kids' scuba diving, which brings viewers along on the adventure, while effectively conveying the story. The videographers use a mix of exciting angles, close-ups, wide shots, and specific shots that highlight key moments or details. Manny locations provide great aesthetics for this documentary. The ocean is a beautiful and dynamic setting with its vastness and beauty and it serves as the backdrop for the children's underwater explorations, providing a visually stunning environment for their experiences. The interplay of light, colors and marine life create breathtaking visuals, enhancing the viewer's immersion in the underwater world. The boat adds an additional layer to the locations. It is a practical and symbolic vessel, representing the journey and connection between the land and the ocean. The boat offers opportunities for interesting shots and perspectives, capturing moments of anticipation, reflection and camaraderie among the kids. Lastly, New Zealand presents a rich and diverse landscape that provides varied visuals and adds depth to the storytelling. The character development of this film is seen in the stories, experiences and personal growth of the young people who participate in this journey.

The film was directed by Anthony Gordon and Nathan Roderick. The contribution of these two was crucial in shaping the overall quality and impact of the film. Their dedication to the project is evident in the finished projects. My favorite part is the mesmerizing experience of watching the dives and the breathtaking underwater exploration. The filmmakers expertly captured the beauty and enchantment of the underwater world. The scenes are a visual feast, with vibrant coral reefs, graceful marine creatures, and the play of sunlight filtering through the water. As the children breathe underwater, anticipation and excitement fill the screen. I held my breath in awe as they delved into this new realm, surrounded by the ocean's wonders. The underwater footage allowed me to witness their encounters with fascinating marine life up close, from colorful schools of fish to majestic sea turtles and ethereal sea creatures. The cinematography showcases stunning wide shots, giving a sense of the vastness and diversity of the underwater landscapes. At the same time, intimate close-ups capture the expressions of wonder and amazement on the children's faces.

The film instilled in me a deep appreciation for our oceans' fragile beauty and importance. It reminds me of the need to protect and preserve these aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 34 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Babookums: Seven Fantastic Stories 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Since there are subtitles it helps if the child can read or, has someone to read it to them. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Babookums: Seven Fantastic Stories is an amazing animated film that not only is fun to watch, plus has lots of good messages for children of all ages. The Babookums are adorable creatures whose fun and fantastical adventures that I enjoyed and believe children will also.

The film is about Babookums which are small creatures and robots which live around us. They come in all different shapes and colors and have superpowers. The Babookums go on seven adventures -- fishing, going on a rescue mission, flying from a birthday balloon, shopping for clothing and eating too much. In each story they learn valuable lessons such as it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them and our differences make us special. This feature film is from Lithuania and is in Lithuanian with English subtitles.

This film is fantastic. It has magical animated creatures who find themselves in amusing social and emotional situations. Not only is it fun to watch, the messages are important and relevant for young peop0le. The animation is done masterfully executed. The characters include a green cat, yellow and black and blue robots, an orange fish, a robot that resembles Batman, a hip-hop mechanic and a roly-poly bug on a skateboard. The shapes of the characters are all different and a twist from common characters, but their actions resemble human movement. The backgounds are realistic and help tell the story; included are a human house, a lake and a forest. The animated creatures speak Lithuanian, but are subtitled in English. All of the seven stories put the Babookums in different social and emotional situations similar to what we experience every day. Each story teaches valuable lessons in an easy to digest fashion. The stories and the songs that go with them are memorable. The music is very enjoyable; it's funny and helps deliver the messages. One of the funniest, sung by the green cat, tells us how enjoyable his day is because he slept well and had a good poop. The voiceovers of the characters fit them to a tee. I particularly enjoyed the hip-hop mechanic and the Japanese monk, both of whom sound realistic.

I applaud the director, Tadas Vidmantas, an award-winning Lithuanian filmmaker, for his excellent work. There are so many parts of this film that I enjoy. I loved the adventure of the green cat finding a birthday balloon. Since he has always wanted to "fly like a bird," he attaches the balloon to his waist and then gets stuck when the balloon hits the ceiling. Although he is embarrassed and does not want help from his close friends, he finally realizes that they are the only ones that can help. One of the robots has a laser as his superpower, and he shoots the balloon string and the Babookums are able to catch the green cat.

There are several valuable messages in these seven stories. The ones that stand out to me are that is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and that each of us is special because we are different. Not that it does contain acts of violence.

I give Babookums: Seven Fantastic Stories 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Since there are subtitles it helps if the child can read or, has someone to read it to them. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

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

I give I Want To Be An Eagle 4 out of 5stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I Wanna Be An Eagle is a delightful animated short music video. The colorful animation is beautiful and fun to watch, plus it tells a great story with nice singing and music.

The storyline is about a sweet anthropomorphic sparrow, Petronia, who sings about her ambition to become a majestic eagle. The film takes us on the musical journey of the sparrow's dream with beautiful animation and a tune that tells of her ambition.

I like the sparrow singing about her dreams for a bigger life. The beginning scene is a little bitter-sweet due to the reasoning behind the sparrow's song and her wish to be an eagle. I like how quickly and easily the music tells the story. We are treated to a realistic flight of an animated eagle soaring across beautiful landscapes and waterways into a big cosmopolitan city. The animation is crisp and colorful; the characters and scenery are quite lovely and very detailed. When the birds take flight it feels as if you are flying along with them. The backgrounds are very realistic looking - the building and scenery below -- which makes this animated film easy to relate to. Aside from the opening scene, most of the scenery is shown from a bird's perspective. Petronia is more cartoonish than the eagle or the backgrounds, but she is drawn in a pleasant way. There is one song throughout, sung by Callen Fu, which tells Petronia's story and her ambition. It is pleasant and quite catchy. My favorite scene is the opening scene when the birds are flying all over.

The film's message is to dream big.

I give I Want To Be An Eagle 4 out of 5stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the film I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum. It is very funny and the story is told in a very catchy song which I can't stop singing now.

Every Sunday, the Nguyen household erupts into chaos as two sisters frantically prepare for their piano lessons. One day, the main character does not want to go to her piano lesson, so she makes a funny song about it called "I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum."

This middle student film is a kick and perfect for KIDS FIRST! It's my favorite film of the week! I recommend this film because it is funny and fun. I like that the story tells of the hardships of learning something new through a song. I don't like that the piano teacher compares the girl to her sibling. The camerawork is well done. The lighting falls a bit short at times, but not distressingly so. Creatively, two actors play all the different characters -- Khang Nguyen and Minhtu Nguyen portray two sisters, as well as the piano teacher, and even the dad. They are also the film's writers, directors, and producers. It's fun that this film is somewhat biographical in telling their own story about piano as an integral part of their daily lives from the whining to the procrastination, jokes and enjoyment. The two of them are adorable and make great appearances on camera. The music plays a big part in this film because the whole story is told through a song. My favorite scene is when they go crazy practicing their instruments.

The film's message is that sometimes kids need a break from their activities.

I give I Don't Want To Go to Mrs. Hum 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Avani M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Alice in Instagram 4.5 out of 5 stars and, if the filmmaker has appropriate license to use the Disney footage would recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love Alice in Instagram because it voices an important message from young people's perspective about the positive and negative ways that social media impacts our lives. However, I am concerned about the multiple inserts of footage from Disney's Alice in Wonderland and wonder if the filmmaker has appropriate license to use this. Therefore, I cannot recommend it.

Loosely based on the Alice in Wonderland story with Alice following the white rabbit down the rabbit hole of social media. The documentary format allows teens to express their viewpoints of the benefits and traps of social media platforms and the internet.

I like how various viewpoints from teens are shared while integrating the animated Alice in Wonderland. The cinematography is fitting for a teen documentary. The costumes are typical casual teen fashion. Most of the interviews take place in what appears to be a backyard. The "rabbit hole" is a big hole dug in the sand at the beach. These locations are perfect for the documentary interviews. The only music or sound effects that are noticeable are those from clips from the Disney film Alice in Wonderland. The use of a pink filter to bring "Alice" out of her "rabbit hole" makes a good illusion. The camera work is well done, capturing the speakers and backgrounds in a natural way. The direction is smooth and well coordinated. I like how, at the beginning, Alice is very connected to her device for access to social media and later realizes that the real world is even more interesting. The production values of the documentary from such young talent is commendable. However, I would question whether they have the proper rights to use clips from the Disney film.

The film's message is that social media and internet access can have its benefits, but it is good to get away from them and enjoy the real world too.

I give Alice in Instagram 4.5 out of 5 stars and, if the filmmaker has appropriate license to use the Disney footage would recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 20 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Commander and the Silly Woman 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This reminds me of the "upside down story" as a child is in control and the one adult follows his direction.

The storyline of this elementary student made film questions why adults think they have the right answers, know best, and have rules for everything. In this film things turn things around as a young commander flies through brain space, helping a young enjoy her life more fully. The opening and closing images stars and space set the scene for this short film. The young commander directs the woman to dance, eat chocolate cake messily, put her feet up on the table and walk barefoot outside. It's full of fun images and surprises throughout.

The film's message is to play more, work less.

I give The Commander and the Silly Woman 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give I am Kanaka 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sydney S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like I am Kanaka and how it represents Hawaiian culture. It shares a positive message that the world needs to hear, plus encourages people to be proud of their heritage.

Today, people in Hawaii are trying to reconnect with their ancestors and origins. Kaina Makua teaches the Hawaiian traditions to kids.

This film provides a lot of information about Hawaiian culture. It shows Hawaiian people learning about their history, how to become sustainable and keep their culture alive. The groups of kids working together with smiles on their faces is heartwarming and motivating. The story begins hundreds of years ago when Hawaii was stripped of its culture to current times, when people are reviving their culture. It shows how far this heritage has come and why it is essential to keep it going. The camera work is beautiful; there are shots showing green, thriving mountains, the sparkling ocean, working in the fields and lots of beautiful Hawaiian people. These really put into perspective how important the Hawaiian islands are and remind us to protect Hawaii, because those beautiful natural environments can be destroyed by pollution. The main speaker is Kaina Makua. Kaina is a former teacher who has created a nonprofit teaching kids and adults about getting closer to their roots. I applaud the director, writer and producer, Genevieve Sulway, for bringing this story to life. My favorite part is the canoeing scenes, because it looks like everyone is having a blast and the ocean is beautiful. The canoeing shows us a great example of teamwork, starting from the moment the kids carry the huge canoes to the water.

The film's message is to stay true to your heritage and be proud of it. The residents of Hawaii are proud to be Kanaka.

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

I give Alpha Generation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed Alpha Generation because it has adorable and realistic animation, plus a powerful message about friendship and the importance of being a kid.

The storyline follows a young girl named Rebeca who loves to read and use her imagination. She tries to convince her neighbor Marcelo to play outside with her. Instead of joining her, he plays video games all day. The film is from Brazil but is non-narrative so there is no language issue.

It is important to remind children (and adults) that friendship is very powerful. I like that the young girl has perseverance and never gives up trying to convince her friend to play with her. The animation is fantastic and the quality of the production is amazing. The backgrounds are very well done and ties the story together. Rebeca and Marcelo are two children who are best friends. They enjoy opposite things but when it comes to using their imagination they are two peas in a pod. The directors, D�bora Resendes and Luri Moreno worked very well together in creating a high quality production. My favorite scene is when Rebeca sets up an obstacle course to cheer Marcelo up after she drops Marcelo's gaming device into water.

The film's message is about the power of friendship and how opposites complement each other.

I give Alpha Generation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Great Pyramids of Giza 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Delete
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed The Great Pyramids of Giza. The vivid cinematography places the viewer right with the Great Pyramids. There is an abundance of well-researched information narrated in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. And the hosts are two young boys.

This documentary takes you on a trip to Egypt hosted by 10-year-old Oliver and his younger brother Lucas, for a fascinating look at the Great Pyramids of Giza. Interesting and fun facts are presented in a professional way as Oliver narrates the film.

This documentary is very high quality, informative and beautifully filmed. The young hosts are exceptionally good as they show us the beauty and mystery of these giant pyramids. I enjoyed learning about this from a young person's point of view. We tour the great pyramids and learn so much about them. It feels almost as if you are actually there. The cinematography is vivid and stunning. It beautifully captures the greatness of these ancient buildings that have survived for hundreds of years with amazing views from many angles; even soaring high above, like a bird. The beautiful location in Egypt is awesome and historical. The great pyramids are world renowned and this film brings them to you, showing both the inside and outside. The use of Egyptian music really helps set the mood for this film and its location. Animation is used to help show what scientists and archeologists believe to have existed within the pyramids and paint a fascinating visual picture of the ancient culture. The young hosts arrive in Egypt eager to learn and share their interest with great detail while enjoying their amazing trip. I love the level of excitement from these two boys from the minutes they first arrived\ at the Great Pyramids of Giza and throughout the film. Their excitement is contagious. The only shortcoming is that the film doesn't really have a proper ending. It just ... stops. That is very weird because everything else is so terrific.

The message of the film is to learn about the Great Pyramids of Giza.

I give The Great Pyramids of Giza 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Delete
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give A Liberian Wedding 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marilyn S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Very enjoyable overview of a Liberian wedding. Oliver and Lucas travel to Liberia to attend a traditional Liberian wedding that will be held in a small Liberian village called Peace Town. Liberia, a tropical country located in West Africa, is rich in culture and customs and so Oliver and Lucas have an amazing time learning and making new friends in this beautiful tropical country.

This sweet documentary is made by two young Australian boys, Oliver Rafeh (Director) and Lucas Rafeh (Cast) and written and produced by Genway Rafeh. The boys arrive in a village in Liberia and we follow them as they become involved in the community as it prepares for a wedding, making music and dancing. The boys join in the festivities and are warmly greeted by the gatherers, young and old. At the wedding, the bride appears in a gorgeous white dress led by a group of attendants all dressed alike, singing and dancing. Good camera work; good audio and good narration by the young hosts. What a lovely introduction to Liberian culture and its beautiful people. It definitely only scratches the surface, but it's a good start at understanding this culture.

The film's message is to show us a traditional Liberian wedding.

I give A Liberian Wedding 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marilyn S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 8 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love discovering films such as this by a young person who just wants to get a story out there. It shows how simple it can be to just capture the story, so you can share it with others.

Jude was introduced to filmmaking at a workshop at the Mystic Aquarium hosted by Green Planet Films. He saw an article in his local newspaper about salmon in the CT River and a project that tried to bring them back. Since he was studying ecology at school he thought it would be interesting to learn more about this. He interviewed Steve Gephard who worked on that project for 42 years, until it ended. This film is about his work.

12-year-old Jude Rodricks has created an admirable short documentary about a project of interested in his home town and the man, Steve Gephard, whose insight into the challenges posed by climate change are explored in this film. His camera work is quite good, as is the audio track. There are a few shaky images, but they are inconsequential and don't detract from the story.

The film's message is about a local salmon restoration project in Connecticut where he lives.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Something Terrible Happened to Joey 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the animation of this film - it looks like the images originated as water colors; everything is very impressionistic and there's a sense of constant movement. I love the storyline; what a wonderful way to encourage others to let go of horrible experiences that are holding them back. This short animated short film is about surviving and thriving after childhood trauma. Joey experiences "a terrible thing" and "everybody saw it. Everybody knew." One day, after the "terrible thing" happens, Joey wakes up to find a huge bag of coal next to his bed. He has to carry it with him everywhere he goes. Eventually Joey grows up and becomes a storyteller who helps other people tell their stories. When Joey tells his own story of the Terrible Thing, he finds out that others have their own bags of coal too. Joey opens his bag of coal and examines the lumps one by one. One by one they don't seem so heavy. He encourages others to examine their bags of coal as well, As Joey's story unfolds, winter turns to spring, gardens bloom and the bag of coal becomes a balloon that lifts Joey joyously above the town and "everybody saw him. Everybody knew."

The story is well told and unspecific. The "terrible thing" is never defined and could be just about anything, which is what makes it so compelling. What did Joey experience exactly? Abuse, Divorce, Disability, Separation, Illness - all are terrible things that kids experience. Joe's terrible thing could have been something horrific or something simple that, for one reason or another, was horrible for Joey. I love the resolution even more, as Joey learns to dissect his experience, break it up into itty bitty pieces, pieces small enough to deal with, as opposed to the big bag of coal that was overwhelming. I especially love Joey's friend Ricky who stuck with Joey, even when everyone else moved away from him. It is the definition of true friendship. The director, Joseph F. Lovett, brings his own personal experiences to this film and you can feel its impact. Hats off to Oscar Wyndham Lewis for outstanding animation and to Rosie Perez for beautiful and touching narration and Julia Vasiliev for a lovely musical score. This is a perfect film for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - gorgeous and an incredible message.

The film's message is about learning to let go of the traumatic experiences we've had in order to move forward, or upward.

I give Something Terrible Happened to Joey 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 11 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Shot Boot Three 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a sweet story! An entertaining and well-produced film, Shot Boot Three is perfect for dog lovers and fans of realistic fiction. With crisp cinematography and chuckle-inducing dialogues, kids will love this film.

Kailash gets a pet dog named Max for his birthday with the help of his friends Pallavi and Ballu and some good old fashioned pleading with his parents. When Max goes missing, Kailash and his friends embark on an entertaining journey to find him.

Shot Boot Three has a heartwarming story that, while not anything pathbreaking, will enthrall young viewers. The film engages you from the get-go with a relatable struggle: Kailash wants a dog but his mother puts her foot down. And from the initial moments onwards, you're invested in Kailash's life and his journey. For those who love films with some drama and scheming, the second half of the film delights. The camera work is wonderfully crisp and effective in the film. There are no shots that feel out of place, and the mix of close-ups, medium shots, and even some interesting low-angle shots are sure to impress. The camerawork is certainly suitable for exhibition. Filmed in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu fits the story well; every scene is believable. The background music perfectly fits the film. At some point, a traditional sitar is used for background music, and in other places standard film SFX and background music are used. There are some visual effects around Ballu's head at times - for example, superheroes fighting - to show his imaginative nature. Max the dog is also the product of some pretty great visual effects. Everything in the film is effective and believable... except, perhaps that we don't hear Max bark for quite a while. Heet Bokadia plays Kailash, the protagonist. I might be a bit biased since he looks immensely similar to my cousin, but he is one of my favorite characters. He pours himself into the character and you're on Kailash's side for the entire film, feeling like you're finding Max along with him. Vedanth plays Balvindar "Ballu" Singh; many Indian films overdo the trope of using Sikhs as comic relief. In this case, Ballu contributes meaningfully to the film -- a smart decision by director and co-writer Arun Vaidyanathan. Pranithi Praveen as Pallavi is the perfect balance to Heet and Vedanth's characters: the pragmatic young lady. The casting is certainly one of the strong points of the film. The direction by Arun Vaidyanathan and the writing by Anand Raghav and Arun Vaidyanathan propel Shot Boot Three to new heights. Vaidyanathan also produced the film. The mirthful dialogues and purposeful feeling of every scene makes this a special watch.

I love the duo of Kailash and his father. Kailash's heartfelt performance, especially in the initial and final moments of the film when he gets Max and when he is finally close to finding him. Both scenes are wonderful. Perhaps the best-written of all the characters, Kailash is a show-stealer. His father Swaminathan is the dream parent, always supportive, sometimes overindulgent, but never unfair. Together, they light up the screen for the first forty minutes.

The film's message is that friends will always be there for you, especially when things you value are at stake.

I give Shot Boot Three 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give Rainbowflower: My School Of The Future 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The film Rainbowflower: My School Of The Future is a compelling exploration of the struggles and aspirations of children in Ecuador, where school dropout rates are amongst the highest in Latin America.

This documentary is a poignant and inspiring film that sheds light on the challenges faced by children in accessing education, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of story development, viewers may appreciate how the film provides a platform for children to express their views on education and the challenges they face in accessing it. The film also highlights some innovative solutions that are being developed to address these challenges. One potential area of criticism could be the lack of depth in exploring the issues facing children in accessing education. While the film provides a valuable perspective on the challenges, one may feel that the documentary could have delved deeper into the systemic issues and underlying causes of school dropout rates in Ecuador and around the world. Still, this is a thought-provoking and inspiring documentary that raises important questions about the future of education. It is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about how to create a more equitable and inclusive school system for all children. This is a documentary-style film that captures real-life situations and interviews with children. The camera work is visually engaging, with a mix of wide shots to establish the setting and close-ups to capture the emotions and expressions of the children. The settings are in real-world locations, including schools and homes, which provide an authentic and relatable setting for the interviews and footage. I appreciates the use of music and sound to create a sense of cultural and regional identity, reflecting the diversity and richness of Ecuadorian and Latin American cultures. The puppets used in this film are adorable and add a whimsical feel to the film. The children in the film share their experiences well; their answers and comments feel real and passionate. My favorite aspects of this film are the puppet interludes.

The film's message is focused on working towards a more equitable and accessible education system for all children

I give Rainbowflower: My School Of The Future 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 62 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Nazli 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 -18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This short film made me weep. The loss of the girls' mother and their desire to hold her in their memory is heartbreaking.

Two little sisters lost their mother in the war. The younger sister wants to play with the doll their mother made for them, but the older sister does not want to ruin their mother's only relic.

The two little girls in this film are so cute. You feel their pain from having lost their mother and their desire to hold onto her memory. The film is well made with excellent video and audio work. The story is very sad, although the father's embrace at the end is encouraging. From Afghanistan, the dialogue is in Persian, with English subtitles.

The film's message is about the tragedy of way.

I give Nazli 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 -18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give No Place Is Home 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - No Place Is Home offers insight into the unhoused community and gives new understanding to those who are less privileged.

The story follows a chance encounter between a homeless woman and a homeschooled teen and sheds new light on the meaning of home.

The storyline begins following a boy on his skateboard who is harassed by other kids in the neighborhood and takes a bad fall. The kids scurry off and he is discovered by a homeless woman. His first response is fear and distrust. After she fixes his skateboard, they begin to have a conversation and his eyes are opened to learning her backstory, giving him a whole new way of looking at people who are unhoused and under privileged. The film reminds us of the many prejudices that privileged people have about people who are different from them, including people who are homeless. The filmmaker brings her own personal experience to this film and gives us an opportunity to observe this homeless woman in an open way. Their conversation uncovers similarities that they have with each other and humanizes her and the unhoused community. This is well produced with good camera work and good audio recording. The ending is a bit confusing.

It's message is about letting go of some of our prejudices about those who are different from us.

I give No Place Is Home 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 20 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Cinda Real 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the animated film Cinda Real, because it addresses diversity and overcoming physical challenges. It's a loveable take on the classic Cinderella story.

The story follows Cinda, who has one leg, but it does not stop her from her love of dance. Because of her disability her step-mother and step-sisters are cruel to her and deny her a ticket to the Prince's Ball. With the help of a kindly old woman and some forest animals she is able to attend the Ball where she just wants to dance and be her true self.

This is a familiar story with a beautiful new twist and a sweet reminder to celebrate our differences. This film was developed and executed through contributions from both children and adults. It is super cute seeing all the forest animals helping Cinda. I especially like the joy they bring when she is able to attend the Ball. The animation is stunningly beautiful; the characters and scenes are beautifully drawn in gorgeous, vibrant colors. The main characters and scenery are created in an artistic hand-drawn fashion -- like colorful sketching. The secondary characters and background scenes are simple in muted tones of gray. The scenery places the characters in familiar backgrounds including a cottage kitchen, a fairytale forest and a Princely Castle; they transport you along with the characters in a very pretty way. I like that the background music and sounds are subtle; the sound effects of the animal chitter-chatter is expressive without being too literal. The film is from Slovenia with dialogue in Croatian, English, French and Slovenian. It is subtitled in English.

Cinda goes from being a lonely character content with dancing by herself, to a very motivated person set to change herself to fit in as she discovers her true self and passion for what makes her special and happiest. Cinda's graceful dance movements dancing are particularly well done. I love the scene where Cinda makes pancakes for her step-family; she turns a mundane task into an opportunity to dance and express her inner joy.

The film's message is that if you are passionate about doing something you can make it happen.

I give Cinda Real 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 17 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Pam L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is an amazing and moving film about being a child in Ukraine in 2022. It is in the native language of Ukraine with English subtitles. The stream of consciousness film gave me the opportunity to get inside of the heads of Ukrainian people and understand more about what it must be like to experience war first hand.

The filmmaker, and star of the film, is a 12-year-old child who explores the thoughts of 15 people, from ages 8 to 62, as they go through their daily lives in Ukraine. She uses interpretive dance to move around Kiev and the Brovary suburb of Kiev. The thoughts range from what to buy in the supermarket, to how to get money, and whether the children will be able to play sports.

The story is masterfully told through the voice of the filmmaker as she moves around the city. As she reads the various thoughts of Ukrainian citizens, she simultaneously does interpretive dancing to classical music to illustrate the story. The cinematography is awesome. The camera captures not only what Kiev and Brovary currently look like; it also captures the emotions of the girl as she moves about the cities. The beauty of the cities and the corresponding impact of the war is skillfully captured. The film is set in Kiev and the Brovary suburb of Kiev. The extreme beauty of both cities stand out. Beautiful and moving classical music accompanies the child's narrative. It perfectly illustrates the range of emotions a child feels and serves as the background to her interpretive dancing. The primary character is the amazing young filmmaker. She shows a wide range of emotions both in her facial expressions and in her dancing. She is extremely talented and perfect for the role. My favorite part of the film is when she dances across a green field in front of a school. The vibrant colors of the scene are beautiful along with her dancing.

The film's message is that there are more similarities between Americans and Ukrainians than there are differences. A few bombed out buildings are shown in the background including a plant for the production of ordinary household vacuum cleaners and a nearby business center. There are no actual bombings, bodies or other violence shown in the film.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Pam L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The blue-footed boobies of the Galapagos Islands have a rule that only males with blue feet can be popular. After being rejected in a courtship dance by his favorite female, the protagonist sets out on a quest to find "blue sneakers" in Tokyo, across the sea.

Wow! Bright colors and wonderful, percussive background music. I love the animation of this film. It completely wakes you up. And the storyline is adorable. Poor little Blue-Footed Bobby's feet are not true blue, so he takes off to Tokyo to find himself a pair of blue sneakers so he can capture the heart of his beloved. And yup, he finds a dandy pair, buys them and struts out of the store. A trickster crow connives to get the sneakers from him and he ends up back in the Galapagos without his sneakers, but with a big bouquet of blue flowers, which his girlfriend adores. This is absolutely adorable and fun.

The film's message is about being true to yourself. You don't need to hunt down the perfect footwear to impress your beloved.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Buckets City 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Buckets City is really a terrific film with great animation and a good message. The storyline about the rivalry between the two bullies and Duckhammer and Kid Squirl is very engaging and relatable. The quality of the animation is good and adds just enough details to catch the viewer's attention.

Protagonists Duckhammer (a duck) and Kid Squirl (a squirrel) compete in a game of basketball with bullies. Years later, the two of them learn new moves and decide to do a rematch against the bullies.

This film will captivate the audience's attention with its entertaining storyline and terrific animation. I like how the storyline doesn't shift from the goal of the main characters' dilemma over a basketball game against bullies and trying to impress others. It starts with the bullies defeating the protagonists and ends with the protagonists winning a game. The animation is mostly smooth and showcases some details in both the settings and characters. The action of the characters is really outstanding. Each character has distinguishing details that define their personalities. Kid Squirl and Duckhammer are always in workout clothes. They are friends and constantly are sort of nagging each other, in a friendly way. There are times when the basketball game is being introduced where the animation for the animals shifts to images of realistic animals and words added on screen. I like this and found it very creative. I also like the details of the city setting showing the buildings and various activities in the background. The characters wear clothes that fit their personalities. For example, Duckhammer is sporty and wears athletic clothes and an athletic headband. Claire wears a skirt and top that makes her seem girlish, although she is also actually sporty, too, which adds a surprise to the story. The interior of the house, after years have passed, shows how it has aged. The deterioration of the couch makes it seem like time has definitely passed. The neighborhood changing to a big city also shows how time has passed. Some of the city details in the background are interesting. For instance, there are different shops and characters doing different things. During the basketball matches the music is upbeat which builds suspense and excitement during the game. There are also sound effects added at different times, such as in the city when they are walking. The sounds reflect those you might hear in a city such as a traffic signal and someone skateboarding. The detailed sound effects in the basketball game and in the city stand out and add interest to the film. The main characters are Duckhammer (Kyle Branton Ross) and Kid Squirl (Dave Quion). The bullies are Rhinokill (Desnar Pandiangan) and Geksniper (Kyle Blanton Ross). Claire (Jana Joy Quion) is a squirrel that Kid Squirl likes. All the voice actors match their individual characters quite well. Dave Quion is the director, writer, animator and background artist, in addition to voicing Kid Squirl. Kyle Blanton Ross did the sound and music effects recording, in addition to voicing Duckhammer. The film's message about perseverance and believing in yourself is intriguing. The twist at the end is also a highlight of the film. My favorite part of the film is when Duckhammer and Kid Squirl reveal that they had tricked the bullies into believing that they were too full to play well in the basketball game.

The film's message is that with perseverance, hard work and teamwork, you can achieve your goals. A second message is that you don't need to impress others with fancy things for them to like you, just be yourself.

I give Buckets City 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO