AUSTIN GEIGER Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Do you know what an Alpaca is? Imagine a smaller, more delicate camelid than a llama, with a fleece that feels like a cloud. Alpacas are known for their elegant appearance, characterized by their long necks and soft, expressive eyes. Unlike llamas, which were primarily used as pack animals, alpacas were historically prized for their fiber, which is hypoallergenic, naturally water-resistant, and comes in an array of beautiful shades. They are generally social animals, often kept in herds, and communicate through soft humming sounds. Let's explore the distinct characteristics that set alpacas apart. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a delightful short documentary about alpacas. I was surprised to learn many things about these animals that I never knew before. This student made film, by sixth grader Austin Geiger, is well producer with clear video and audio and terrific editing. Kudos to Austin for his excellent work. I particularly enjoyed listening to the different experts lending information about the alpacas and, of course, meeting the alpacas themselves. They are so cute! The film's message is informational - teaching us all about alpacas. I give this Alpacas 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This student made film, by sixth grader Austin Geiger, is well producer with clear video and audio and terrific editing. Kudos to Austin for his excellent work. I particularly enjoyed listening to the different experts lending information about the alpacas and, of course, meeting the alpacas themselves. They are so cute! The film's message is informational - teaching us all about alpacas. I give this Alpacas 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
RITIKA BHANTIA Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - In the small Himalayan village of Halduwala, near Dehradun, Basanti (59) runs a tailoring shop with her young granddaughter, Ginny (9). When Anupama (39), a newcomer to the village, requests Basanti to repurpose old clothes into cushion covers, bed sheets, and bags, Ginny becomes attached to a t-shirt designated for recycling. As Basanti teaches Ginny about the importance of honoring commitments and recycling, she discovers that the t-shirt belongs to Anupama's son and is his favorite. Struggling to balance her love for her granddaughter with her promise to Anupama, Basanti must find a way to resolve the situation that respects both her familial bond and her commitment to sustainability. From India; dialogue in Hindi, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Basanti Tailors is really entertaining. I really enjoyed how the grandma found a solution to make both people happy. The story begins with a little boy explaining what ego and waste management are. Then a grandma that sews old clothes into new things makes some items for the boy's mom. The grandma's niece steals a shirt that she really likes, but the grandma finds out and takes it back. The girl is mad but the grandma finds a solution. This is from India, with dialogue in both English and Hindi, and English subtitles as needed. The story flows well and makes a lot of sense. I like how the girl changes the most. At first she is mad at her grandma because she would not allow her to do anything, but in the end she is happy. I was empathetic with the girl because she really liked the shirt but she could not have it because it didn't belong to her. But, grandma finds a solution. The images are very clear and easy to identify. As a live action film it is very realistic and kid friendly. It invites the viewer to problem solve, especially the girl's conflict with wanting something she can't have. We observe grandma's problem solving solution as she makes both people happy. It teaches us a bit about Halduwala culture and the importance of recycling as a way to protect the environment. The film's message is about the importance of taking care of the environment and how recycling helps do that. I give Basanti Tailors 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST! The story begins with a little boy explaining what ego and waste management are. Then a grandma that sews old clothes into new things makes some items for the boy's mom. The grandma's niece steals a shirt that she really likes, but the grandma finds out and takes it back. The girl is mad but the grandma finds a solution. This is from India, with dialogue in both English and Hindi, and English subtitles as needed. The story flows well and makes a lot of sense. I like how the girl changes the most. At first she is mad at her grandma because she would not allow her to do anything, but in the end she is happy. I was empathetic with the girl because she really liked the shirt but she could not have it because it didn't belong to her. But, grandma finds a solution. The images are very clear and easy to identify. As a live action film it is very realistic and kid friendly. It invites the viewer to problem solve, especially the girl's conflict with wanting something she can't have. We observe grandma's problem solving solution as she makes both people happy. It teaches us a bit about Halduwala culture and the importance of recycling as a way to protect the environment. The film's message is about the importance of taking care of the environment and how recycling helps do that. I give Basanti Tailors 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
COREY AND LIVIA BEASLEY Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Description - Get ready to clap back at climate change! ? "Clap Song (Earth is Home)" turns everyday eco-action into an irresistible anthem, inspired by the viral Cups beat. Join three friends as they ditch the overheated frustration and embrace biking, local shopping, green energy, and spreading the word! This catchy tune will have you making a difference with every step. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Okay, I officially have to say that this is absolutely my favorite film I have watched this week! It is so positive; so fun; educational without hitting you over the head -- and the cast of three girls are absolutely adorable. The film follows three girls - tweens or young teens - who turn up at their soccer field, ready to practice only to learn that practice has been cancelled due to the "too hot" weather. "Not again," one says. That results in their turn heading over to the playground and beginning a "clap song" that takes them into a montage of activities while embracing healthy lifestyle activities like biking, riding scooters, shopping locally with reusable shopping bags, recycling, as they engage other kids and adults in the joy and spread the word. The production values of this short film are just terrific, from the cast to the locations. The camera work is great and the editing is even better. The song that accompanies it becomes its own character and, together with the clapping, creates an upbeat pace that moves the film along quickly and smoothly. I love the variety of activities shown - from riding scooters to dropping off a book at the local mini library -- and the easy interaction between the main characters and their friends, young and old. The film's message is about taking care of Planet Earth, our home. Turn something negative into something positive and support a healthy lifestyle. Kudos to Livia and Corey Beasley for creating such an upbeat, informative film. And to Otto Gross for producing the music, featuring the voice talent of Jayna Gross and Livia Beasley. I give "Clap Song (Earth is Home)" 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This truly is a film suitable for multiple ages. By Julia S., KIDS FIRST! The film follows three girls - tweens or young teens - who turn up at their soccer field, ready to practice only to learn that practice has been cancelled due to the "too hot" weather. "Not again," one says. That results in their turn heading over to the playground and beginning a "clap song" that takes them into a montage of activities while embracing healthy lifestyle activities like biking, riding scooters, shopping locally with reusable shopping bags, recycling, as they engage other kids and adults in the joy and spread the word. The production values of this short film are just terrific, from the cast to the locations. The camera work is great and the editing is even better. The song that accompanies it becomes its own character and, together with the clapping, creates an upbeat pace that moves the film along quickly and smoothly. I love the variety of activities shown - from riding scooters to dropping off a book at the local mini library -- and the easy interaction between the main characters and their friends, young and old. The film's message is about taking care of Planet Earth, our home. Turn something negative into something positive and support a healthy lifestyle. Kudos to Livia and Corey Beasley for creating such an upbeat, informative film. And to Otto Gross for producing the music, featuring the voice talent of Jayna Gross and Livia Beasley. I give "Clap Song (Earth is Home)" 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This truly is a film suitable for multiple ages. By Julia S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MEHDI MAHAEI Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Description - Ballerina is the story of an 8-year-old girl who is about to have a dance performance but due to the Iranian rules, her father and other men are prohibited to watch the ballet... it is vital for Mana, the ballerina, to have her father watch her cause she has lost her mother... the ballet starts and children bloke on the stage but they see no men between spectators... Mana refuses to start the dance and unites with other children to go outside to perform for her father... it is a portrayal of a united civil protest. Runtime: 11 minutes KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() IMAX FILMS Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - Explores the work of scientists and bioengineers who are behind groundbreaking medical innovations, such as CAR T-cell immunotherapy and the inner workings of the human body for treating blood cancers like leukemia. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - It's difficult for me to express how much I enjoyed Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels. It is very moving. I feel the impact on my heart, my brain, and my humanity. It is an experience like no other film I have ever seen. While not too technical, it is educational, informative, and heartwarming. This film shares three amazing stories about the indomitable spirit of human nature. We are introduced to three people who, with science, technology, love, and strength, have overcome what was previously considered impossible odds. We are introduced to a nurse who travels the world with a heart given to him through scientific technology. He uses his heart, metaphorically and literally, to climb mountains and help the blind see. Next, we meet a man, his wife, and his young son who, after losing his leg, finds the strength to continue to build a community and not give up. Last, we meet a young woman who, as a child, benefited from immunotherapy technology that allowed her to live cancer free, going against the usual path of remission. This film touched my heart in a way that no other has. It put me through waves of emotions - even making me cry at some points. This title is often held loosely and, in my opinion, this is the best movie of the year. Each story warmed my heart more than the next. It truly made me see how all the scientific advancements that humanity has made over the years have impacted our health care. Produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films, known for their extraordinary documentaries, Superhuman body: World of Medical Marvels is superbly made and one of the most inspiring I have ever watched; it truly encourages you to enter the vast world of science. My favorite part of this film is learning about a girl who is diagnosed with leukemia, is cured by the invention of T-cell immunotherapy and able to continue her life. The film's lesson is that, with the power of science, anything is possible. It also reminds us that the scientific world grows with each passing moment, so no matter how you're held back, there's always a way in science to move you forward. I give Superhuman Body: World Of Medical Marvels 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available at the California Science Center and other select theaters now. By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
ALI STIEFEL Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Two children, Lindy and Clay, find a closet of musical instruments that play themselves taken them back in time to meet icons of music history. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling is a thoughtfully made short film that music aficionados will particularly enjoy, and it will also appeal to children that are curious about the history of music. The story follows two children, Lindy and Clay, who escape the eyes of their school principal by hiding in a closet only to discover a flute that plays itself and mysteriously takes them back in time to meet none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his colleague, the renowned flutist Johann Baptist Wendling. This short film is the beginning of a series of films built around historical musical figures. As much as I found this film enjoyable, some things bothered me, such as the time travel aspect. The kids go back in time to the late 1700s and are hardly ruffled by the experience. They land in the middle of a practice session with Mozart and Wendling who are hardly affected by their arrival. That just doesn't quite make sense because this would be a very big deal for all the parties in the room. Putting that aside, they begin to engage in a discussion of music, which is the best part of this film. This short film is well made; you can see that the director and writer did their homework as everything appears to be pretty authentic. The camera work, audio recording and editing are spot on - nothing spectacular but very serviceable. I did find the audio level a bit low and had to turn the volume up as high as it could go in order to hear the dialogue. At times the background music overpowers it. I particularly enjoyed the set design which gives a good vibe of the time period, and the costumes for Mozart and Wendling are definitely a highlight. The background music is outstanding - I especially like how it continues at the end, even after the credits. The acting is all pretty good. The kids are terrific and the two musicians are well cast - their portrayals of the four characters definitely engage you in the story. There is some humor, such as when Clay talks about dead people and Mozart replies, "I'm not dead yet." The film's message is about the origins of music and the influence of musicians historically. I give The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows two children, Lindy and Clay, who escape the eyes of their school principal by hiding in a closet only to discover a flute that plays itself and mysteriously takes them back in time to meet none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his colleague, the renowned flutist Johann Baptist Wendling. This short film is the beginning of a series of films built around historical musical figures. As much as I found this film enjoyable, some things bothered me, such as the time travel aspect. The kids go back in time to the late 1700s and are hardly ruffled by the experience. They land in the middle of a practice session with Mozart and Wendling who are hardly affected by their arrival. That just doesn't quite make sense because this would be a very big deal for all the parties in the room. Putting that aside, they begin to engage in a discussion of music, which is the best part of this film. This short film is well made; you can see that the director and writer did their homework as everything appears to be pretty authentic. The camera work, audio recording and editing are spot on - nothing spectacular but very serviceable. I did find the audio level a bit low and had to turn the volume up as high as it could go in order to hear the dialogue. At times the background music overpowers it. I particularly enjoyed the set design which gives a good vibe of the time period, and the costumes for Mozart and Wendling are definitely a highlight. The background music is outstanding - I especially like how it continues at the end, even after the credits. The acting is all pretty good. The kids are terrific and the two musicians are well cast - their portrayals of the four characters definitely engage you in the story. There is some humor, such as when Clay talks about dead people and Mozart replies, "I'm not dead yet." The film's message is about the origins of music and the influence of musicians historically. I give The Adventure of Music: EP1 The Sound of Feeling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
STEPHEN LANZA Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Boog and Shoog are two six-year-old best friends who meet the bizarre townsfolk on their quest to find the owner of a missing balloon. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a quirky and fun short film that is suitable for younger kids. The Muppet like characters are adorable. The story follows two young friends, Boog and Shoot, who find a terrific red balloon and go off to search for its owner. The production is well made, with good camera work, audio recording, editing and acting. I especially like the two main characters, Boog and Shoog, who lead the story. Their authenticity in trying to be helpful shows great role modeling. The dialogue is cleverly written, with lots of humorous elements - such as naming a business Twin Leeks Balloon Repair and a sign on the wall of a safety-pin with a line through it to indicate no safety pins allowed here. It involves a bit of problem-solving, which involves the audience. Some of the characters are oversized letters with lips that move when they speak. Ultimate the owner of the balloon is discovered and it's a fun plot twist. The film's message is about friendship and having an adventure with your BFF. I give Boog 'n Shoog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows two young friends, Boog and Shoot, who find a terrific red balloon and go off to search for its owner. The production is well made, with good camera work, audio recording, editing and acting. I especially like the two main characters, Boog and Shoog, who lead the story. Their authenticity in trying to be helpful shows great role modeling. The dialogue is cleverly written, with lots of humorous elements - such as naming a business Twin Leeks Balloon Repair and a sign on the wall of a safety-pin with a line through it to indicate no safety pins allowed here. It involves a bit of problem-solving, which involves the audience. Some of the characters are oversized letters with lips that move when they speak. Ultimate the owner of the balloon is discovered and it's a fun plot twist. The film's message is about friendship and having an adventure with your BFF. I give Boog 'n Shoog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
![]() DISNEY+ Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip�follows 11-year-old Alexander and his family as they embark on a dream Spring Break vacation to Mexico City only to have all their plans go terribly wrong when they discover a cursed idol. The family is put to the test until they resolve to return the idol to its rightful home.� KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip is an exciting roller coaster ride of life's ups and downs. It has everything from exploding ice cream trucks to even an evil spirit. I love how the family in this story never gives up; even if things get terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad. This movie tells about the disastrous vacation of a Mexican American family that has lost touch with their roots. Alexander (Thom Nemer) is a very unlucky 11-year old who is terrified to learn that his heritage involves a cursed idol. He becomes determined to turn his bad luck around by returning the idol to its rightful home. Unfortunately, this means taking an eventful road trip to Mexico City with his family that will leave a lasting impression on not only Alexander's family, but everyone they encounter. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip is full of belly laughs. I especially love how the family struggles to hold onto a vehicle. They start their trip with a fancy, high end RV and conclude their trip stranded and hanging on by a thread. It is also clever how the movie adds tiny comedic moments to every scene. One instance of this is when the family has to change clothes due to a very stinky chance meeting with a skunk. It is entertaining to try to read the T-shirts they are forced to change into. My favorite is the shirt that Grandma Lidia (Rose Portillo) has to wear which says, "Britney Spears Changed My Life." Another memorable moment is the interaction with the shop clerk, Claudio (Harvey Guillen). His reaction to the cursed idol was priceless and cracked me up. He is so dramatic and colorful. Everything he does is amusing, from putting on gloves to touch the idol to purifying the negative energy with sage once the idol leaves. He really adds some flare to the show. The film's message is that if bad luck is all you look for, then you'll definitely find it - a positive mindset is everything. It also shows the importance of appreciating your heritage. This show is family friendly, but be aware there are some dangerous stunts and some bad language. I give Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It began streaming on Disney+ on Friday, March 28, 2025. By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 The book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was released in 1972 and in 2014, was adapted into a film, starring Jennifer Garner and Dylan Minette. Now, 11 years later, this sequel is being released and unfortunately, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip doesn't quite have the magic that made us love the original so much. Misfortune follows Alexander (Thom Nemer) wherever he goes - he was just born unlucky. When his mother Val (Eva Longoria), a magazine travel writer, gets a new assignment -- driving a state-of-the-art RV to Mexico -- and turns it into a family road trip, Alexander is absolutely convinced something will go wrong. The way he sees it, if he's going, how could something not? The night before the family is set to leave, Alexander finds an old idol in the attic that belonged to his great great grandfather. Alexander's grandfather Gil (Cheech Marin) tells the whole family the story of how the idol originally gave good luck but when it wasn't returned, that luck turned rotten. Alexander decides to take the idol along with them because perhaps it is what is causing the bad luck of the family instead of him and they could return the idol to Mexico. I love seeing how Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day evolved to a whole series. I grew up with the original book and I watched the 2014 movie when I was younger and I was very excited to see this sequel. I also really like that they made the family Latinx this time. It gives the story a fresh face and lets viewers learn about other cultures, in this case the Garcia family is also Mexican. A huge part of the movie is the family connecting to their roots and even the actors have commented on how the film affected them in that way. On the other hand, one of the problems with the film is that it doesn't directly remind you of the book it's based on. Fans of the book know that Alexander's whole deal is that he was born unlucky and that his misfortunes, more often than not, bleed over to his family. The film doesn't address this and assumes audiences either know it or leaves it for them to figure it out. One of the first depictions of "bad luck" in the film is when Alexander's sister Mia (Paulina Chavez) backs into a fire hydrant while scrolling on her phone with Alexander in the passenger seat. Both Mia and Alexander blame Alexander and his luck, although it seems unrealistic to blame this incident on Alexander's bad luck. A family road trip where just about everything goes wrong is not a new concept. Less than ten minutes in, I was reminded of the film, RV. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip is predictable and there's nothing unique about it. At the same time, it is a fun watch and, while the comedy falls flat here and there, it is a funny film. The film's message is about luck. The movie naturally made me think about the nature of luck. There are people that believe in karma; people that believe in fate and destiny; people that believe luck is complete chance...and so on. I give Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12 plus families. It releases exclusively on Disney+ on March 28, 2025. By Alma K, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
FIONA TINWEI LAM Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - "Plasticnic" is an animated short poem that wryly depicts the extent and impact of the accumulation of plastic in the environment as people ceaselessly continue to purchase, use and discard single-use plastics. We seek out and enjoy nature while simultaneously destroying it. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Perfect film to play at our festivals looking at the dangers to the environment from the overuse of plastic. This animated short shows the effects of plastic in our lives by creating a Mandela of plastic articles used in our homes, our lives, our kitchens. At the end, it shows the negative impact on our environment from all this plastic. This is a cleverly created short animated film that slowly builds a Mandela made of bits of plastic items common to everyday lives. The narration enhances the impact of the film, reminding us of where these things come from and how they are so prolific in their use across the world. The film's message is about the overuse of plastic in our lives. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to12. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This animated short shows the effects of plastic in our lives by creating a Mandela of plastic articles used in our homes, our lives, our kitchens. At the end, it shows the negative impact on our environment from all this plastic. This is a cleverly created short animated film that slowly builds a Mandela made of bits of plastic items common to everyday lives. The narration enhances the impact of the film, reminding us of where these things come from and how they are so prolific in their use across the world. The film's message is about the overuse of plastic in our lives. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to12. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
FIONA TINWEI LAM Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A short animated poetry video based on a poem about a lost and hidden stream that was part of a former network of waterways. By Quinn Kelly and Fiona Tinwei Lam. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I found this short video very calming and provocative. This animated short is a visual collage of images accentuated by a poem about a waterway that used to be and background sounds of water playing in a stream. The soft colors of the film capture the essence of water in a constantly changing way. Water is always changing, from moment to moment. This waterway apparently has become lost in time but was once part of a bigger network of waterways. It reminds us that life is change. The narrator's voice as she reveals the poem is soft and alert. The film's message is about change, like a flowing river. I give Lost Stream 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sarah F., KIDS FIRST! This animated short is a visual collage of images accentuated by a poem about a waterway that used to be and background sounds of water playing in a stream. The soft colors of the film capture the essence of water in a constantly changing way. Water is always changing, from moment to moment. This waterway apparently has become lost in time but was once part of a bigger network of waterways. It reminds us that life is change. The narrator's voice as she reveals the poem is soft and alert. The film's message is about change, like a flowing river. I give Lost Stream 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sarah F., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
NIRMALYA GHOSH Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 2-12 Topic - Family Description - A river symbolizes life, moving at its own pace, full of vitality. One such river, Torsha, is a prime river in the north of the West Bengal state in India and moves to Bangladesh. Our story revolves around the lives of fishermen in a slum adjacent to the banks of Torsha. A big blow is dealt to the slum residents when a government directive, by the order of the District Magistrate arrives, asking them to vacate the slum built over Government land. They worry that this would mean losing their jobs. That is when the namesake Torsha, the little daughter of the District Magistrate comes to the fishermen's rescue. "Torsha Ekti Nadir Naam" is a story of childhood simplicity that sees beyond discrimination of caste, creed or religion. Our world may be fragmented in 'classes', that confine children to their societal circles. But this film urges viewers to see the world through children's eyes. Children in the movie through their playfulness, thinking, and activities can help the viewers to win over their inner conflicts for a peaceful living in the world. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Torsha - The Name Of A River is an inspiring story about standing up for the disenfranchised. It is beautifully filmed and performed. This feature length film tells the story of a young girl, Torsha, who comes from a privileged family, befriends a group of underprivileged children who live in a slum built on government land. Their community takes her in as one of their own. When the government makes a move to destroy their homes and kick them out, Torsha appeals to her dad, the District Magistrate, to stop the catastrophe and save their community. This is a beautifully made film, with terrific camera work, audio recording, editing, and acting. The girl, Torsha, is named after the prime river that runs through the West Bengal state and symbolizes support for its people. She lives up to her name by befriending children from the slums when the children from her own school won't play with her. She finds a new loving community there and discovers the extent to which poverty affects their lives - taking on teaching them how to read and write. Her father is an honorable man, and one inclined to fairness, rather than following political mandates. When he learns from her that her friends' houses will be demolished, things begin to change. The film's message is about loving our neighbors and making things fair when they are not. I give Torsha - The Name Of A River 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. However, I have one issue with it. There appears to be an ad at the beginning of this film, about smoking and cancer. This needs to be eliminated for the festival version. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This feature length film tells the story of a young girl, Torsha, who comes from a privileged family, befriends a group of underprivileged children who live in a slum built on government land. Their community takes her in as one of their own. When the government makes a move to destroy their homes and kick them out, Torsha appeals to her dad, the District Magistrate, to stop the catastrophe and save their community. This is a beautifully made film, with terrific camera work, audio recording, editing, and acting. The girl, Torsha, is named after the prime river that runs through the West Bengal state and symbolizes support for its people. She lives up to her name by befriending children from the slums when the children from her own school won't play with her. She finds a new loving community there and discovers the extent to which poverty affects their lives - taking on teaching them how to read and write. Her father is an honorable man, and one inclined to fairness, rather than following political mandates. When he learns from her that her friends' houses will be demolished, things begin to change. The film's message is about loving our neighbors and making things fair when they are not. I give Torsha - The Name Of A River 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. However, I have one issue with it. There appears to be an ad at the beginning of this film, about smoking and cancer. This needs to be eliminated for the festival version. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
DOHA FILM INSTITUTE Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 2-5 Topic - Family Description - An introverted Qatari girl ventures into a wild valley, risking her life to reclaim her precious necklace from a mischievous parrot. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely film Above the Tamarind Tree is. I enjoyed the story, particularly the resolution. It's enjoyable to watch and suitable for younger children as well as older ones. The story follows a young girl from Qatar whose precious necklace is stolen by a mischievous parrot. She chases the bird into the wilds, and up a tree trying to recover her beloved possession. An introverted Qatari girl ventures into a wild valley, risking her life to reclaim her precious necklace from a mischievous parrot. I really love the animation in this film. The characters are quite adorable, especially the little girl, but the parrot is full of personality also. When it grabs her necklace from around her neck, the girl has no choice but to go after it and we watch her travel through forest areas and streams only to discover that the bird has taken her necklace high up in a gigantic tree. I love the colors of the film, there is no dialogue, but the pictures tell the entire story. The girl climbing the tree is perhaps something that kids might try to replicate but, let's hope they realize it's a fantasy. When she finally rescues the necklace it is broken and she cries. The bird realizes that it has made a mistake and brings her something to replace it, then rubs its head against hers in an effort to apologize. She climbs to the top of the tree and sees the how beautiful the world from up there. The bird sees the beach, flies down to the beach, the girl follows, and they find a pearl in a shell to replace her previous shell pendant in the necklace. The moral of the story is that things aren't always as they seem and sometimes a mix-up can lead to something even better. I give Above the Tamarind Tree 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a young girl from Qatar whose precious necklace is stolen by a mischievous parrot. She chases the bird into the wilds, and up a tree trying to recover her beloved possession. An introverted Qatari girl ventures into a wild valley, risking her life to reclaim her precious necklace from a mischievous parrot. I really love the animation in this film. The characters are quite adorable, especially the little girl, but the parrot is full of personality also. When it grabs her necklace from around her neck, the girl has no choice but to go after it and we watch her travel through forest areas and streams only to discover that the bird has taken her necklace high up in a gigantic tree. I love the colors of the film, there is no dialogue, but the pictures tell the entire story. The girl climbing the tree is perhaps something that kids might try to replicate but, let's hope they realize it's a fantasy. When she finally rescues the necklace it is broken and she cries. The bird realizes that it has made a mistake and brings her something to replace it, then rubs its head against hers in an effort to apologize. She climbs to the top of the tree and sees the how beautiful the world from up there. The bird sees the beach, flies down to the beach, the girl follows, and they find a pearl in a shell to replace her previous shell pendant in the necklace. The moral of the story is that things aren't always as they seem and sometimes a mix-up can lead to something even better. I give Above the Tamarind Tree 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
FIONA TINWEI LAM Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A short poetry film about Vancouver's first Chinese Canadian teacher hired by the Vancouver School Board in 1950 who played a role in desegregating a local public pool. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is an impactful film about something that I knew nothing about - desegregation in Canada. The production quality is acceptable and tells the story in a direct way. The short film, created by a group of students, tells the story about a public pool in Vancouver, BC that was desegregated in 1945 to allow Blacks and Asians access. The archival images tell the story along with its narration, based on a poem created from work by 27 fourth and fifth grade students. Its message about desegregation is poignant and relatable, especially in the moment of time we are living in now. The production values are serviceable - not great - but they do get the job done. The film's message is about the history of segregation in Canada in the mid 1900s. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST The short film, created by a group of students, tells the story about a public pool in Vancouver, BC that was desegregated in 1945 to allow Blacks and Asians access. The archival images tell the story along with its narration, based on a poem created from work by 27 fourth and fifth grade students. Its message about desegregation is poignant and relatable, especially in the moment of time we are living in now. The production values are serviceable - not great - but they do get the job done. The film's message is about the history of segregation in Canada in the mid 1900s. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
PROIMAGENES COLOMBIA Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Pablo (10) needs to rescue his friend Pascualina, a laying hen, who ends up kidnapped by the town shopkeeper, after the boy breaks the bucket of eggs he was carrying to pay him a debt owed by his family. The only option is to bet a new bucket in a spinning top duel with Felipe and although the game is in Pablo's favor, Felipe's sister prevents the prize from being awarded, but all the children empathize with Pablo thanks to the fact that they recognize the obstacles that have had when trying to overcome Don Chucho's harsh attitude. Now, it is the union of all the children that allows Pascualina to be rescued. Finally, Pablo learns the importance of teamwork. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a charming film taking place in a small rural community where eggs are the bartering vehicle. The storyline follows a young boy, Pablo, who cares deeply for his hen, Pascualina and collects her eggs daily to help his mother pay off a debt. Enroute with a basket full of eggs to pay Don Chucho, Pablo falls and all the eggs are smashed. Don Chucho holds Pascualina hostage until Pablo can replace the promised eggs. Dejected, Pablo comes across a group of kids and is challenged to a spinning top game, which he wins. Unfortunately, his prize -- a carton of eggs -- is withheld, but fortunately, the other kids rally to make up for the lost eggs, each donating two eggs until Pablo has enough to pay Don Chucho and rescue Pascualina. This is life in a simple village and a simple story of a boy, his hen, and the ups and downs of delivering eggs to pay the piper. It is told in a straightforward way, that brings out the beauty of the village and the interconnectedness of its residents. I commend writer / director Luber Yesid Zu�iga Ordo�ez for delivering a beautiful film. The camera work, the audio recording, the editing are all top notch. The cast is quite wonderful and believable. Young Thomas Ramirez Alvarado, who plays Pablo, definitely steals the show. But all of the secondary characters are equally well played. The film's message is about community and helping each other. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a young boy, Pablo, who cares deeply for his hen, Pascualina and collects her eggs daily to help his mother pay off a debt. Enroute with a basket full of eggs to pay Don Chucho, Pablo falls and all the eggs are smashed. Don Chucho holds Pascualina hostage until Pablo can replace the promised eggs. Dejected, Pablo comes across a group of kids and is challenged to a spinning top game, which he wins. Unfortunately, his prize -- a carton of eggs -- is withheld, but fortunately, the other kids rally to make up for the lost eggs, each donating two eggs until Pablo has enough to pay Don Chucho and rescue Pascualina. This is life in a simple village and a simple story of a boy, his hen, and the ups and downs of delivering eggs to pay the piper. It is told in a straightforward way, that brings out the beauty of the village and the interconnectedness of its residents. I commend writer / director Luber Yesid Zu�iga Ordo�ez for delivering a beautiful film. The camera work, the audio recording, the editing are all top notch. The cast is quite wonderful and believable. Young Thomas Ramirez Alvarado, who plays Pablo, definitely steals the show. But all of the secondary characters are equally well played. The film's message is about community and helping each other. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
AMIR ROOINI Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - In the world of children, minor changes cause them great anxiety. School is closed and all the children go home with their parents, but in the meantime, Hamid and Navid wait for their parents every day as usual. Hamid is more worried about this than Navid and blames his family for this. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Compassion. That's what this film shares with us in the way this young man is concerned for his school mate. The story follows two boys who are waiting after school for their parents to pick them up and apparently, it is not unusual for their parents to be late. The plot twist at the end is everything. This is a well-produced film that in 3 minutes makes a big statement about compassion and kindness. The camera work, audio recording, and editing are excellent. The two actors that portray the boys are typical of boys this age. The dialogue is in Persian with English subtitles. The best part is the end when we realize why one of the boys was waiting with the other and see his compassion and kindness as his motivation. The message is about taking care of others, even when it may take time away from other things. I give "Waiting" 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows two boys who are waiting after school for their parents to pick them up and apparently, it is not unusual for their parents to be late. The plot twist at the end is everything. This is a well-produced film that in 3 minutes makes a big statement about compassion and kindness. The camera work, audio recording, and editing are excellent. The two actors that portray the boys are typical of boys this age. The dialogue is in Persian with English subtitles. The best part is the end when we realize why one of the boys was waiting with the other and see his compassion and kindness as his motivation. The message is about taking care of others, even when it may take time away from other things. I give "Waiting" 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
BETH WICKMAN EKSTRAND Series: DOCUMENTARY SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - WHAT IN THE WORLD? is a family-friendly children's docu-series exploring science and engineering feats both inside (and out) of objects! Utilizing excerpts from popular "Jared Owen Animations" YouTube videos, each episode dives deep into one particular item, place or thing that kids will love learning about - some larger than life, and some even out of this world! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Who doesn't want to know how things work? This child-friendly short film delivers information in a way that school aged kids can absorb it and includes a group of kids that age who participate in the Q&A's during the presentation, making it easy to relate to. I like the way the show is formatted. There are two episodes presented here in this 16-minute clip, each running about 8 minutes. It's short, sweet, and to the point. In the first episode we learn how a VCR works. I questioned why that the focal point since VCRs are pretty much antiques in today's media landscape, but nonetheless, that's the starting point. The other episode is about the White House and what happens in the different floors and wings of this all important building. Did I learn some new things? Yup, I definitely did, in both segments. I probably wouldn't start with the VCR segment since most kids have no idea what a VCR is. They have moved on to DVDs and digital programming. But hey, I'm not the producer here and I love learning information, even if it's somewhat antiquated. The film's message is all about learning how different things work. I give What in the World? 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-12 plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! I like the way the show is formatted. There are two episodes presented here in this 16-minute clip, each running about 8 minutes. It's short, sweet, and to the point. In the first episode we learn how a VCR works. I questioned why that the focal point since VCRs are pretty much antiques in today's media landscape, but nonetheless, that's the starting point. The other episode is about the White House and what happens in the different floors and wings of this all important building. Did I learn some new things? Yup, I definitely did, in both segments. I probably wouldn't start with the VCR segment since most kids have no idea what a VCR is. They have moved on to DVDs and digital programming. But hey, I'm not the producer here and I love learning information, even if it's somewhat antiquated. The film's message is all about learning how different things work. I give What in the World? 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-12 plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
JULIE ANNE BURCH Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 2-5 Topic - Family Description - Tiny Teaching Tales bring us a world of wisdom where parents and little ones can learn about love, acceptance, friendship and so much more through the power of wonder and imagination....stories of wisdom...for us all. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - coming soon Runtime: 7 minutes KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() APPLE TV Series: TV SERIES, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Jane is a 9-year-old budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. Using her powerful imagination, Jane takes her best friends David and Greybeard the chimpanzee on epic adventures to help protect wild animals all around the world because, according to her idol Dr. Jane Goodall: "only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved." KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the creativity of the TV series, Jane. It teaches kids about the importance of protecting our environment and puts a new twist on answering the question, "How are we going to save them?" Each episode features an animal and explains why it is important to the Earth. This show is about a girl named Jane (Ava Louise Murchison), who is passionate about saving endangered species and the environment. Her idol is famed animal rights activist, Jane Goodall, who helped ignite her passion for animals through a news broadcast. Jane loves that she shares the same name with Ms. Goodall, and she even names her stuffed chimpanzee, Greybeard, after one of the chimpanzees that Goodall observed in the wild. She works side-by-side with her best friend and neighbor, David (Mason Blomberg), to determine the best way to learn more about each episode's featured creature. Jane believes that knowledge is important, because if you do not know about an animal, how can you help them? Each episode takes the viewer through a colorful and imaginative journey to save each animal and the planet. Jane was so much fun to watch. The characters' use of their imagination is impressive. I love how no place was off-limits for creativity. Jane and David use a shopping cart and a shopping basket during a grocery store visit to represent cages. In their minds, they are working together to tag a shark in the ocean for research. They even play pretend in the principal's office, when they got into trouble for protecting a beehive. The principal leaves, and they immediately jump into their make-believe bee mobile to go "see" how they can solve the problem of the declining bee population. The computer generated animals are entertaining to watch. Jane and David interact with them as if they are real. Jane never has a dull moment, and the viewer is consistently learning new things every second of the show. The show's message is that people must speak out for those that can't speak for themselves. Animals are becoming endangered and / or extinct, because no one is taking care of them. It is important to learn about all of the Earth's creatures, otherwise, the results will be devastating. This show is very kid friendly and parents can feel comfortable letting their children watch this show. Jane: Season 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Season three premieres globally on Friday, April 18 on Apple TV+. By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
![]() APPLE TV Series: TV SHOW, AGES 5-8 Topic - Family Description - Be@Rbrick follows Jasmine Finch and her bandmates as they pursue their dreams and inspire others to do the same. But it won't be easy to do when living in a world where everyone's role is chosen for them and where the painted-on look you receive when you graduate from high school determines who you'll be for the rest of your life. Jasmine realizes that in order for her world to change, she and her friends will have to make it happen themselves. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really enjoyed the show Be@rbrick with its adorable animation, sophisticated concept, and great music. This show has such cohesive elements making it highly entertaining. The show features Jasmine Finch (Brianna Fynch) and her bandmates following their aspirations and encouraging the rest of town to do the same. However, in a society where everyone's career is chosen for them by being 'painted on' at high school graduation, it's a rough journey. Jasmine understands that she and her pals act on their own if they want to make a difference. This show truly surprised me. This is one of the few children's shows that has such advanced plot points - the concept is truly dystopian. The theme of standing up for your individuality provides an amazing example for kids. Not only does the show have great themes but the world building is unmatched. The town has beautiful color schemes and small details that really add to the story. For example, in episode two we find out that the local bakery only serves one cupcake flavor - vanilla. This small detail is perfectly placed and really expresses the reserved nature of the setting. Not only this, but the character design and costumes are outstanding. Each 'bear' is a different color and has a different hairstyle. One bear named Holly Honeywell (Skyla I'lece) has a beautiful golden color and sparkly red hair; the design is absolutely adorable and fits the show very well. Additionally the soundtrack of the show is exceptional. The songs have catchy tunes, thought provoking lines, and upbeat tempos. The song 'Rise Up' carries a beautiful message with a pop tune. One line is "forget what you've been told. Time to go big and bold." This line is extremely heartfelt and adds to making this show amazing. The show's message is that you should never hide your true colors. I give Be@rbrick 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. You can watch it on Apple TV now. By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
![]() WALT DISNEY STUDIOS Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Disney's Snow White is a 2025 live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, starring Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen. The magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy. Princess Snow White joins forces with the Seven Dwarfs to liberate her kingdom from her cruel stepmother, the Evil Queen. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Snow White is a beautiful retelling of a classic film. It has catchy music and amazing acting, while also presenting an incredibly creative story. An amazingly talented cast and gorgeous sets makes it feel truly magical. Based on the 1937 classic Disney animated film, the story follows Snow White (Rachel Zegler), a princess who was hidden away by her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), after her father left. After having enough of her stepmother, Snow White joins forces with seven dwarfs to bring her kingdom to peace once again while they help her take down the Evil Queen. The songs in this film, composed by Jeff Morrow, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are expertly crafted and catchy. Every song got stuck in my head until I heard the next one, and the incredible voice talent enhances them even more. My personal favorite has to be "Whistle While you Work" - Rachel Zegler's voice brings incredible energy and whimsy to the song, plus I love how the whistling is used in it. The sets and cinematography, directed by Mandy Walker, are also beautiful - the lighting stands out as it works perfectly and mixed with the magnificent sets creates a fantastic looking film. One shot I really love is when we first see the cottage in the forest. The costumes, designed by Sandy Powell, are also quite beautiful; however they don't all seem to go together. Each set of costumes feels like it was meant for a different time period, which feels a bit disconnected. I really like the Evil Queen's costumes; they're flawless and not only fit the kingdom, but also her character. The characters are really well scripted, and I love the actors for each of the key characters. I especially love Rachel Zegler's performance; the amount of emotion she shows brings so much life into her character and made me feel really sympathetic for her. This film had me enchanted the whole time through its story, songs and acting. The film's message is to follow your morals and beliefs, even if it may not present easy decisions. Be warned that there are intense scenes and blood shown at some points. I give Snow White 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to12. It releases in theaters March 21, 2025. By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 Disney's new live-action Snow White takes the beloved 1937 classic and gives it a fresh, modern twist. This enchanting film is a timeless tale that appeals to audiences of all ages, with its powerful message about teamwork, friendship, and fighting for what's right for both the kingdom and its people. Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is reimagined as a strong, independent young woman, reflecting today's spirit of girl power. This version of the character goes beyond the traditional princess, showing resilience and determination. The film also introduces a new love interest, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), a charming, Robin Hood-esque character, instead of the usual prince. Alongside the Seven Dwarfs and a group of courageous villagers, they unite to confront the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), whose ambition for wealth, power, and beauty drives her to darker lengths. This movie is pure magic, with moments that evoke the nostalgia of the animated classic and brought me to tears. The familiar songs, like "Heigh-Ho" and "Someday My Prince Will Come," were spot-on, and I found myself singing along to every song. One of my favorite moments is when the Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) chooses not to harm Snow White and instead urges her to flee into the forest. The scene where Snow White, lost and frightened, discovers a breathtaking sanctuary surrounded by incredible animals is truly unforgettable. At its heart, Snow White carries a message of kindness, compassion, and the importance of helping others. It reminds us that no matter where we come from or how much we have, the love and support of those around us is priceless--and it's something no one can ever take away. I give Snow White 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for all ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on March 21, 2025! By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13 Who doesn't love a fantasy film? One that takes us to an enchanting land we can only dream of? The long-awaited, live-action version of the classic fairytale, Snow White (1937), is finally here. Combining a star-studded cast with catchy music, and mythical CGI, Snow White is a breath of fresh air that I thoroughly enjoyed. This story follows a young princess, Snow White (Rachel Zegler), who is known for her kindhearted spirit and unparalleled beauty. When her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) acts on her burning desire to be the "fairest in the land," Snow White joins forces with seven dwarfs and a strong-willed commoner, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap). Together, they embark on a quest to free the kingdom of the queen's overbearing rule. Snow White is a modern day movie-musical and Rachel Zegler' vocals demonstrate her musical theater background and her vocal training. Instead of relying on her falsetto voice for the entire film, she incorporates her vocal dexterity during the more complex sections of the music. Zegler's vocal versatility highlights Snow White's inner growth and confidence as she prepares to face the Evil Queen. The plot of Snow White is slow-paced until it approaches the ending, where the main conflict seems to be brushed over, which detracts from the dynamics of the story. The coloring used in the film stands out as it enhances Snow White's character and her status in the kingdom. Snow White wears bright red, blue, and yellow, while the Evil Queen and the citizens of the kingdom are in dark and bland colors. Snow stands out as the brightness that the kingdom relies on to unite them through unfortunate times. In addition to live actors, the famous seven dwarfs and various animals that Snow White encounters are presented through the magic of CGI. The animals have realistic features but are mythical enough to keep the "fairytale" element. The seven dwarfs are a highlight of the film, each presenting different personalities. Grumpy, voiced by Martin Klebba, provides comedic relief to the film, with quick witted comments that kept me engaged, and kept the tone of the story upbeat. The film's message is that being kind will lead you to like-minded people who help bring out the best version of yourself. Snow White constantly puts others before herself and, even through her troubles with the Evil Queen, finds friends that are there for her. With their encouragement, she is able to face her fears and grow into the person she is destined to be. I give Snow White 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Snow White releases in theaters on March 21, 2025. Make sure you check it out! Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 17 Brave, Fearless, True, Fair. These words that Snow White lives by are as timeless and important now as they were in 1937 when the original movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was released. This captivating remake is a blast to watch, and it was so awesome to see Disney bring a nearly 100-year-old classic into a new era, for a new generation to experience. The story centers around Snow White (Rachel Zegler), the rightful heiress to a kingdom built upon kindness, fairness, and community. Staying true to the original storyline, Snow White tragically loses her parents, and her kingdom falls under the oppressive rule of her jealous stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). Obsessed with her magic mirror telling her she is "the fairest of them all," the queen's jealousy becomes dangerous, forcing Snow White to escape into the mysterious forest. While she has some scary moments, she encounters many interesting creatures, including the seven dwarfs who take her in. Just as Snow White wins the hearts of the dwarfs and those she meets along the way, she will win over audiences with her resilience, compassion, and charm. Snow White will be one of my family's favorites for a long time. Disney brought together a fantastic ensemble cast for this movie including Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman) who is inspired to find his courage by Snow White. Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) thinks everyone only cares about themselves, until Snow White shows him that people can care for each other selflessly. With a pure heart and poignant memories of a better past, Snow White inspires the people of the kingdom to reclaim their strength in the face of the Evil Queen's tyranny. Snow White helps all of these people become better versions of themselves. This movie brings new songs and music by Frank Churchill and to director Marc Webb to bring the amazing dance numbers, beautiful sets, and special effects to life. The main messages of Snow White are about bravery, kindness, and selflessness. Be aware that there are some mildly scary moments, like when Snow White is first forced to enter the forest. I give Snow White 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can see Snow White in theaters on March 21. By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
ROBERT HICKS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A whimsical and energetic narrative portrait of The Moose, whose character and unusual behaviors are told with music, live action, footage of Moose in their natural habitat & animation. The soundtrack expresses his personality with the groove and guitars of surf rock, the mystery and danger of the '60s spy genre, a rap-styled vocal and a big-band climax, all driven by a throbbing jungle beat. The lyrics are displayed in colorful subtitles. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ok, I needed this film today. After so much seriousness going on in the world, this is just pure fun, silly nonsensical fun. The short music video features Robert Hicks singing, or sort of rapping a ridiculous song about a moose. That's right, one of those creatures you might find in the inner mountain west or Canada. His tune is accompanied by goofy images and animations that further enhance the giddiness of this short film. My favorite scene is at the end when what appears to be a real moose walks out of a pool. Where did that shot come from. If this doesn't make you laugh, you'd best check your humor level. The film's message is one of nonsense and silliness. I give There is a Moose 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The short music video features Robert Hicks singing, or sort of rapping a ridiculous song about a moose. That's right, one of those creatures you might find in the inner mountain west or Canada. His tune is accompanied by goofy images and animations that further enhance the giddiness of this short film. My favorite scene is at the end when what appears to be a real moose walks out of a pool. Where did that shot come from. If this doesn't make you laugh, you'd best check your humor level. The film's message is one of nonsense and silliness. I give There is a Moose 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
JORDAN R. LUNDY Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A single mother turns her workday into a bedtime story for her son. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Quite an unusual way to tell a story! This took me a while to get in to but once I did, I did and I really appreciated the ending. This has a story inside of a story - one being a mother telling a bedtime story to her son, the other the story of what happened at work and how the mom got to her son's talent show. The production is pretty good -- good audio, good video, appropriate shots. The cast consists of the mom and her son and the mom's officemates who all have face paint on to identify them as the "squirrels" in the story. It's confusing why the mom, who's also a squirrel, doesn't have the same treatment to her face. The pace is a bit slow at the beginning, but picks up about half way through and the ending is particularly pleasing. The film's message is about standing up for yourself. give A Fox & A Squirrel 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This has a story inside of a story - one being a mother telling a bedtime story to her son, the other the story of what happened at work and how the mom got to her son's talent show. The production is pretty good -- good audio, good video, appropriate shots. The cast consists of the mom and her son and the mom's officemates who all have face paint on to identify them as the "squirrels" in the story. It's confusing why the mom, who's also a squirrel, doesn't have the same treatment to her face. The pace is a bit slow at the beginning, but picks up about half way through and the ending is particularly pleasing. The film's message is about standing up for yourself. give A Fox & A Squirrel 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() KETCHUP ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - That's not all folks! From Ketchup Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, director Pete Browngardt, and the creative team behind the award-winning "Looney Tunes Cartoons" comes a brand new buddy comedy starring one of the greatest comedic duos in history-Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This richly-crafted, hand-drawn 2D animated adventure marks the first fully-animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history, told on a scope and scale that's truly out of this world. Porky Pig and Daffy Duck venture to the big screen as unlikely heroes and Earth's only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)... that is if they don't drive each other totally looney in the process. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What happens when Daffy Duck and Porky Pig have to save the world from an alien invasion? A whole lot of chaos, laughter, and classic Looney Tunes fun! This film is loaded with new content, delivered in Looney Tunes fashion that I really enjoyed! The storyline follows the wacky adventures of Daffy Duck (Eric Bauza) and Porky Pig (Eric Bauza) straight from the mind of producer (Peter Browngardt), who try to stop aliens from taking over the world. Daffy is so silly, unpredictable, and always gets into trouble, while Porky tries to keep things under control, with his nervous but kind-hearted personality. I absolutely love the animation because it looks just like the classic Looney Tunes cartoons my parents used to show me and it brought back a lot of nostalgia, with a twist of new age technology. Every explosion, chase, and gag is packed with eye-catching colors that keep the energy high and the fun non-stop. Porky and Daffy become world heroes by accident when they get off task and mess around at a bubble gum factory and discover a secret alien plan to control people's minds! A spunky new character joins this crazy duo which makes the perfect Looney Tunes trio, and their adventures are unforgettable and super silly to keep the audience intrigued. See for yourself to find out what the alien leader is really after. The film carries themes of friendship, teamwork, and embracing individuality as Daffy Duck and Porky Pig face challenges that test their bond and require them to work together to save the world. Their journey underscores the importance of collaboration and accepting each other's quirks to overcome obstacles. Be forewarned there is content with adult humor and some moments that might frighten younger audiences. I give The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It opens in theaters March 14, 2025. By Junior Reddick, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11 I really enjoyed the humorous and sticky adventure of The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie which is the first fully animated feature length film in Looney Tunes history. I was launched into a very gooey and fun adventure. The storyline is about Daffy Duck and Porky Pig as they work together to fulfill their promise to Father Jim (Fred Tatasciore) to always take care of their home. Due to very looney space activity, this oath is put to an extreme test that not only challenges Daffy and Porky's home but also the planet. The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie stays true to the classic animation of Looney Tunes. The hand drawn cartoons have intricate details that are eye catching and enjoyable to watch. Slapstick humor is definitely at the forefront. Daffy Duck wears his feelings for all to see with everything from bulging heartbeats to a very sensitive exploding head. Unexpected laughable moments occur frequently like when Daffy and Porky desperately try to find a job in a momentary combination of the new and the old. They try to start a rideshare business with a horse and even attempt to become influencers but quickly get cancelled due to inappropriate content. Petunia Pig (Candi Milo) even has a humorous entrance. It is entertaining to watch Porky see her through rose-colored glasses. Petunia's real look versus what Porky really sees demonstrates that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Even the Invader (Peter MacNicol) is ridiculous due to being a clumsy alien dictator. His scariness does not last long as he continuously falls and drops items all at the worst moments. The film's message is that friendship conquers all. Daffy and Porky always stick together, no matter what challenges come their way. They are direct opposites of each other: Daffy is crazy, and Porky is cautious. However, this mismatched pair ends up being exactly what the world needs. You should be aware that the show does have some cartoon violence action and rude, suggestive humor. I give The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters on Friday, March 14, 2025. By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
![]() VIVA PICTURES Series: FEATURE, AGES 10 - 18 Topic - Family Description - After a meteor unleashes a virus that turns zoo animals into zombies, a mountain lion (David Harbour) and wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) lead a team of surviving animals to stop the virus and rescue their zoo. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Night of the Zoopocalypse is an extremely entertaining and cute sci-fi movie with amazing build-up. It has an interesting story and likeable characters, which allows the viewer to become invested in the situation. The story takes place in a zoo, where Gracie, a wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) and Dan, a mountain lion (David Harbour) are forced to team up when a meteor turns animals into zombies. They, and the other survivors of the zombie virus, attempt to stop the virus from spreading any further, and save those infected. The animation in this film is incredible; everything looks so lively and each animal moves exactly like their real-life counterparts. I especially love the way Xiavier, the red ruffed lemur, moves - all his movements are not only extremely smooth but also true to the real animal. I love the visuals throughout this movie and the character designs; the details for small things in the background that represent the zoo are outstanding. However, I am not the biggest fan of Dan's design as it is difficult to tell what animal he is supposed to represent. I also really like following the main character, Gracie. She's such a fun character to watch and Gabbi Kosmidis really brings the character to life through her voice acting. The script is so well done; I love that there's so much thought behind how the zombies work and what they are able of doing. The characters are particularly well scripted; the main characters feel real thanks to their believable actions and the secondary characters are quite funny. The pace of the storyline works well, with the audience discovering information as fast as the characters do. There are a few scenes that feel a little too long, but still, the film is extremely funny and enjoyable to watch. Even though it's geared towards a younger audience, I found myself laughing out loud at times. The film's message is to be loyal to those that you love and appreciate those around you despite their differences. Be forewarned that there are intense scenes and action sequences, including fake limbs coming off. I give Night of the Zoopocalype 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters March 7, 2025. By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
STUDIO FILM�W RYSUNKOWYCH Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 2-5 Topic - Family Description - Snail Spinner has trouble with his eye and needs to do vision exercises. Ladybug Dottie supports her friend, and together they learn the importance of taking care of their eyesight. The film is dedicated to the youngest audience, including children with visual impairments and attention deficit disorders. Note that the English dubbed version of the film is currently in production and will be uploaded as soon as it is completed. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I was impressed by this short film from Poland and its focus on providing entertaining and informative content to young kids. It's bright and fun, while teaching kids about how to take care of their eyes. The dialogue is in Polish, with English subtitles, which makes it complicated for its intended audience to watch. However, we were informed that an English dubbed version is on the way, so that would make this fit the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival better. The story follows a character names Snail Spinner who has trouble with his eye and needs to do eye exercises. His friend, Ladybug Dottie lends a hand and the two of them learn the importance of taking care of their eyes. Cute production. I love the animation - it's clean and clear and clever - the three C's! And the topic, about eye care, is quite appropriate for young kids. I remember having to wear glasses from an early age and an informative film like this would have been terrific. The voiceover artist, actress Anna Guzik-Tylka, voices all three voices - the narrator, Ladybug Dottie and Snail Spinner. She is quite proficient at differentiating the three voices so we can easily figure out which character is speaking. Hats off to Katarzyna Agopsowicz, the film's director; her commitment to creating films for the youngest viewers, especially those with visual impairments. The film's message is to take care of your eyes; they're the only set you get! I give Pirate Game 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a character names Snail Spinner who has trouble with his eye and needs to do eye exercises. His friend, Ladybug Dottie lends a hand and the two of them learn the importance of taking care of their eyes. Cute production. I love the animation - it's clean and clear and clever - the three C's! And the topic, about eye care, is quite appropriate for young kids. I remember having to wear glasses from an early age and an informative film like this would have been terrific. The voiceover artist, actress Anna Guzik-Tylka, voices all three voices - the narrator, Ladybug Dottie and Snail Spinner. She is quite proficient at differentiating the three voices so we can easily figure out which character is speaking. Hats off to Katarzyna Agopsowicz, the film's director; her commitment to creating films for the youngest viewers, especially those with visual impairments. The film's message is to take care of your eyes; they're the only set you get! I give Pirate Game 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
DIEGO FLORENTINO Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Part of the unpublished series, Ninhos em Movimento, about childhood and migration in Brazil. Sava is a curious boy who carries with him the weight of a recent and sad history. Because of the war in Ukraine, he had to leave his country and come take refuge in Brazil, in the city of Prudent�polis, am area known as for its giant waterfalls. In this strange place, Sava lives with his mother and his sisters. He finds strength in his amulets, small toy mice, which accompany him in all his adventures. Despite missing his father, who stayed behind in the war, Sava does not become discouraged. He loves to play with paper airplanes, dreaming of the feeling of freedom that they bring. It is in the heights that Sava experiences an unforgettable adventure. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like The Journey Of Sava because it is about a kid and for a kid which makes it fun and interactive to watch. The film is about a curious boy named Sava who moved from Ukraine to Brazil due to the war in his country. Sava lives together with his mother and sister and, despite what he has been through and the effects of moving away from his home, he demonstrates strength and courage. He goes on an adventure full of fun in Brazil. He loves to play with paper airplanes and likes heights and continues to pursue his passion and love for flying. I like the film's plot and I like seeing how Sava's determination to pursue adventures and his passions and dreams continue to be present in his life. The film is well made with good, clear camera work and audio recording. The scenes in Brazil's jungles are really fascinating. I love the waterfalls! They are extraordinary. I love seeing him ride in the hot air balloon and I love hearing his laughter. My favorite part of the film is seeing Sava having fun as a little boy in Brazil. We are also reminded of his and his family's situation when his sister says that her dream is to return to Ukraine. The song they all sing at the end, presumably in Ukrainian, is a reminder of their love for their country. The film's message is to always pursue your passions and dreams despite the challenges and obstacles that life brings. I give The Journey of Sava 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST! The film is about a curious boy named Sava who moved from Ukraine to Brazil due to the war in his country. Sava lives together with his mother and sister and, despite what he has been through and the effects of moving away from his home, he demonstrates strength and courage. He goes on an adventure full of fun in Brazil. He loves to play with paper airplanes and likes heights and continues to pursue his passion and love for flying. I like the film's plot and I like seeing how Sava's determination to pursue adventures and his passions and dreams continue to be present in his life. The film is well made with good, clear camera work and audio recording. The scenes in Brazil's jungles are really fascinating. I love the waterfalls! They are extraordinary. I love seeing him ride in the hot air balloon and I love hearing his laughter. My favorite part of the film is seeing Sava having fun as a little boy in Brazil. We are also reminded of his and his family's situation when his sister says that her dream is to return to Ukraine. The song they all sing at the end, presumably in Ukrainian, is a reminder of their love for their country. The film's message is to always pursue your passions and dreams despite the challenges and obstacles that life brings. I give The Journey of Sava 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
WEN-YUAN HSIEH Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-8 Topic - Family Description - Yun-Yun and Xu-Xu live in the mountains of central Taiwan. Their favorite thing is exploring their large mountain home. The mountain is covered with orange trees, and during harvest time, their dad picks oranges while the kids play with big boxes or leaves, sliding down the slopes. They also love the vegetable garden on their own mountain, where they have endless fruits to eat, endless vegetables to pick, and farming activities such as drying radishes and pickling salted vegetables. There are so many fun things to do in the mountains that time slows down. During the warm winter days, the two discover how fast and slow work among insects and plants. The mountain reveals the rhythms of fast and slow. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed The Mountain, Fast and Slow. It is a sweet short film from Taiwan by Guan-yu Chen that awakens our awareness of a rural family in Taiwan. The interaction of the two children with their environment gives us insight into what life is like in this culture. This short film follows two young children, Yun-Yun and Xu-Xu exploring the world around them in the mountains of central Taiwan. We watch them as they help harvest vegetables, sometimes half as big as they are. This is a lovely multi-cultural short film that shows how families in rural area of Taiwan might live. The camera work is superb, especially the closeups on bugs and insects. The two young children that are our guides here share their experiences in the world around them as they eat fresh vegetables from the garden or fill up their yellow basket until it is overflowing and almost too heavy to for them to carry. The background music is pretty simple and neither adds nor detracts from the film. Although the children speak occasionally, their dialogue is mainly geared to what they are doing and not really instructional. They speak in Chinese which is subtitled in English. My favorite part is when they make a meal, a hot pot, with the help of an adult who is probably their father. They combine the vegetables they have harvested in a pot over a fire outside, then they sit down together and a woman (the mother) joins them. The film's message is simply about what life is like for a rural Taiwanese family, shown from a child's point of view. I give The Mountain, Fast and Slow 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This short film follows two young children, Yun-Yun and Xu-Xu exploring the world around them in the mountains of central Taiwan. We watch them as they help harvest vegetables, sometimes half as big as they are. This is a lovely multi-cultural short film that shows how families in rural area of Taiwan might live. The camera work is superb, especially the closeups on bugs and insects. The two young children that are our guides here share their experiences in the world around them as they eat fresh vegetables from the garden or fill up their yellow basket until it is overflowing and almost too heavy to for them to carry. The background music is pretty simple and neither adds nor detracts from the film. Although the children speak occasionally, their dialogue is mainly geared to what they are doing and not really instructional. They speak in Chinese which is subtitled in English. My favorite part is when they make a meal, a hot pot, with the help of an adult who is probably their father. They combine the vegetables they have harvested in a pot over a fire outside, then they sit down together and a woman (the mother) joins them. The film's message is simply about what life is like for a rural Taiwanese family, shown from a child's point of view. I give The Mountain, Fast and Slow 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5 TO 12 Topic - Family Description - After a terrifying storm destroys their home, a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusted old food truck hoping to make their business a success. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters. The plot follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth as she goes through the struggles of her life. Laura feels as though no one, especially her mother, Mama (Olivia Vasquez), takes her seriously. But after a horrible storm her family is forced to move to the city. Laura's idol, Dotty Paste (Leslie Jones) is also in the city, motivating her to want to go. After business at Laura's family's caf� starts booming, Dotty gets jealous. She devises a plan to steal Mama's recipe book. Now, the Romero-Flores' family must try to find a way to get the precious recipe book back! One aspect I especially like is the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals. I also enjoyed the complexity of Mama's character. She is portrayed as Laura's main enemy. Laura feels as though her mother is always getting in her way. But it turns out that Mama was exactly like Laura when she was young. Her age is a huge struggle for her, and she keeps forgetting things, but she keeps Lyra close in fear of forgetting Laura too. A Sloth Story explores the rich culture of Spanish culture and is incorporated in the food, language, and clothing in the film. This adds a lot to the movie. The message of A Sloth Story is about the importance of family. This is shown when Laura sacrifices so much for her family. She is constantly reminded that her family is her ultimate team, which is an important theme to remember. I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters February 28, 2025. By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
![]() NETFLIX Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5 TO 18 Topic - Family Description - When Karen the Computer decides to take over the world, it's up to Plankton to stop her - with a little help from SpongeBob and the Gal Pals (Pearl, Sandy, and Mrs. Puff). KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I absolutely love Plankton: The Movie. The fun storyline and fantastic voice acting gave me lots of giggles. I also love the visually amusing graphics and the fun and happy atmosphere. You may be thinking that this is just another SpongeBob movie, if so, you are sorely mistaken. This is Plankton's (Mr. Lawrence) movie. After 20 years of being pushed around and dismissed, Plankton's wife, Karen (Jill Talley), has had enough. Plankton's epic failures at world domination has Karen fed up. She is ready to remind him that she can be three times as evil and should not be ignored. Their marriage problems swirl into world-wide chaos. Unlikely characters must team up to save Bikini Bottom, the whole world, and a marriage. This film is engaging with its amazing graphics; I feel like I am in a visual circus. I commend Mr. Lawrence for voice acting Plankton and for writing the story. Mauricio Bartok and Piyush Dhuppe are the animators for this film and they have created a virtual visual playground. This film is like a roller-coaster that took me on an awesome adventure with its many twists and surprises. It still keeps the classic SpongeBob characters such as SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), and Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown). This movie is absolutely hilarious. Even though I don't watch SpongeBob a lot, I really enjoyed the comedy and have always been a Plankton fan. I love how Mr. Lawrence has held on to his role as Plankton, going back to when he started in 1999. It's amazing that he has stuck to this role for so long. Everything from the fantastic storyline to the mesmerizing animation make this film a treat to enjoy. There are a couple of heartwarming scenes, but there are also plenty of action scenes that give the movie a thrill. My favorite part is when an implant causes Plankton to have a wild hallucination. That was crazily exciting and fun. The film's message is that love is all you really need. I give Plankton The movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Netflix March 7, 2025. By Ari C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
MARY SWANHAUS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 2-5 Topic - Family Description - This live-action, educational series is designed for toddlers up to age five. It features two, larger than life characters: Shoopie and Doopie. Doopie stands over nine feet tall, making him bigger than Sesame Street's Big Bird. The show is intended to parents in nurturing emotionally healthy and resilient children who can positively impact the world. Younger viewers join these two best friends on their playdate in a magical land and help them solve mysteries with tools from, "The Magic Box." Through catchy songs, lively dance routines, and engaging lessons on numbers and letters, children are entertained while learning. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like how the Shoopie Doopie Show teaches kids about feelings. The Shoopie Doopie Show takes children on a fun adventure where they learn about their feelings. Children learn how to identify their everyday emotions and how to find solutions to express them or cope with them. This is an interesting new show for preschoolers that focuses on emotions. The two main characters, Shoopie and Doopie are large Muppets - bigger than Big Bird - and they serve as role models for the audience. The camera work is quite good and the audio recording is very clear. The one thing that I didn't care for was the squeaky voices of the characters - but that's a personal preference. Also, they add a choir of children's voices but we never see the children; we only hear their voices. I will say that the colors used for backgrounds and props are bright and lively, which is fun. The plot falls a bit short in providing fun details to make sure children are learning and having a good time while being engaged. The plot sticks to mostly identifying emotions by listing them, which isn't particularly dynamic. Shoopie and Doopie's performances are good; however, they seem to be mostly casually speaking and they don't really engage the audience, which I found rather dry. The Shoopie Doopie Show is the first children's short film for Mary Swanhaus, the director and producer. My favorite part is when they start naming the emotions and trying to identify them in the segment called Name It To Tame It. It is good to learn how to identify these emotions and learn how to respond effectively in a good or bad situation. The film's message is that emotions contribute to a huge factor in our internal self, because it is how we react or respond to situations. I give The Shoopie Doopie Show 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it ages 2 to 5. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST! The Shoopie Doopie Show takes children on a fun adventure where they learn about their feelings. Children learn how to identify their everyday emotions and how to find solutions to express them or cope with them. This is an interesting new show for preschoolers that focuses on emotions. The two main characters, Shoopie and Doopie are large Muppets - bigger than Big Bird - and they serve as role models for the audience. The camera work is quite good and the audio recording is very clear. The one thing that I didn't care for was the squeaky voices of the characters - but that's a personal preference. Also, they add a choir of children's voices but we never see the children; we only hear their voices. I will say that the colors used for backgrounds and props are bright and lively, which is fun. The plot falls a bit short in providing fun details to make sure children are learning and having a good time while being engaged. The plot sticks to mostly identifying emotions by listing them, which isn't particularly dynamic. Shoopie and Doopie's performances are good; however, they seem to be mostly casually speaking and they don't really engage the audience, which I found rather dry. The Shoopie Doopie Show is the first children's short film for Mary Swanhaus, the director and producer. My favorite part is when they start naming the emotions and trying to identify them in the segment called Name It To Tame It. It is good to learn how to identify these emotions and learn how to respond effectively in a good or bad situation. The film's message is that emotions contribute to a huge factor in our internal self, because it is how we react or respond to situations. I give The Shoopie Doopie Show 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it ages 2 to 5. By Hafsa H., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() DISNEY+ Series: TV SERIES, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Follows a middle school softball team in the week leading up to their championship game, and each episode is told from the perspective of a different character. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode. Win or Lose is a show that all members of the family will enjoy and each person can choose their own character to root for! Made by Pixar, Win Or Lose has the same style and quality of all of their great movies. It is a story about a group of kids, all connected by being on a softball team, but all with very different lives. Laurie (Rosanna Jean Foss) just wants to hit the ball and Frank (Josh Thomson) regrets letting go of his girlfriend. Win Or Lose is the first Pixar original TV show, and it doesn't disappoint. The show's first episode centers around Laurie struggling with self-doubt, which manifests itself as a purple blob that grows in size as her doubt grows. Laurie eventually realizes that she doesn't need to win to have fun. In addition to the great stories, the music at the end of each episode is also super fun. It's interesting to see Pixar mix in a new animation style, kind of like a crayon animation, in Episode 3. Watching these two styles mix in this great new show is a blast. Win Or Lose is very funny, with great timing and one-liners that will make it a family favorite. I love the great idea that each episode centers around a specific member of the team, all on their journey to the championship. The characters are all funny in different ways. My favorite character is Laurie. She has great comedic lines and her motivation to hit the ball to make her father proud makes me root for her throughout the show. The series' message is that having fun is more important than winning. The show include includes themes of joy and friendship. Parents should note that Win Or Lose includes some fearful moments, like when Laurie gets hit by a softball. I give Win Or Lose 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The remaining six episodes will be released weekly. By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11 Win Or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series. With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game. From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye. Win or Lose is an animated series from Pixar following a co-ed middle school softball team's story as they prepare for the State Softball Championship. But instead of only seeing the week once from the perspective of the main character, each episode shows a face of the story, with different people having center stage. As everyone navigates the numerous challenges of getting ready for the big game, they must work through their own issues before coming together as a strong and united team. My favorite part is definitely the animation. It is top-notch, blending not only the physical aspects of each individual's life, but also their emotions and what they may imagine. For example, Frank (Josh Thomson) the umpire, is a bit overly cautious of what other people think of him. When some of the spectators disagree with one of his calls, he dons a suit of armor and picks up a shield, saying that his stands with his call. It's quite hilarious to see how their emotions manifest in each situation. The series also does well tying in real world issues that are relatable today, like trying your hardest to succeed only to fail over and over again, or having to take care of an irresponsible parent when you need them most. Once I watched a couple of episodes, I was able to see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and how it makes the story more well-rounded and complete when you see it from all sides. The series' cast includes Will Forte, Ian Chen, Izaac Wang, Jo Firestone, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson and more. The series' message is that things aren't always what they seem. A simple game of softball may not seem like it has that much going on, but when seen from multiple and very different angles, I found out that everything has another perspective. It only has to be found. Note that this series does contain some profanity, and a scene of stealing (real stealing, not bases in softball). I give Win Or Lose 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Win or Lose premiers on February 19, 2025. By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
UNIVERSAL PICTURES Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5 TO 18 Topic - Family Description - When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together -- and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene. The storyline is about a highly ranked officer (Peter Hastings) and his dog, who have an unfortunate accident while trying to detain a very evil cat (Pete Davidson) and must be combined into one being. Newly formed Dog Man has to learn how to live a life meant for both humans and animals, while also trying to impress the police chief (Lil Rel Howery). As time goes on, Petey, the evil cat, creates a clone of itself, Lil Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), who ends up playing a crucial part in showing how love is important, no matter who it's for. The animation in this film immediately stands out - it looks like a 3-D comic book, but moves. These images are created by an entire team of people, including Paul Phippen and Aymeric Arnaud, the lead DMP artists. What makes this animation so amazing is that it includes certain features that would normally be seen in print comic books such as a pencil-like stroke, or words coming out of a person's mouth. These features truly strike the movie as an adaptation of an incredible comic book franchise. Of course, the animation is perfectly paired with the music, which is another thing that is noticeable to the audience. The orchestra, led by Jill Streater, is wonderful at conveying emotional scenes and leads the audience to feel deeply for the characters. The music was created by Tom Howe, and he nailed it. When a scene is sad, the orchestra is quiet and somber; when the characters are happy or excited, the music is upbeat and fast. These carefully thought out music choices make Dog Man all the more better. The film's message is that no matter how evil one can be, a little bit of love goes a long way. Dog Man is very successful in leading others to be more empathetic to those who might need extra care. I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Dog Man can be found in theatres beginning January 31, 2025. By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16 I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I'm surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey's comics brought to animated life. Dog Man starts with a police dog named Greg and his human partner, Officer Knight (Peter Hastings) who are dedicated to keeping their community safe. All is normal until an accident occurs where the two must go through a wacky surgery, which fuses them together to create the amazing Dog Man! While showing off his classic dog skills, such as playing fetch, Dog Man must also protect the city from Petey the Cat (Pete Davison), who hatches a sneaky cloning scheme. With all the craziness, we meet the lovable and adorable Li'l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) who forms a surprisingly amazing friendship with Dog Man. Eventually, a new common enemy makes Dog Man and Petey realize they must team up, setting aside their differences to tackle the challenges ahead. Loving the Dav Pilkey books the way I do, I adore how the art style and the script of this film - they capture the wackiness of the books. I commend the director, Peter Hastings, for his outstanding work and also for Dog Man himself. The film truly is designed in such a way to appeal to the target audience, fans of the original books. It really holds true to the comic book series and its goofy nature. My favorite part is when Li'l Petey is taken hostage by the surprise villain known as Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais), which leads to Petey the Cat unlocking his inner good and teaming up with Dog Man. I also like when Petey buys a cloning machine off the internet and has a bunch of silly problems that lead to the creation of Li'l Petey. The film's message is that everyone has good in them; it just needs the right person, or kitten, to be unlocked. This film contains very slight profanity, but is otherwise okay. I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find it in theaters on January 31, 2025. By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
![]() APPLE TV Series: TV SERIES, AGES 2-5 Topic - Family Description - "Eva the Owlet" stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Eva the Owlet is a cute series for younger kids and I am excited to talk about Season 2 because I like this show a lot. It is imaginative and centered towards family which makes it endearing to watch. Eva, a little owl with a big family, lives within the woodland world of Treetopinton. She is lucky enough to live next door to her best friend, Lucy and together they go on adventures, take care of her baby brother, and make notes about all of it in her journal, which encourages young viewers to follow along. The second season follows Eva, the middle child of the Owl family. Eva is voiced by Viviane Rutherford, a young actress whose voice inflection conveys emotion perfectly. This cheeky Owlet reflects on her days by writing in her diary where she contemplates the importance of friendship, happiness, and sharing feelings with someone or something. One of my favorite things about the second series is that there are tiny projects Eva does that are totally doable with your own family - like making superhero acorns or moon wishes for summer solstice. The show's message, which comes from the original books, book series, is about how doing good for others makes you happy. There is a lot of focus on helping others, appreciating your family, and being creative with your friends. It inspired me to do those tiny bits of good that make a big difference to someone else. Maybe I will even start to journal! Eva the Owlet: Season 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 5 or anyone young at heart. Eva the Owlet: Season 2 premieres on Apple TV January 24, 2025. Until then, catch up on the now available season one. By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE, AGES 5 - 12 Topic - Family Description - Full of Paddington's signature blend of wit, charm, and laugh-out-loud humor, Paddington in Peru finds the beloved, marmalade-loving bear on an exciting, high-stakes adventure. When Paddington discovers his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the wilds of Peru to look for her, the only clue to her whereabouts a spot marked on an enigmatic map. Determined to solve the mystery, Paddington embarks on a thrilling quest through the rainforests of the Amazon to find his aunt...and may also uncover one of the world's most legendary treasures. The third Paddington film stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, and Ben Whishaw returning as the voice of Paddington. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Paddington in Peru is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that delivers all the charm, humor, and warmth that fans of the franchise have come to love. This delightful sequel takes audiences on an exciting journey filled with mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic, all wrapped in stunning visuals and engaging storytelling. The story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he sets off on a thrilling adventure to the jungles of Peru after discovering that his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family by his side, Paddington embarks on a journey through the Amazon rainforest, uncovering hidden secrets and stumbling upon a legendary treasure along the way. As the Paddington and his entourage navigate the lush landscapes and face unexpected challenges, Paddington's signature kindness and optimism shine through. Ben Whishaw once again brings Paddington to life with his endearing voice performance, capturing the bear's innocence and unwavering spirit. The Brown family, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, Samuel Joslin, Emily Mortimer, and Madeleine Harris and the rest of the talented cast add warmth and humor to the story. The breathtaking cinematography showcases the vibrant and lush beauty of Peru, making the film visually captivating. The use of practical effects and CGI seamlessly blend to create a world that feels both whimsical and immersive. My favorite part of the film is Paddington's heartfelt reunion with Aunt Lucy. The emotional depth in this moment is beautifully handled, reinforcing the film's central themes of love and family. The adventure sequences, infused with humor and thrilling moments, kept me engaged, while the touching relationships make the story deeply resonant. At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family--both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages. There is no inappropriate language or concerning behavior, making it a perfect choice for young audiences. I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults sure to enjoy it as well. This film will be out in theaters on Valentine's Day on February 14, 2025. By Ashleigh Clyde, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20 Paddington in Peru is a story about Paddington going back to his homeland of Peru to see with his Aunt Lucy. Once he arrives, he finds out that she has disappeared. From there, Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, go into the Amazonian jungle to save her. They encounter many interesting animals and people along the way. Along with the Aunt Lucy adventure, this movie also shows us Paddington's origin story - taking us back to when he was a cute baby bear who first finds Aunt Lucy. The animation used for the bears is so adorable and fun, especially when they mix it with the live action aspects. It blends in seamlessly and makes the movie fun for kids and adults. I enjoyed the various animation and filming effects, like early in the movie when Mrs. Brown makes a painting that comes to life to help tell the story of how the Brown family is changing as the kids become teenagers. Paddington in Peru has some beautiful scenes of the Peruvian landscape and cool scenes in London that made me want to book trips to both places! Paddington in Peru has great characters who are expertly acted, including some new faces like Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) and favorites from the movies series Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) and Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville). The amazing star power makes Paddington in Peru a surefire hit. The main themes of Paddington in Peru are to embrace who you are and that it's okay to have many places you call home and many people you call family. This movie includes positive messages around the dangers of greed and the importance of teamwork and putting family first. Parents should note that this movie includes some scenes of peril for Paddington and his family and some mildly scary scenes in the forest. I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru releases in theaters on February 14, 2025. By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11 Pack your bags and grab a marmalade sandwich and join the adventure with Paddington in Peru. Get ready for running, jumping and a lot of giggles with our favourite talking bear! This story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) after he receives a letter from a Nun (Olivia Colman) in Peru saying that Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has been acting a little different. The Brown family (Emily Mortimer, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Hugh Bonneville) all fly to Peru and the find out that Aunt Lucy has run away, so they get on a boat with a teenage girl (Carla Tous) and a man with VERY greedy ancestors (Antonio Banderas), without knowing the wild adventure they are about to experience. This film is the perfect balance of animation and live action acting. It is amazing and funny at times, like when Paddington tried to sleep in a hammock. I think we all know what's going to happen -- a bunch of crashes. This story is very interesting and it is not a remake; this is a new story very different from the first two movies. We also see Paddington's iconic hard stare when he thinks people are being unjust. Dougal Wilson directs this film and brought a lot to the table. He was responsible for developing the script, the storyboard and working with the set designer and cinematographer. I love that he traveled to Peru in 2022 to research the country and bring in as much Peruvian culture as possible. And, the Cuzco and Machu Pichu sequences were actually shot in Peru. The music by Dario Marianelli definitely enhances the adventure in the film and the animation, directed by Pablo Grillo, makes it feel like Paddington is real. They use a combination of stop motion animation of Paddington combined with a 3D puppet. All in all, this movie is quite amazing and as good as both of the original Paddington films. My favorite scene is when Paddington uses his special umbrella as a parachute; that scene is magical and captivating. The film's message is that you can't always be forced to do something that other people have tried doing and family is always important. I give Paddington in Peru 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. This film will be out in theaters February 14, 2025 so don't miss it! by Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11 Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the brand new Paddington in Peru! This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families. This film picks up where the second one left off, with Paddington (Ben Whishaw) living with his adoptive family in London. However, an opportunity for adventure strikes when Paddington receives a letter saying that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), from Peru, is missing him. The family decides to take a trip to visit, but are surprised to find Aunt Lucy gone when they arrive at her house. One thing leads to another, and Paddington is soon meeting many new characters whilst experiencing one of the wonders of the world firsthand, all in an attempt to find his aunt and reunite with her. First off, Paddington in Peru has a very engaging storyline. I constantly wondered what would happen next and was excited to discover answers to the many mysteries. There are many newly introduced characters that add even more mystery and curiosity. It's unclear who could be working for the other side, which keeps intensity and suspense throughout the film. It's very exciting to use details and clues to determine which characters are suspicious. Similar to Paddington's first movies, this one has plenty of humor to keep up laughs and smiles in the midst of the adventure. The Brown family's banter, random jokes and sarcasm add a comical side to the film, which captivated me even further. The characters are relatable and entertaining, making this movie an even more pleasurable experience. This aspect of authenticity allowed me to connect with the characters and care about what happens to them. Paddington in Peru has a beautiful appearance as a film. Taking place primarily in the jungle of Peru, the camera shots are magnificent and add so much to the viewing experience. Paddington visits Machu Picchu, which is a stunning location. The combination of Paddington's animation along with the live action actors and scenery is seamless. They appear to clearly be there together and living in the same world, making the film even funnier and more engaging. The theme of Paddington in Peru is that putting family and those you care about should always come first. Paddington drops everything to help Aunt Lucy in a time of need, showing true dedication and loyalty for someone he cares about. The film also highlights the importance of kindness and having a home. Be aware that there is some mild violence, including use of a gun. There is also a frightening large spider that appears on screen briefly. I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can view Paddington in Peru in theaters beginning February 14, 2025. Be sure to stay for the credits - there's a fun surprise at the end! By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15 I absolutely adore the movie Paddington In Peru! I am impressed by the structure of the story, and cinematography beautifully captures South American wildlife. I had so much fun watching one of my favorite childhood characters return to the screen to embark on his craziest journey yet. Paddington In Peru follows everyone's favorite London bear, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he explores the forests of Peru in search of his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. Along the way, the Brown family encounters a gold-hungry man named Hunter (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous), who are in search of the lost city of El Dorado. When they find themselves shipwrecked and separated in the depths of the jungle, they each learn a valuable lesson about the importance of family. The plot twists in Paddington In Peru kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, from Aunt Lucy's initial disappearance to the unraveling of the mystery surrounding Paddington's origin story- and the artifacts in his possession, which are discovered to be ancient treasures. The script keeps the audience guessing throughout the film by making multiple different characters appear to have villainous intentions. Additionally, Paddington In Peru is full of dramatic, high-speed chase scenes that take place on the edges of cliffs and mountains. Fans of the Indiana Jones franchise are sure to love the action and intrigue! One pleasant surprise is that Paddington In Peru also features a bright musical number, which includes a nod to the 1965 classic The Sound of Music. Breathtaking aerial shots of the Peruvian jungles add to the realistic depiction of the film, enhancing the excitement and intrigue surrounding Paddington's expedition. I was entranced by the cinematography, the music, and the ups and downs of Paddington's latest adventure. The film's message is that money can't buy everything. You can't put a price on the bond a family shares, whether you were born and raised beside them or you found each other later in life. Paddington In Peru also shows how adopted familial ties can be as strong or even stronger than those made by blood. Be aware that the movie contains mild references to drinking. I give Paddington In Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru comes to theaters on February 14, 2025. By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |