ALTITUDE FILM ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Kitty, the imaginary girl to whom Anne Frank wrote her famous diary, comes to life in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Her memories reawakened by reading the diary, believing that if she's alive, Anne must be alive as well, she sets out on a quest to find Anne. We follow Kitty as she travels across Europe and back to Anne Frank's time, armed with the precious book, in search of her beloved friend. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Where is Anne Frank? offers a poignant and innovative take on the story of Anne Frank through the lens of animation and the adventures of her imaginary friend, Kitty. I thoroughly enjoyed this film for its unique approach to storytelling and its ability to blend historical narratives with elements of fantasy. Directed by Ari Folman, the story unfolds as Anne Frank's diary comes to life years after Anne's death. Anne's imaginary friend, Kitty, embarks on a journey to find Anne, spending a lot of time trying to uncover the truth about Anne's fate. Kitty learns about the harrowing experience that Anne and her family experienced during the holocaust, and the heartbreaking reality of their demise. The film captivates audiences from the outset with its imaginative premise, as her imaginary friend Kitty, embarks on a quest to find Anne years after her death. This narrative device not only provides a fresh perspective on Anne's life but also allows for a deeper exploration of her experiences and legacy. The animation is beautifully crafted, bringing both the historical setting and the fantasy elements of life with vibrant visuals and rich detail. The adventure that Kitty undertakes to uncover the truth about Anne's fate is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant, keeping viewers engaged throughout. The film's message is that anyone has the right to live in freedom, no matter their race, religion, or culture. Be forewarned this film does contain moderate profanity. I give Where Is Anne Frank? 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 12, plus adults. It was featured on March 10 at the New York International Children's Film Festival. You can watch it on Prime Video, Vudu or Apple TV. Be sure to check it out. By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
DREAMWORKS - LA Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Don't get your noodles in a twist because Kung Fu Panda 4 is available now. For the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world's acknowledged most unlikely kung fu master. Some familiar characters are here to support him on his journey along with some new relationships which refresh this beloved franchise. Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black) is about to experience a transition in his kung fu role in the Valley of Peace. Kung Fu Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs Po that he is needed to become a spiritual leader and to choose and train the next Dragon Warrior. This new role is a challenge for Po as he enjoys butt-kicking moves to counter villains and questions his fitness for a new cerebral role. While searching for inner peace we are reminded that for Po everything comes back to dumplings. Resisting his new role, Po determines it is necessary to first thwart a powerful new sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis), who can shapeshift and seeks total kung fu domination. He finds an unlikely partner in a tricky thief, Zhen (Awkwafina) who ends up teaching him that heroes can be found even in a den of thieves. The computer animation of this film is so beautiful that, in the beginning, it almost appears to be 3D. The backgrounds are stunning and you'll love the various scenes in this wonton wonderland from DreamWorks Animation. I really enjoyed the interaction between the unlikely duo of Po and Zhen and the comedy created between their two characters. I absolutely love the new villain Chameleon and Viola Davis really illustrates how small and stylish stature doesn't impact the extent of evil evident in a character. This film's message is that true change comes from within and that support from family and friends makes a great impact while helping to enable that change. After all, every step someone takes, no matter how large or small creates a footprint for others to follow. Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases in theaters March 8, 2024 so go enjoy this hilarious new chapter in a favorite action-comedy franchise! By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16 Kung Fu Panda 4 is just the feel-good movie I needed this year. It's an incredibly entertaining family-friendly movie that seamlessly weaves humor and heartwarming messages. When our favorite Dragon Warrior and Kung Fu fighting panda, Po (Jack Black), is chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, he must step down and train a new Dragon Warrior. However, he isn't quite ready for that change and has no idea who to choose as his successor. To top it off, the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a powerful sorceress, has set her eyes on Po's Staff of Wisdom, so he must go on one last Dragon Warrior adventure to save the Valley of Peace with the help of the clever bandit corsac fox, Zhen (Awkwafina). Even though the target audience for this movie, based on its humor, is pretty young, this film is enjoyable for the whole family. Plus, it embeds some deep messages about change and redemption. The animation style and quality is top notch - reflecting exactly what we expect and more from DreamWorks. The animation style of the bunnies and pigs is so iconic and adorable, and I love seeing the new types of animals the movie introduces. I also love how they portray the energy coming from the Staff of Wisdom and the Chameleon's magic. One of my favorite duos in this movie is Mr. Ping (James Hong), who is Po's adoptive dad, and Li (Bryan Cranston), Po's biological dad. You can really tell how much they both care for Po and they make a great team. Awkwafina's distinct and unique voice really fits the personality of Zhen. It's so endearing to see her character grow and develop, and the contrast between her sneakiness and Po's genuineness makes them complementary partners. Of course, Jack Black never fails to make the audience laugh - he makes Po so lovable and relatable. There's a lot more star power in this film with voice actors like Viola Davis, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, Mr. Beast, Seth Rogen and more. I only wish we got to see more of the Furious Five. The film's messages include recognizing that even though change is hard, it isn't always bad, and it's never too late to do the right thing. Also, as with the previous Kung Fu Panda movies, we are reminded to never judge a book by its cover. Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 4 of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters on March 8, 2024. By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16 Exciting. Dynamic. Captivating. Our favorite panda, Po is BACK in the fourth installment of Kung Fu Panda. With a daring adventure and character development that gives the movie an appropriate pace, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a new lighthearted film that I definitely enjoyed. Kung Fu Panda 4 focuses on Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black), who has been promoted to the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. This means that he now has to select and train a new warrior. In his process, he discovers that the evil shapeshifter Cameleonul (Viola Davis) is trying to steal his Staff of Wisdom. Joining forces with a witty and sly fox named Zhen (Awkwafina), Po has to try to stop Cameleonul's plan. This animated film is geared toward a younger audience and with that in mind, the plot is a bit predictable. The viewers can sense the plot twists and changes throughout the movie. Despite this, the fast paced scenes like the chase in the town, keep you engaged the whole time. The animation pays great attention to detail, which helps move the story forward while keeping the audience interested. One of the biggest examples of captivating animation is when Cameleonul is shape shifting. Audiences anticipate what she will turn into next, big or small, and what vibrant colors are coming. One of the characters that stands out is Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina. Her delivery and comedic timing is on point, and she fits the character perfectly. Her banter with Po creates a friendly relationship that audiences can invest in. Kung Fu Panda 4 is perfect for a family movie night, and has an important message that all audiences can relate to. The film's message is that, while it may not be easy, change is what builds character and makes you the best version of yourself. Po doesn't know who he is, if not the Dragon Warrior, but he eventually realizes that passing wisdom down and helping others succeed is one of the greatest accomplishments he can achieve. Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 4 out 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can find Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters on March 8, 2024. Make sure you check it out! By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 16 Kung Fu Panda 4 may not pack the punch of earlier Kung Fun Panda movies, but the breathtaking animation, frenetic fights and well-placed humor more than deliver. Families must check this out for fun pandemonium that both adults and kids can enjoy. This film starts a new journey for Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black) once he is commanded by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) to find a replacement Dragon Warrior and complete his transformation as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Unfortunately, Po knows little of spiritual learning, preferring a good fight and dumplings; worse yet, he runs into a mysterious thief Zhen (Awkwafina), who really gets under his fur. Worst of all, a sinister, shapeshifting sorceress Chameleon (Viola Davis) seeks to usurp Po's Staff of Wisdom to lead and re-summon the spirit realm that is littered with Po's finest foes. Desperate times call for desperate measures from Po as he trains and relies on Zhen. Can Po once again save the day and make a Dragon Warrior out of Zhen? The cast is full of hilarious talent that works well off each other. Jack Black, as Po, picks up his character compellingly since he last picked up the mantle. Black's liveliness is always present, but here, he also gets to show off his emotional chops while coming to terms with change. Po might be at a career crossroads, but thankfully Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) is here to help with his elderly wisdom. The Furious Five might leave a void in their absence but thankfully Awkwafina, as Zhen, naturally fills that void with Po as their hunt for the Chameleon turns into a buddy-cop spectacle. I can't think of a better complement for Po as the duo bond over their similarities and weaknesses; furthermore, it's Zhen's inner struggle with her inherent shadiness that remains most compelling. For that reason, Zhen's inclination to improve and do the right thing is a memorable and honorable character arc. Viola Davis, as Chameleon, absolutely carries the foe's presence with her commanding, sinister voice. Sadly, the Chameleon is the weakest antagonist in the franchise. Her underdeveloped, generically villainous endgame does not bring the nuances and complexities of Po's previous rogue gallery. Last but not least, Po's parents Mr. Ping (James Ping) and Li (Bryan Cranston) undergo a wholesome quest to find Po; Cranston, in particular, comedically shines in a recurring subplot where he must fool enemies into thinking he's Po. Mike Newell aptly directs the animation with stylistic choices that allow for breathtaking world building and fluid, stadium-like fights. The film's message is that violence never solves conflicts. Although the film is full of fisticuffs, Po goes to great lengths to first reach an understanding with his foes. Po's reluctant transformation from Dragon Warrior to Spiritual Leader is at the heart of this nonviolence; furthermore, it develops Po's brazenness into a source of peace. Despite the film's child-friendliness, parents should be aware of mild violence. A few characters unfortunately die, but thankfully the deaths are comically unfocused and mostly implied. Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 4 out of 5 stars and from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on March 8, 2024 in theaters. Be sure to check it out in theaters. By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 22 Set in the fun and humble town of the Valley Of Peace, Kung Fu Panda 4 had me laughing from the amusing story, amazing acting and great animation. Po (Jack Black), the great Dragon Warrior, now has to become a spiritual leader who has to identify a successor and guide the next Dragon Warrior. He does not believe he can be a mentor and a leader, and while meditating to find a solution, he encounters a fox named Zhen (Awkwafina). A fight ensues and when Po puts her behind bars, he finds out that a new villain, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), has taken over Juniper City. With her shape shifting powers, she can turn into anyone and is planning to take over more land, including The Valley of Peace. Together, Zhen and Po go on a dangerous journey to bustling Juniper City to fight The Chameleon. They are met with countless challenges, and ultimately with the help of a team of bandits, take down The Chameleon. Kung Fu Panda 4 definitely is entertaining with its funny and amusing characters, plus great morals and stories. The animation is mind blowing with amazing detail for these two different locations. The Valley of Peace is shown to be a small, colorful, village where everyone knows each other. Compared to the Valley of Peace, Juniper City is shown to be a darker, bustling city with many hardened people. The 60s style fight scenes, reminiscent of old Batman TV shows, kept me engaged and are very enjoyable. Jack Black definitely skadooshes as Kung Fu Panda! His empathetic and hilarious tones make it impossible not to love Po. Awkwafina is so great as Zhen because you can feel the hurt she carries with her in her voice. Viola Davis shows her Oscar prowess by delivering a very intimidating Chameleon. Dustin Hoffman, as Master Shifu, shows his annoyance and frustration towards Po in a very funny, yet kind way. Finally, Bryan Cranston and James Hong play Po's Panda and Goose dads, Li and Ping respectively, showing their love and support of Po throughout the movie. Kung Fu Panda 4 reminds us to always believe in ourselves and, even when we do not, at least pretend to. After Po gets hurt, he does not believe he can defeat The Chameleon, but his belief in himself grows with his parents' support. When it gets challenging, his panda dad, Li, is extremely worried, but acts brave just to save Po. We also are reminded that anyone has the ability to grow into a successful or beautiful thing. At first, Zhen does the wrong thing and then she remembers Po's kindness and how he believes in her and that changes her. The film's messages are to believe in yourself and remember that kindness is important - everything we say to others affects them as it can affect how they think about themselves and ultimately, their actions. Kung Fu Panda 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on March 8, 2024 By Avani M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
LIONSGATE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, Arthur The King follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Arthur The King is a captivating emotional journey that tugs at your heartstrings, leaving you teary-eyed yet filled with a sense of joy. This film is a delightful blend of suspense, humor, and adventure, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages. Based on the true story of Mikeal Lindnord (Mark Wahlberg), the movie takes us on a thrilling ride as Mikeal and his group set out to win a race that will go down in history. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Arthur (Ukai), a lovable dog who becomes an integral part of their team. What makes Arthur The King truly special is its ability to resonate with both dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike. The film's visuals are breathtakingly natural, capturing the beauty of the outdoors with stunning cinematography and seamless editing. It's evident that the crew poured their hearts into bringing this true story to life, and their dedication shines through in every frame. Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Mikeal Lindnord is nothing short of remarkable. He exudes leadership and compassion, especially towards Arthur, which instantly endears him to the audience. Ukai's performance as Arthur adds depth and charm to the film, elevating it to new heights. One of the film's greatest strengths is its pacing. Despite its quick pace, Arthur The King never feels rushed. Instead, it effectively conveys the message of the film - that a dog truly is man's best friend - in a short amount of time, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The message is "dog is man's best friend" and it serves as a reminder of the special connection between humans and dogs. I give Arthur The King 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults (and dog lovers.) This film is a heartwarming tale that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling uplifted. Don't miss your chance to experience this emotional thrill ride when it hits theaters on March 15, 2024. By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 Arthur the King is a great family film and a good movie with a strong main character and a heartwarming story. However, even with all these great aspects, the greatest part of this film is the dog. The story focuses on Mikael Linord (Mark Wahlberg) is a renowned adventure racer who has a lot of medals but has never won the championship. He tries to get back into the sport that he loves, but along comes a furry friend to help him overcome his fears and possibly win the championship. The team adopts the dog and the adventure begins. Arthur the King does everything right. To start off the protagonist, Mikael goes through a simple but great character journey, starting off the film as someone who refuses to listen to other people's point of view but grows as a person learning to consider others ideas by the end. Mikael isn't the only thing that makes this film good-- it's also a heartwarming story about family. If you're looking for a good film you can see with your family this is the one--you'll be happy watching this film. You may feel a little sad but mostly you'll be rooting for the characters to succeed. And Arthur the dog will win you over. The filmmakers make sure you love Arthur and hope that it never gets hurt and that it succeeds. That leads to us getting invested in this dog, and in Mikael's story, which creates strong emotional moments. The theme of Arthur the King is that sometimes you have one goal and yet achieving that goal isn't necessarily the most important thing in your life. The theme is portrayed by Mikael as learns that his goal isn't what's most important to him--it's what he has that he takes for granted. I give Arthur the King 3.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters March 15, 2024. By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm Buy Here (from LIONSGATE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT) |
KINGDOM STORY COMPANY Series: FEATURE, AGES 8 - 18 Topic - Family Description - Based on a remarkable true story, Ordinary Angels centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Tighten up your heartstrings for this new release because the film Ordinary Angels delivers a rollercoaster of scenes sure to unleash your deepest emotions. This well-crafted film offers such a mixture of highs and lows, almost in a magical way, that it definitely made its way onto my favorite films of all time. Viewers are in for a real treat with this masterpiece! Based on an amazing true story, Ordinary Angels takes us on a journey to a small Kentucky Town where a bold, yet emotionally struggling hairdresser, Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), finds meaning to her life by helping a tragedy stricken family who are complete strangers. With the recent loss of his wife, Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson) faces yet another hardship when his youngest daughter must have a lifesaving liver transplant in order to survive her illness. With mounting medical bills and other expenses which the Schmitt Family cannot afford, saving his daughter's life seems out of reach until Stevens sets out to move mountains in making this happen. With renewed purpose, this "ordinary angel" brings her community together in this near impossible mission. There is so much to love about this film! The cast, with both its lead and supporting actors, are dynamite and are an absolute perfect fit for their roles. Although some scenes are bitterly sad and required a box of tissues within reach, others I found to be comedic, which offered a great balance and some time for the tears to dry up. I was totally connected to the film from beginning to end as each scene delivers something so unique, setting off a gamut of emotions. A big two thumbs up for writers Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly, as well as for director Jon Gunn, for such a powerful timely film which is a true gift in a world so divided. Ordinary Angels reminds us that we must see beyond our flaws and appreciate one another, which I can certainly appreciate. This film is the perfect family movie one in which I will be encouraging families far and wide to watch! Ordinary Angels delivers a message of faith within "community" and allows that faith to encourage good deeds for one another. God shows up in a big way when there is faith allowing for such a unique ripple effect. Serving within your community is a powerful tool and can result in significant positive change in people's lives. "Find a reason to be here and find meaning outside yourself." I give Ordinary Angels 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Ordinary Angels is available in theaters now. By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
APPLE TV Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend is a biographical documentary series produced in a collaboration between Apple TV+, Smuggler Entertainment and Pegsa Group. The series follows Lionel Messi's triumphant career, his overall impact on football and shows his journey of highs and lows with the Argentina national football team across five World Cups, culminating with his fairytale ending of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - See youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I loved every second of the documentary Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend. Messi is an absolute legend. I remember watching these games in 2022 so it's very very interesting to know what was going on behind the scenes, what the players were thinking and feeling, and other things. In the 2006 World Cup, he was just hoping he would get to play. Now he's the most decorated player in the history of the game. This documentary follows Lionel Messi through the World Cup of 2022. The documentary shows his journey from when he was young to current time. It touches on his time at Barcelona, his previous World Cups, the challenges he had to overcome, his hopes and dreams for the 2022 World Cup, and finally the World Cup itself from the group stages all the way through the finals and how he feels and what he's thinking in between and throughout. The documentary does this across four episodes ranging from 44 minutes to 49 minutes in length titled "The Last Cup," "We Can Dream Again," "The Weight of a Nation," and "Redemption." This is a feel-good documentary as we observe an inspiring man getting to accomplish his biggest dream. There's a wonderful beauty to that and this documentary is a beautiful depiction of it. Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend is really very well-made. It offers an intimate view into Lionel Messi's life. He speaks of Diego Maradonna, his soccer hero. Messi tells us that when he doesn't do well, he's very self-critical and explains how he feels guilty. The documentary includes interviews with Messi's teammates, his first coach and Argentina's coach, Lionel Sebasti�n Scaloni. It delves into what happened after the Saudi Arabia loss - 36 matches undefeated ended in the opening match. The Saudi Arabia win against Argentina came as one of the World Cup's greatest shocks. Roger Bennett says, "watching Lionel Messi walk off the field... It was agony. At this moment, he looked defeated." Everybody started attacking Messi after the World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia, saying he was overhyped and similar things. The documentary excels at comparing that incident to when Messi quit Argentina in 2016. When Messi did quit, everyone suddenly freaked out. People begged him to stay, to change his mind, there were even hash tags such as #LioDon'tLeave. Enzo Fernandez was 15 at the time and wrote a letter to Messi that ended up going viral. Six years later, Messi reverted his decision and Fernandez played alongside him in the World Cup. They won it together. The documentary is full of heart touching anecdotes like this. I truly had a smile on my face the entire time I watched it. I love seeing how Messi and his teammates celebrate after a goal - all smiles and jumping on each other. It's heartwarming how happy they look and how they support one another. Watching the team hang out together makes me smile as they sing, dance, chant, play card games and celebrate! This is all Messi's story. Throughout the documentary, you can tell he truly loves his children, his wife, his sport, his country, his team and his life. What a legend! Like Messi or not, you cannot deny that he is one of the greatest players of all time. This documentary helps us understand him, his journey, and his story. You can't say you're a soccer fan and not know the story of one of the greatest players the world has ever seen. Messi's teammates say that they all grew up watching him play. Emiliano Martinez says "We feel that we have to defend our hero." Fernandez says "The team always had the sense of wanting to win it for Leo." It felt like all of Argentina was watching, saying "We need to win because it's Messi's last one." This is an absolutely amazing documentary. I wish it had included interviews with the French team in the fourth episode, which would have given us a very interesting perspective. Argentina would have lost to France, 3-4, if not for Martinez's brilliant last-minute save. The film's message is that you can't do it alone. The World Cup final is one of the best and most interesting matches I've ever seen. It was Messi's World Cup. But it was also Martinez's world cup. And Fernandez's world cup. Alvarez, Di Maria, De Paul, Scaloni, every other person on that team. It was Argentina's World Cup. Messi could never have done it without them. The documentary ends with Messi saying "I'm just a kid from Rosario who loves to play ball." That makes the documentary all the more inspiring. Messi says "If something is meant to happen to you, it will happen." That's another one of the messages. Messi worked really hard. This documentary shows that truly anyone can do it. Work hard enough, and you can achieve all your dreams. Don't give up. That's 100% true. But by Messi saying that, he acknowledges there's an aspect of luck to it as well. I give Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults, but this is truly a must-watch for all fans of the sport. You can watch this documentary starting February 21, 2024 on AppleTV+. By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend follows pro soccer player Lionel Messi's journey through obstacles and triumphs during the 2022 World Cup. Tasked with leading his team and acting as the face of Argentina, Messi must lead his teammates and country to victory. This documentary series tells the story of all-star Messi's background throughout the episodes, often non-chronologically. However, at times this method doesn't work, and the story feels disjointed, underdeveloped and the flashbacks feel out of place. We undoubtedly root for Messi throughout the series, but only because the series urges us to cheer him on, not because we have fully gotten to know him. Also, the documentary's formula grows repetitive. We continuously witness Lionel and Argentina's performance during the World Cup, which becomes hard to watch. Messi never remains at a high or low because the series swiftly cycles between the media disliking him, him gaining back their support, and the media disliking him again. This trend is utilized so many times throughout the episodes that it's hard to cheer for a win when we know there is another devastating loss around the corner. Fortunately, Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend thrives from its frequent use of footage from Messi's games. As an audience, we truly get a sense of why Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the all time greats of soccer. He is fueled by his peers and country, which is quite inspiring. His collaboration with teammates and talent in the game is truly entertaining to watch. Viewing the way in which the Argentinean team bonds throughout their wins and losses is something very special to see. There is no question that Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend has aspects that soccer fans and Lionel Messi fans will enjoy, but the series fails to include many additions that it would benefit from. I give Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Catch the series when it releases on February 21, 2024 on Apple TV+. By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
WARNER BROS. PICTURES Series: FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18 Topic - Family Description - Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wow! Just saw this in IMAX, which really delivers the visuals in a breathtaking way, especially the desert scenes. I loved Part One and this is twice as good, perhaps because the storyline is more developed or so it seems. The story revolves around Paul Atreides' mythical journey as he reunites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Freman seeking revenge for the insurgents who murdered his family. Paul has to prove himself to the Freman by undertaking several tasks, including riding a sandworm - and he calls the largest one ever seen. After a two-year conflict, Paul eventually emerges victorious and successfully deposes the Emperor. The Emperor picks Feyd Rautha (Austin Butler) as his champion to duel Paul for the universe's fate. In the end, Paul abandons the love of his life and claims Princess Irulan as his bride, while sending the Freman out into the universe to start a war against the great houses. This second installment, based on Frank Herbert's books brings with it lots of questions about Paul and the Arrakis. It adds some key characters to the already splendid cast such as Austin Butler playing the evil Feyd Rautha and Florence Pugh playing Irulan. Emperor Shaddam IV is played by Christopher Walken. Lady Margot, the Bene Gesserit wife of Count Hasimir Fenring, is played by Lea Seydoux. Of course, returning cast members include Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Javier Gardem as Stilgar (leader of the Fremen tribe), Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck and Stellan Skarsgard as Baron Harkonnen. Chani, played by Zendaya, delivers a stunning performance and shows how she is caught between the man she loves and her dedication to her people, exemplified by her fury at Paul when he breaks his promises to her and colonizes the Fremen through religious propaganda. Having Paul declare war on the great houses at the end of the film shows his drive for ultimate power and sets the scene on world-building. I can't say enough about how impressive the visuals are in this film, created by Patrice Vermette, who goes old-school Hollywood in creating the most immersive sets and environments for the film. That meant filming on location. The grand desert landscapes of Arrakis - the futuristic planet - were filmed in Jordan and Abu Dhabi and are perfectly captured by widescreen cinematography. The vast desert seas are shot from above showing how they stretch for miles in every direction. New worlds are introduced - Caladan and Giedi Prime -- each with its own unique visual characterization. The sandworms appear frequently in Part Two and are massive! Particularly inspiring is Paul's initial ride on the sandworms and, at the end, Chani prepares for her own turn. The most complicated sets were constructed on giant soundstages in Budapest, including the ornithopters. The visual aspect is further enhanced by the incredible flowing, futuristic costume designs by Jacqueline West whose work reaches far and wide as the characters move from planet to planet. Composer Hans Zimmer completes the creative team with an evocative score that absolutely is mind bending, complementing the visuals and enhancing the story's emotional impact. The film's message is about the importance of family and culture, but it reminds us to beware of heroes. Paul Atreides unites the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen who murdered his family. The question is, does Paul take it too far? I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters on March 1, 2024. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Dune: Part Two starts where the first movie ended, with Paul Atredes (Timothee Chalamet) and his mother (Rebecca Ferguson) having joined Chani (Zendaya) and the Freemen. Seeking revenge against those who have hurt his family, Paul learns the way of the Freemen to gain their trust and respect, falling in love along the way. When the threat resurfaces, Paul and the Freemen must work together to regain their land and prevail over the House of Harkonnen. Director Denis Villeneuve outdoes himself with Dune: Part Two. His collaboration of brilliant storytelling with world creation and surreal cinematography makes it a movie that audiences will remember long after watching. This movie gave me a new appreciation for the desert, primarily due to how cinematographer Greig Fraser shoots the landscapes. The beginning of the film, with the shots of the sand and the visuals of the red sun setting with the dunes in the background, is breathtaking to watch on the big screen. But the visuals don't stop with the sequences of the sand, as the visual effects are absolutely incredible. Although there are some moments where I could tell that CGI plays a part in creating the setting, most of the CGI is outstanding. The fight sequences are some of the best I've ever seen and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The movie is very long, at two hours and 46 minutes, and I admit that it feels a bit long near the end. Some characters and plot lines seem to be extraneous to the overall story. For example, Feyd-Rautha Hakkunnen (Austin Butler), although visually very compelling and greatly acted, seems to be somewhat unnecessary. My favorite character is Stilgar (Javier Bardem), as he brings a much-needed amount of humor to an otherwise dark story. Every actor in this film delivers amazing performances, but Chalamet and Ferguson really blew me away. Their acting is phenomenal and makes you empathize with their characters while also fearing them. The background score, by Hans Zimmer, helps transport audiences to the world of Dune and embellishes the beauty of cinematography, making the movie more jaw-dropping. Dune: Part Two promotes respect and trust, but most importantly, the value of staying true to yourself. A large part of the story is Paul Atredes's difficulty understanding who he is and the Freemen's perception of his role in their society, causing internal conflicts in Paul's head. Once he becomes vulnerable and accepts his destiny everything becomes more clear, not only for him but for the audience as well. Be aware that the movie is very violent at times and involves many fight scenes involving weapons and blood and other disturbing visuals. I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters March 1, 2024. By Emma D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17 Dune: Part Two is one of the best produced films I have ever seen. The cinematography, casting, direction and special effects are all phenomenal. The filmmakers have paid intricate attention to detail and it shows throughout the movie. The film follows two strong-willed lovers who are among the many fighters on the planet Arrakis. Paul wants to destroy the people who killed his family, but foresees a dangerous future. That same force is messing with his mind and may ruin his plan to save their people. Some of your favorite actors are in Dune: Part Two! The main characters are Paul or Uzul (Timoth�e Chalamet), Chani (Zendaya), Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), Stilgar (Javier Bardem), Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista) and Emperor (Christopher Walken). The casting is fantastic; each actor compliments their characters beautifully and believably. I felt many emotions while watching it because of the great acting. When Chani is hurt by Uzul's sudden change of mind, the air feels tense and her anger is shown. Also, Uzul's mom, Jessica, is mysterious and changes her personality when she drinks the poison. This film is so well-produced. I am beyond amazed by the quality of the production. The camerawork captures the scenes so well, especially when they are in the desert. The special effects are mind-blowing, like when Uzul and Chani blow up multiple helicopters. The machine they are running from looks incredibly realistic and threatening. When Uzul has visions, the special effects are well-displayed. We learn that, by consuming Spice, the people on Arrakis can see the future. You know when they are seeing the future because their eyes turn blue. This film exceeds all my expectations and explores science fiction beautifully. The pacing is perhaps a bit off, but you might expect some slow parts since it is nearly three hours long! A lot of hard work went into creating this film. I highly recommend watching Dune: Part One to understand the concepts, the characters and their backstories. Dune: Part 2 picks up right where Dune: Part One left off. These two films really bring the Dune books to life. I applaud the director, Denis Villeneuve, for creating such admirable work. My favorite part of the film is when Paul (or Uzul) learns to ride a huge sandworm. The special effects are remarkable because you feel as if you are on the sandworm with him - the wind rushes, the sand flies everywhere, and the motion of the sandworm is smooth. It looks incredibly realistic and it shows how far CGI has come. The film's message is to have hope and to always believe it can happen. Paul's hope carries him throughout his fights and he constantly encourages the others to believe that they can do it. He also tells his mother to not give them false hope over a prophecy. Be aware that this film has mature concepts, a lot of violence, profanity, and bloody scenes. I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Dune: Part Two releases in theaters March 1, 2024. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 The story of Dune is back with a sequel to the 2021 film, Dune: Part One. Dune: Part Two is action-packed, visually stunning, and matches the dynamic energy and format as the first film. It also has breathtaking scenery, amazing performances, and an engaging storyline. Continuing the storyline of Frank Herbert's science fiction novels, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) after the happenings in the first film where the Atreides family was defeated. In this film, Paul works hard to protect the Arrakis people. We learn more about Paul's visions and the prophecy that is said to revolve around Paul. There are many focal points of this film so there are a few main characters besides Paul. The acting in this film is terrific. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya make for an amazing acting duo throughout the film, and the rest of the cast's performance, including Austin Butler as Feyd-Ratha Harrakum helps move the story along. The visuals are stunning, with the desert landscape, incredible set designs, and mind-blowing special effects. The cinematography, storyline, sets, and overall design come together perfectly to create a truly well-made film. The story is very adventurous -- sci-fi film lovers will be fascinated and interested. The costumes perfectly match the setting and, in a way, tell their own story. Dune: Part Two takes you on an emotional rollercoaster which is expected based on the content in Part One. As much as I enjoyed this film, it is almost three hours long and it seems to lack a lot of context and dialogue. I definitely recommend seeing the first movie before this one. Dune: Part Two is all about trust, bravery and hope. Paul is challenged with keeping his family's legacy, leading Arrakis, and facing the future he sees in his visions. To protect those who he cares about most, he must be brave. He must have hope for the future despite its dangers and risks. And he must trust others as well as himself to do what he has to do. Parents should be aware that there is a lot of graphic violence and suggestive scenes. I give Dune: Part Two 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Dune: Part Two opens in theaters March 1, 2024. By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 The film Dune: Part Two is an action film set in the year 10191. This film is faster paced and creepier than Dune: Part One. I was a little confused during parts of it and found the story hard to follow. The storyline follows Paul Atreides (Timoth�e Chalamet) as he attempts to learn the ways of the Fremen after the House of Atreides has fallen. Paul receives visions and knows that if he travels south a Holy War will begin. He also knows that the only way to bring people together to overpower the Emperor and the other eight houses is to allow people to believe he is "The One." While this film is set in the future, the sword fights and battles scenes remind me of war scenes from the past. Don't worry; there is plenty of sci-fi throughout the film as well, with the costume design, eerie music and floating characters, such as Baron (Stellan Skarsgard). My favorite part of the film is the developing love story between Paul Atreides and Chani (Zendaya). I am so happy that Chani is a more prominent character in Dune: Part Two than her minimal part in Paul's visions during Part One. The way Paul Atreides asks for the emperor's daughter's hand in marriage has me thinking there is a Dune: Part Three in store for us. The film's message is that sometimes you have to sacrifice your wants and needs for the wants and needs of the group. Paul doesn't want to abandon Chani but he knows that if he travels south toward the fundamentalists, he will have to lead and that will bring trouble between them. He knows he must do it anyway. Note that this film has violent content, gore and is a bit creepy and scary. I give Dune: Part Two 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters March 1, 2024. By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
PARAMOUNT PICTURES Series: FEATURE, AGES 12 - 18 Topic - Family Description - Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - See youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Bob Marley: One Love is a captivating biopic that celebrates iconic reggae artist Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir), as fortitude guides him through adversity and his music inspires people all around the world. We see how Bob expresses unity and love through his music as he quickly becomes a worldwide phenomenon. As a music lover, and someone who didn't know too much about Bob Marley, I really enjoyed watching this film. I like the pace and how director Reinaldo Marcus Green tells this compelling story through outstanding cinematography, an exceptional cast and sincere storytelling. The story begins in 1976, late in Bob Marley's life, but arguably the most important time of his career. While Bob loves Jamaica he realizes he must leave to protect himself and his family. He goes to London to find the right sound for his next album. Then "Exodus,'' one of the most important albums of the 20th century, was born. The rest of the film demonstrates many of the obstacles Bob Marley had to overcome - finding purpose, struggling with confidence, and maintaining a healthy relationship with his wife. Kingsley Ben-Adir steals the show. He's extremely believable and delivers an incredible performance. From his body language to the way he speaks, he really becomes Bob Marley on the big screen. Lashana Lynch as Rita Marlee, Bob's wife, gives another incredible performance. She plays Rita with such confidence - together, their relationship is one of this film's strongest aspects. Kudos to them and to all the actors involved; their accents are on point, although a little difficult to understand at times. Regarding the story itself, I don't think this film fully pays tribute to the icon that Bob Marley truly is. The film touches on how his music has united nations and delivers powerful messages of freedom, peace and bringing people together. However, Bob Marley didn't only change music forever; he truly did change the world. I wish the writers would have delved deeper into the impact Bob Marley made on others. The message of this film is that people always face adversity but we can always find ways to overcome those hard times, and music is the greatest power to feel well and unite us. Be forewarned that this film is rated PG-13 for smoking throughout the movie, some violence and strong language. I give Bob Marley: One Love 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters February 14, 2024. By Zoe C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15 Bob Marley: One Love is a passionate and inspiring documentary. I really like this film because it is educational, yet thrilling at the same time, and caused me to positively change my view of the world. Bob Marley: One Love is an honest and revealing documentary about the life of Bob Marley. He is a father, husband and a trusted friend who wants nothing more than love and world peace to be spread across the nation. The Jamaican singer was determined to bring his people together through music, despite the ongoing war and conflict. A huge standout in this film is the directing by Reinaldo Marcus Green who created a nostalgic, sentimental, yet uncomfortable feeling to this documentary from the start, foreshadowing the outcome of the film. He focuses on different characters in different scenes and uses camera angles that help viewers to pick up on specific details. Particularly, the shots of Marley's first concert in Jamaica. There are so many highlighted parts that help the audience to unravel this difficult topic of having hope in even the most hopeless of times. Some of the shots zoom in on Marley moving in slow-motion. Similarly, this is also done with the crowd that is watching him, which helps viewers understand just how impactful his music really is. All of the cinematography and scenery in this movie is beautiful. Each location shown is exquisitely shot. France, London, and all the other European locations have a very local feel, yet there is also the excitement of discovering a new place, which is exactly what those in the film are doing. Most importantly, the lens that Jamaica is shown through fits the tone and mood of this documentary perfectly. I felt that I was able to understand what it looked like in the 1970s and, through shots of the beaches, the eye-catching colors and the abundance of culture, I was able to partially understand what it must have felt like during that time. Lastly, what piqued this film's enjoyability the most for me, is the message told throughout the movie. Bob Marley's entire purpose for creating his music was to unite his people, and bring peace to the battling leaders of Jamaica. He wanted nothing more than for everyone to come together peacefully. The message of fighting for what you believe in - no matter the risks - and living your life to the absolute fullest is delivered beautifully, and reinforced throughout the entire film. Kingsley Ben-Adir who plays Marley is outstanding; his ability to showcase these characteristics of Marley do not go unnoticed. He brings this legendary human being to life, allowing the world to understand Bob Marley for all that he was and all that he stood for. The message of Bob Marley: One Love is that in this life, peace and love will always bring you the most happiness and win in the end. Please be aware that this film does include foul language, slightly gruesome fight scenes, and the use of drugs and smoking. I give Bob Marley: One Love 5 out of 5 stars and recommended it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Bob Marley: One Love in theaters beginning February 14, 2024. Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 17 I like the film Bob Marley: One Love because of its deep references to Jamaica and its culture. I also love the settings and the song choices. The humor is great and makes the movie a lot better. This film is about Jamaica's biggest pop star, Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) and his journey to becoming a famous singer, beloved worldwide. We see Bob Marley at the beginning, living a normal life, playing soccer and making music with his friends. However, this was a time of a lot of violence in Jamaica and Barley and his wife both experienced it first hand. Bob Marley was inspired by the violence to pursue his music career and traveled to London to start to produce his music there. His song, Exodus, gave him a big rise in popularity and fame. Kingsley Ben-Adir's performance as Bob Marley is great. His singing and his dancing are on point. I love the song choices in this film. I think that they chose Bob Marley's best songs and they fit well with the structure of the film. My favorite part of this film is when he is making his song Exodus with his band in his living room and everyone is smiling and having fun. It made me laugh and smile. Marley was a Rastafarianism which he believed unified the Jamaican people and was a big part of his music creation. The film also has a lot of humor in it, which adds to its appeal. The film's message is to never give up and always follow your dreams. Be forewarned that there are incidents of gun violence and bloody gore in this film. I give Bob Marley: One Love 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can find Bob Marley: One Love in theaters February 14, 2024. By NaNa A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
COLUMBIA PICTURES Series: FEATURE, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing's most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who develops the power to see the future... and realizes she can use that insight to change it. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women bound for powerful destinies...if they can all survive a deadly present. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love Madame Web. It is full of action, mystery, suspense, sisterhood and girl power. There are some heartfelt moments and the chemistry between the four leading ladies is outstanding. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end. Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel's most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who develops the power to see the future and realizes she can use that insight to change it. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women bound for powerful destinies if they can all survive a deadly present. I really loved learning who Madame Web is and how she became a heroine. I loved all the action scenes and watching the girls come together to fight against the villain Ezekiel. I loved seeing the girls in their costumes and the action was entertaining. The girls include Sydney Sweeney as Julia Cornwall, Celeste O'Connor as Mattie Franklin and Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon. The movie left me wanting more and hoping for a sequel so we can find out how the girls got their powers and what happens next! The chemistry between the four leading ladies is truly amazing. They work so well together and look like they are having so much fun together. Their friendship seems genuine on the screen. The battle scenes are epic, especially the last one when the girls work together and fight the villain Ezekiel. Madame Web is about teamwork, girl power, friendship, family, heart and action. It shows how friends will always be there for you, no matter what, and reminds you to always stay true to who you are. It is perfect for date night or a family movie night. Everyone will love it. The best part is that if you are a fan of Marvel movies, you don't have to see any previous movies to understand Madame Web. This movie stands alone with a phenomenal cast and great story line. It is rated PG-13 and it is 1 hour and 54 minutes. I give Madame Web 4 out 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Madame Web is in theaters now. By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9 The film Madame Web falls too off the superhero movie path which is disappointing. It includes enveloping action, suspense and violence, but it lacks a connection between the main character and their powers. It isn't extraordinary, but it is a fun adventure. Along with a barely developed superhero figure, it also fails to relate to Spider-Man in any way, which extremely disappointed me. Madame Web follows Cassie (Dakota Johnson), a paramedic who's connected to three teenagers through the power of a valuable spider. While a greedy, powerful man is seeking to kill them all, Cassie finds out she can actually see the future. Will her power save people or lead them to their doom? The primary characters are Madame Web or Cassie, Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Mattie (Celeste O'Connor), Anya (Isabela Merced), Ezekiel (Tahar Rahim) and Ben (Adam Scott). The teenagers are the stars of the show. They are the most believable characters; while the rest of the cast lacks conviction or emotion. It's bothersome. The characters are poorly developed as well. We barely know anything about Julia, Mattie or Anya's backstory, and Ezekiel is as villainous as an antagonist should be. On the other hand, there's a lot of interesting action that keeps the movie engaging. I was compelled to see what would transpire at the end. Cassie and the girls keep having bad things happening to them and that's amusing to watch. The suspense adds to the plot, as well, because Ezekiel just keeps on hunting down their group, using a spy. My favorite part is when time stops underwater. It's really cool because the sound drops to a low pitch and everything seems to be in slow motion. The camerawork is very unique in this film. Sometimes it's almost nauseating -- so watch out for that. There's no relevance to Spider-Man as fans expected, except that Ben Parker is Peter's uncle, but that is not mentioned at all. It's almost as if they aren't in the same fandom. Cassie deserves more of a superhero recognition, since the film doesn't focus on her heroic abilities. I can understand that the producers were trying to experiment with a new type of superhero movie as this film focuses on the main character's mental powers rather than her physical powers. I appreciate the experimentation with something new, but it doesn't really work out very well. It has potential, but the script falls short. This has the makings of an enjoyable film but is missing huge key factors. The film's message is to protect the people you love. Cassie goes above and beyond to protect the teenage trio, and the girls, in turn, save Cassie's life. They care so much about each other that they are willing to risk their own lives to make sure the others are okay. It also discourages selfishness. You should be aware foul language is used and blood is involved. I give Madame Web 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Madame Web comes out in theaters on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 The film Madame Web is an action film that is kind of like another version of Spider Man. I love the action in the film and the background music makes it really suspenseful. I don't usually love Marvel movies but this one is really good. The storyline follows a girl named Cassie (Dakota Johnson), a New York City paramedic who gets visions, including one showing three teenage girls getting killed by the guy that killed her mom. Cassie needs to safely get the girls away from the guy by using her clairvoyant powers and the deadly adventure takes off from there. This is a very unique film - unlike anything I've ever seen before. When Cassie uses her powers the special effects are very cool. They look like a web. I love how Cassie is always helping people. First she helps people that get hurt, then she helps the girls from getting killed. She is amazing. I love the relationship between the three girls - Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Anya (Isabela Merced), and Mattie (Celeste O'Connor). They annoy each other when they first meet but later realize how much they need each other and they become best friends. I especially love Mattie; she is funny, does whatever she wants, and doesn't care what other people think. My favorite part of Madame Web is when they are on top of the factory's roof. It looks really cool when she uses her powers. The film's message is to always stick together. The girls stick together and manage to survive. Plus, in the end they become best friends. This film uses adult language and has some violent content. I give Madame Web 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters February 14, 2024. By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT Series: FEATURE, AGES 8 - 18 Topic - Family Description - Popular Theory follows Erwin, a 12-year old genius, far smarter than any of her high school classmates. But Erwin's genius has come at a price: isolation. She doesn't have any friends and even her sister thinks she's a social leper. Determined to win the State Science Fair, she teams up with classmate Winston, a fellow outcast and chemistry guru, to create a popularity chemical which they add into sticks of chewing gum. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - With compelling performances and a story emphasizing brains over social status, Popular Theory is both a heartfelt story of friendship and innovation that young viewers will love. Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), a young genius named for Nobel Prize-winning physicist Erwin Schr�dinger, is the youngest student in high school and a bona fide loner. She enjoys spending time on her own doing complex science experiments so much that her aunt and father, who raise her, grow concerned and place a science plan on her. But when she meets fellow genius Winston (Lincoln Lambert), they team up to evade the ban and invent a pheromone that threatens to upset the natural order of high school. Lincoln Lambert and Sophia Reid-Gantzert's dynamic is my favorite part of Popular Theory. At a young age, both actors seem to have mastered the art of owning their character, whether it's the micro-gestures of disgust, awe, sadness and hypochondria that Lambert portrays as Winston or Reid-Gantzert's comfort being Erwin. It's truly a delight to see them interact on screen as they transition from rivals to "colleagues," to friends, and as forces push and pull them apart. I'm a Lincoln Lambert fan, having spoken to him about his film Language Arts and having discussed his creative process. But I have to admit that Reid-Gantzert steals the show. That's largely because the screenwriters (Ali Scher and Joe Swanson) have crafted a teen movie that, thankfully, doesn't turn into a rom-com halfway through. Too often the archetype of the wannabe teenage girl eager to change herself exploited. Yes, there's an element of that trope in the film, both in Erwin's character and in Erwin's sister, Ari (Chloe East). But Erwin always stays true to who she is and takes pride in her status as a genius without coming across as too egotistical -- a good role model for young viewers. On another note, the dynamic in Erwin's home reminds one a bit of Matilda, with her aunt and father looking at her as some freak-of-nature genius. Some comical and unexpectedly sentimental moments come from Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines), who's an eccentric hairstylist. Erwin's father, Arthur (Marc Evan Jackson), stricken by the grief of losing his wife, feels a little like a prop character mainly because of a lack of screen time. He isn't given much to work with in terms of dialogue or emoting. I wonder how the film would be affected if Erwin was only raised by her aunt. The direction and production quality are other highlights. The few moments dragging the film down are wooden performances by secondary characters, but those are overshadowed by the strength and integrity of the plot. Popular Theory shows how dangerous instantaneous popularity can be and comments on the ethics of using technology for personal and social benefit. Making change through friendship and positivity can make the high school experience and life better in more ways than one. I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Popular Theory released in theaters on February 9, 2024. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18 Popular Theory highlights the idea that friendship is all about chemistry! The movie shows the negative aspects of popularity and how a positive charge or change through friendship can make the high school experience, and life, more meaningful. Erwin Page (Sophia Reid-Ganzert) is a 12-year-old genius at Magnolia High School and suffers from social isolation. Her formative years were spent primarily alone with her scientific experiments and books were her friends. Erwin's Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines) is certain that science is stunting her social development and with Erwin's Dad (Marc Evan Jackson) empties her room of all science materials to force her to interact with others. The situation is made worse in opposition with her popular older sister Ari (Chloe East) which contrasts the difference in the girls' social positions. High school can be depicted as survival of the fittest where popularity is all that matters to the student body. Erwin is disturbed when new student Winston (Lincoln Lambert), who is 13, enrolls at school and the two of them engage in competition for the upcoming science fair award and scholarship. Erwin and Winston end up together as science partners in their quest to win the competition by utilizing pheromones to impact popularity in their "Friendship Formula." The ensemble cast in Popular Theory is funny and acidic and gives us the exact chemical reaction that one would hope for. The developing friendship and competitive nature of Erwin and Winston is believable and endearing. I really enjoyed the comedic timing of Cheryl Hines in her supporting role as Aunt Tammy. Also, I have to mention the hysterical drama offered by high school test subjects Casey (Kat Conner Sterling) and Alan (Varak Baronian) as they experience the reactions to their popularity quotient during the social experiment. Great performances by many other high school student cast members really make this movie combust. Popular Theory is directed by Ali Scher, who is also a co-writer with Joe Swanson. I really enjoyed the relationships and the dialogue they created. The movie has a fun soundtrack from music supervisor Ben Sokoler and music editor Jason Soudah which adds to the cause and effect of this film. This film's message is that false friends can't replace true friends and, as in science, "particles have no meaning as isolated entities, but are better understood through their interconnections." You don't need to be popular at school or in life to thrive or be liked by everybody, but people do need somebody to connect with. Erwin and Winston don't win the science fair, but they do discover the real friendship formula. I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This movie released in theaters February 9, 2024 so go learn why popularity isn't all that matters. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16 Popular Theory is an adorable film that showcases true friendship. The camera work, charming script, clever cinematography and great actors make this film a delightful experience. The story begins by introducing Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert), a 12-year-old genius who's in 11th grade. She meets Winston (Lincoln Lambert), another 12 year-old-genius who's initially her biggest competition. But, they agree to be colleagues and work on an experiment for the school science fair. They face many obstacles but discover what friendship truly means. I really love this film. So many aspects make it unique and really stand out. I love the camera movement; from scene to scene the film is packed with clever transitions that are so appealing to the eye. Cinematographer Damian Horan knew what he was doing - the colors are especially interesting. Erwin is constantly surrounded by the color blue; while Winston is represented by the color orange. When the two first meet the juxtaposition of the colors stands out, as their friendship grows they both start wearing each other's colors. The color palette is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also very symbolic and adds to the storytelling. I've seen similar applications like in the film 500 Days Of Summer, but I love the way Damian Horan shot this film, almost making the colors a standalone character. The art direction by Gavin Mosier and set design decoration by Mily Moreno is genius; kudos to the entire art department. Sophia Reid-Gantzert as Erwin and Lincoln Lambert as Winston make the cutest duo. They're such great actors individually, but also they work so well together. One of my favorite characters is Cheryl Hines as Aunt Tammy; she's a hairdresser and utilizes her craft as an art form. I also like how every character serves a different purpose in the film. I love the storyline; not only is it adorable but this film offers a great representation of what kids go through in high school and I think people can relate to many aspects of this film. This film deals with many different themes like bullying, friendship, doing what is best for others, and other themes. The film's message is that popularity isn't everything and anyone can find true friendship. I give Popular Theory 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Popular Theory is available now in theaters. By Zo� C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
ISOLDE ASAL Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - At young koala Fred's home, there are often fights between his brothers and his father. When it gets noisy again, Fred runs crying to the playground, where he sees the lion girl Lizzy and the duck Mika. But the two soon leave the playground and Fred finds a coin in the sand. Mika realizes that she has lost her coin. Now they can't buy ice cream anymore. Back at the playground, they find Fred who has found that very coin. Lizzy wants to get the coin back.... KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is an impressive animation undertaking by a team of young students, ages 7 to 11. When showing it to a group of kids the same age, they like everything about it except that the characters have no "legs" - there is an empty space between their bodies or clothing and their feet - which is odd and, since everything else about them is realistic, doesn't make sense. However, we felt the storyline is strong enough to include it, but will warm programmers about it since it was a big issue with some kids when viewing it. The storyline is about sharing as one kid loses a coin, which is picked up by another and, in the end they learn to share. The animation is well executed with the exception of "the missing legs" as described above. There is no narration so the background music plays an important role and is well suited for the film. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline is about sharing as one kid loses a coin, which is picked up by another and, in the end they learn to share. The animation is well executed with the exception of "the missing legs" as described above. There is no narration so the background music plays an important role and is well suited for the film. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
JACK HERMILLER Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 2-8 Topic - Family Description - We start out in Park Slope, a humble neighborhood, in which a man starts his day by taking his dog to Harmony Playground. The man carelessly lets the dog roam free. The dog notices a small rabbit and chases it through classic settings in Park Slope with the man hot on his heels, causing chaos along the way. The man's misfortune soon leads to a calming afternoon at Nitehawk Cinema. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I loved watching Park Slope Panics! This short film is a cute and well-crafted stop motion LEGO animated film. It made me laugh and was really cool to watch. Park Slope Panics follows a dog owner who takes his dog to the park. The dog sees a rabbit and runs off wreaking havoc around the park, ruining a picnic, and causing another dog to get loose. The film is short and it's certainly a good watch. It's cute and, because it's so short and stop-motion at that, there's not a whole lot of leeway to fully develop a story. This one is interesting and, given the time constraints, delivers. I'm a big fan of stop motion films and this is well put together. The movement of the dog running through the streets and even some of the swift movements and face changes of the LEGOS hit home. I love the use of sound effects in the film, from objects and movements in the town, to the dog barking. The sounds are realistic; you can tell they were self-produced which makes it cool, especially since it shows the commitment of the filmmaker to create unique sounds. There isn't much voice acting, just exclamatory sounds from the characters, the dog barking, and some small speaking lines. The creator, Jack, is the writer, director, editor, animator and star. His work speaks for itself - it's terrific. As someone who loves watching those kinds of films, I was impressed at the high quality of the stop motion work, and look forward to seeing more from Jack. My favorite part is just the stop motion LEGOS. This film doesn't have much of a message - it just follows a dog chasing a rabbit around a park. Perhaps the message is to keep an eye on your pets at a park because bad things can happen. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Park Slope Panics follows a dog owner who takes his dog to the park. The dog sees a rabbit and runs off wreaking havoc around the park, ruining a picnic, and causing another dog to get loose. The film is short and it's certainly a good watch. It's cute and, because it's so short and stop-motion at that, there's not a whole lot of leeway to fully develop a story. This one is interesting and, given the time constraints, delivers. I'm a big fan of stop motion films and this is well put together. The movement of the dog running through the streets and even some of the swift movements and face changes of the LEGOS hit home. I love the use of sound effects in the film, from objects and movements in the town, to the dog barking. The sounds are realistic; you can tell they were self-produced which makes it cool, especially since it shows the commitment of the filmmaker to create unique sounds. There isn't much voice acting, just exclamatory sounds from the characters, the dog barking, and some small speaking lines. The creator, Jack, is the writer, director, editor, animator and star. His work speaks for itself - it's terrific. As someone who loves watching those kinds of films, I was impressed at the high quality of the stop motion work, and look forward to seeing more from Jack. My favorite part is just the stop motion LEGOS. This film doesn't have much of a message - it just follows a dog chasing a rabbit around a park. Perhaps the message is to keep an eye on your pets at a park because bad things can happen. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
YASER TALEBI Series: FOREIGN DOCUMENTARY, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - After the death of her mother 18-year-old Sahar is left in charge of her poor, mentally disabled father in an isolated village in Iran. This observational portrait captures a young woman caught between traditional gender roles and her desire for self-determination. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very insightful documentary. Follows 18-year-old Sahar who is left in charge of her poor, mentally disabled father in an isolated village in Iran after her mother passes. This observational portrait captures a young woman caught between traditional gender roles and her desire for self-determination. Beautifully shot. Terrific camera work, great audio, excellent acting, poignant subject. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Follows 18-year-old Sahar who is left in charge of her poor, mentally disabled father in an isolated village in Iran after her mother passes. This observational portrait captures a young woman caught between traditional gender roles and her desire for self-determination. Beautifully shot. Terrific camera work, great audio, excellent acting, poignant subject. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
PILI MILI FILMS Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Young boy with learning difficulties befriends a voice-activated AI assistant that unknowingly prepares him for the real challenges of life. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Lia IRL is a great representation of introverted and shy people, or people who may have trouble in terms of being social. I love that they used AI, which is a very modern way to create such a story that others can relate to. It is well thought out and presented. Lia IRL follows a boy named Simon who doesn't speak much around others. He receives a new phone from his parents with an AI Assistant on it named Lia. He tries to develop conversation with LIA as if she's a real person, but as AI assistants do, she only has a limited number of capabilities. Simon, with the help of LIA, gets social experience leading up to him making new friends. This film focuses on introverted people who have social anxiety or some form of a learning disorder. The plot has a good message but has some shortcomings. The beginning doesn't give us too much backstory on what the situation is. The film is cute though, and is a good watch. In terms of camera work, the film's scenes mostly consist of a wide view that shows Simon in the middle and you also get a sense of the world around him. It doesn't move around much, mostly it stays in one spot, focusing on the phone once in a while. Since the film focuses on a normal life, the costumes fit that standard with typical clothes a kid wears today. The sets are mostly in Simon's home and some other places that he has to go to that are mostly sports or school related. The character Simon goes from being distant and quiet at the beginning of the film to being happier and actually making a friend as the film develops. LIA becomes a friend and when she leaves, he is forced to make new friends. That experience ultimately helps him in terms of his social life and understanding of social life. The production team did well on this film. It is well made. My favorite part is when Simon is beating up his phone with the pillow and the feathers are flying everywhere. It is funny because Lia had turned into Larry, which he didn't want, and he ends up doing a lot of damage with it. The film teaches people about social life. Especially for those who can relate to it on a different level, they will find connections of wanting to find a friend but having trouble doing so. In this case, when you do find a friend and you lose that person, it can be very upsetting. It shows us that and how, while it may be hard to make friends and you may lose friends, that's okay. You will eventually find a good friend that's worth it, helpful, and loyal. I give Lia IRL 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Lia IRL follows a boy named Simon who doesn't speak much around others. He receives a new phone from his parents with an AI Assistant on it named Lia. He tries to develop conversation with LIA as if she's a real person, but as AI assistants do, she only has a limited number of capabilities. Simon, with the help of LIA, gets social experience leading up to him making new friends. This film focuses on introverted people who have social anxiety or some form of a learning disorder. The plot has a good message but has some shortcomings. The beginning doesn't give us too much backstory on what the situation is. The film is cute though, and is a good watch. In terms of camera work, the film's scenes mostly consist of a wide view that shows Simon in the middle and you also get a sense of the world around him. It doesn't move around much, mostly it stays in one spot, focusing on the phone once in a while. Since the film focuses on a normal life, the costumes fit that standard with typical clothes a kid wears today. The sets are mostly in Simon's home and some other places that he has to go to that are mostly sports or school related. The character Simon goes from being distant and quiet at the beginning of the film to being happier and actually making a friend as the film develops. LIA becomes a friend and when she leaves, he is forced to make new friends. That experience ultimately helps him in terms of his social life and understanding of social life. The production team did well on this film. It is well made. My favorite part is when Simon is beating up his phone with the pillow and the feathers are flying everywhere. It is funny because Lia had turned into Larry, which he didn't want, and he ends up doing a lot of damage with it. The film teaches people about social life. Especially for those who can relate to it on a different level, they will find connections of wanting to find a friend but having trouble doing so. In this case, when you do find a friend and you lose that person, it can be very upsetting. It shows us that and how, while it may be hard to make friends and you may lose friends, that's okay. You will eventually find a good friend that's worth it, helpful, and loyal. I give Lia IRL 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
SAGE DRAKE Series: INDIE FEATURE, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - A film that explores the current state of our planet and future. Produced by Angelita Bushey. Narrated by Rachel Amanda Bryant. Written and directed by Sage Christian Drake. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - My Empathy is an insightful film crafted with care, carrying a message that this generation needs to hear about the state of care, compassion, and kindness in our world today. Great storyline and filmmaking! With compelling interviews of people from all age groups, including children, and a clear and simple structure, the film examines various facets of society and social behavior and how technology, the pandemic, and other factors have changed/impacted our way of reacting to them. The idea behind the film and its execution align beautifully; each interview conducted and featured in the film reveals something new about the human experience, our view of empathy and how that's changed over the years. It might be tough to digest for the first twenty minutes, as the filmmakers jump right into the material, but this is a must-watch for members of our modern society. I love how Sage Christian Drake and his team adhered so strictly to the purist documentarian format of "interview + b-roll = great story" and don't focus on adding too much pizzazz to the film. The camerawork is standard for a documentary, with many medium shots for interviews. Interestingly, though, the entire film is in black-and-white (save for the b-roll used with the narrator Rachel Amanda Bryant's voice). This is perhaps intended to show how the world actually isn't so cut-and-dried and that empathy helps us not see the world in such absolutes. The sets suit the storyline; most are in and around an urban landscape to showcase our modernizing, cosmopolitan society. Music is used sparingly, only when b-roll is played on the screen while the narrator speaks. In these instances, the music beautifully accentuates the points made, adding tension when the narrator describes strife in society, and an air of happiness when something constructive or positive is discussed. Christina and Michael Larsen are my personal favorite subjects (among the many featured in My Empathy). Their clarity of thought and diversity of experiences really enriched my perspective on empathy in our modern society. Sage Christian Drake deserves so much praise for this innovative idea; it's a pleasure to watch this almost-social experiment play out on screen. The seven-person director of photography team also aced the cinematography of the film, using a simple format to convey a beautiful message. This is a very minute thing to notice, but I love how the film is partitioned into "chapters" of sorts, with headers for points made about empathy and its prevalence in the world. This makes the viewing experience very cohesive (as opposed to fragmenting it too much) and I never feel like the transitions between points are too jarring. My Empathy shows viewers the state of empathy in the world; though it might seem like our compassion is dwindling in some contexts, we are still holding onto our goodness. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! With compelling interviews of people from all age groups, including children, and a clear and simple structure, the film examines various facets of society and social behavior and how technology, the pandemic, and other factors have changed/impacted our way of reacting to them. The idea behind the film and its execution align beautifully; each interview conducted and featured in the film reveals something new about the human experience, our view of empathy and how that's changed over the years. It might be tough to digest for the first twenty minutes, as the filmmakers jump right into the material, but this is a must-watch for members of our modern society. I love how Sage Christian Drake and his team adhered so strictly to the purist documentarian format of "interview + b-roll = great story" and don't focus on adding too much pizzazz to the film. The camerawork is standard for a documentary, with many medium shots for interviews. Interestingly, though, the entire film is in black-and-white (save for the b-roll used with the narrator Rachel Amanda Bryant's voice). This is perhaps intended to show how the world actually isn't so cut-and-dried and that empathy helps us not see the world in such absolutes. The sets suit the storyline; most are in and around an urban landscape to showcase our modernizing, cosmopolitan society. Music is used sparingly, only when b-roll is played on the screen while the narrator speaks. In these instances, the music beautifully accentuates the points made, adding tension when the narrator describes strife in society, and an air of happiness when something constructive or positive is discussed. Christina and Michael Larsen are my personal favorite subjects (among the many featured in My Empathy). Their clarity of thought and diversity of experiences really enriched my perspective on empathy in our modern society. Sage Christian Drake deserves so much praise for this innovative idea; it's a pleasure to watch this almost-social experiment play out on screen. The seven-person director of photography team also aced the cinematography of the film, using a simple format to convey a beautiful message. This is a very minute thing to notice, but I love how the film is partitioned into "chapters" of sorts, with headers for points made about empathy and its prevalence in the world. This makes the viewing experience very cohesive (as opposed to fragmenting it too much) and I never feel like the transitions between points are too jarring. My Empathy shows viewers the state of empathy in the world; though it might seem like our compassion is dwindling in some contexts, we are still holding onto our goodness. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
CHRISTOPHER EMMANUEL LONDON Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - As her parents argue upstairs, wishful and naive Cassandra wishes that her family could go back to happier times. On the day her father is moving out, she has an idea to stop the constant fighting. With a bit of convincing, she is able to get her older sister, Kenya to assist her with her plan. As a last effort, the girls recreate their family Christmas traditions in hopes that it can end the fighting and stop their family from ripping apart. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love the message and the Christmas magic inspired by the girls in Christmas in July. This is a story about mending a family and how two girls take control to help foster change. It focuses on the relationship between the sisters and how they confront their parents about the stress that their fighting is causing them along with a reminder of the importance of family. The story of a broken or hurting family is relatable to many kids. Two sisters hear their parents argue upstairs and the youngest, Cassandra, wishes that her family could return to happier times. On the day her father is moving out, she has an idea to stop the constant fighting by recreating the Christmas feeling of earlier years. Together with her older sister, Kenya, the girls confront their parents and work to unite their family by mending a family heirloom quilt. Working together they start to rebuild not only the quilt, but their family as well. I love how the girls collaborate to make their parents stop fighting and think of the effect of their arguments. The production quality is very good. Director of Photography, Esteban Quesada, really reveals the family members' emotions with all the close-ups in this short film. The set works well; the film takes place in a middle class family home. The background music and soundtrack truly add to the emotion in this film but they are not credited. The background music is well selected, whether conveying sadness or happiness like the upbeat Christmas song at the end during the credits. I really enjoyed the closeness of sisters Cassandra (Liliane Amina Hamilton) and Kenya (Suzanne Hillary Hamilton) who are sisters in real life. They have good chemistry with both their dad (Andrew Salmon) and their mom (Dana Pierce) and are all believable together as a family. The film is written and directed by Christopher Emmanuel London and you feel his message of hope in the storyline and the film. The sound is also very good thanks by Sound Operator Sergio Gutierrez and Lev Kovalenko. My favorite scene is when the family works together to mend their family heirloom quilt and make new positive memories. It gives you hope that they can live harmoniously together again if they want to. The film's message is about hope and a reminder that what is broken can be mended if everyone works together from a place of love. I give Christmas in July 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! This is a story about mending a family and how two girls take control to help foster change. It focuses on the relationship between the sisters and how they confront their parents about the stress that their fighting is causing them along with a reminder of the importance of family. The story of a broken or hurting family is relatable to many kids. Two sisters hear their parents argue upstairs and the youngest, Cassandra, wishes that her family could return to happier times. On the day her father is moving out, she has an idea to stop the constant fighting by recreating the Christmas feeling of earlier years. Together with her older sister, Kenya, the girls confront their parents and work to unite their family by mending a family heirloom quilt. Working together they start to rebuild not only the quilt, but their family as well. I love how the girls collaborate to make their parents stop fighting and think of the effect of their arguments. The production quality is very good. Director of Photography, Esteban Quesada, really reveals the family members' emotions with all the close-ups in this short film. The set works well; the film takes place in a middle class family home. The background music and soundtrack truly add to the emotion in this film but they are not credited. The background music is well selected, whether conveying sadness or happiness like the upbeat Christmas song at the end during the credits. I really enjoyed the closeness of sisters Cassandra (Liliane Amina Hamilton) and Kenya (Suzanne Hillary Hamilton) who are sisters in real life. They have good chemistry with both their dad (Andrew Salmon) and their mom (Dana Pierce) and are all believable together as a family. The film is written and directed by Christopher Emmanuel London and you feel his message of hope in the storyline and the film. The sound is also very good thanks by Sound Operator Sergio Gutierrez and Lev Kovalenko. My favorite scene is when the family works together to mend their family heirloom quilt and make new positive memories. It gives you hope that they can live harmoniously together again if they want to. The film's message is about hope and a reminder that what is broken can be mended if everyone works together from a place of love. I give Christmas in July 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MOLLIE LOUISE WEISS Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - A superhero named Cardboard Man goes on a mission to find out who has stolen the world's packing tape. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Cardboard Man is such a sweet film made by very creative teenagers! This short film has little bits of humor that make the movie better and the characters are also very interesting. This film starts off with breaking news: tape is being stolen from around the world! Soon, everyone relies on the town superhero, Cardboard Man. Along his journey, Cardboard Man encounters different people that help him find out who is stealing all of the tape. Can Cardboard Man stop this villain? I like how, even though the film is 5 1/2 minutes, the producers manage to fit the entire plot of the film in, without cutting any important parts. It is very interesting to see how well all of the scenes fit together. The cinematography is great! I like how, in two different scenes, they make the movements of the first scene happen just before the second one starts. For example, in the scene with the three kids playing, the first scene shows the boy pointing his hand up, and then the scene afterwards shows the same action but he is starting to talk to his sister. The costumes definitely fit the time period in this movie because, since it is set in the present time, the people are dressed like how people dress now. For example, in the beginning of the news scene, the news reporter is dressed exactly like how a news reporter on WBAL would dress. The locations suit the story since this helps watchers understand where the story is happening. For example, when Cardboard Man is talking to his neighbor at his house, the neighborhood helps the watcher understand that Cardboard Man is not talking to a person at the grocery store. The sound effects help develop the story because, surprisingly enough, they make you understand what Cardboard Man is thinking. For example, if you hear a 'ding', you understand that Cardboard Man agrees with something another person said. There isn't much character growth in this, but one of the characters that is well written is Feta Thunberg (Mollie Weiss) because she has a certain "villain" charm that I like. She is evil, but she also acts nice. I like the theme song that the music composer (Ruth Weiss) made because it is a simple yet interesting song. My favorite character is Feta Thunberg because, as soon as she is introduced, she makes it clear that she does not want Cardboard Man to be successful, which is great because it shows she is confident in her actions. The film's message is about how the right hero will save the day. In the end, Cardboard Man saves the day, no matter how many other people try to solve the tape shortage. I give Cardboard Man 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This film is super kid-friendly and will definitely keep everyone interested! By Ariadna P., KIDS FIRST! This film starts off with breaking news: tape is being stolen from around the world! Soon, everyone relies on the town superhero, Cardboard Man. Along his journey, Cardboard Man encounters different people that help him find out who is stealing all of the tape. Can Cardboard Man stop this villain? I like how, even though the film is 5 1/2 minutes, the producers manage to fit the entire plot of the film in, without cutting any important parts. It is very interesting to see how well all of the scenes fit together. The cinematography is great! I like how, in two different scenes, they make the movements of the first scene happen just before the second one starts. For example, in the scene with the three kids playing, the first scene shows the boy pointing his hand up, and then the scene afterwards shows the same action but he is starting to talk to his sister. The costumes definitely fit the time period in this movie because, since it is set in the present time, the people are dressed like how people dress now. For example, in the beginning of the news scene, the news reporter is dressed exactly like how a news reporter on WBAL would dress. The locations suit the story since this helps watchers understand where the story is happening. For example, when Cardboard Man is talking to his neighbor at his house, the neighborhood helps the watcher understand that Cardboard Man is not talking to a person at the grocery store. The sound effects help develop the story because, surprisingly enough, they make you understand what Cardboard Man is thinking. For example, if you hear a 'ding', you understand that Cardboard Man agrees with something another person said. There isn't much character growth in this, but one of the characters that is well written is Feta Thunberg (Mollie Weiss) because she has a certain "villain" charm that I like. She is evil, but she also acts nice. I like the theme song that the music composer (Ruth Weiss) made because it is a simple yet interesting song. My favorite character is Feta Thunberg because, as soon as she is introduced, she makes it clear that she does not want Cardboard Man to be successful, which is great because it shows she is confident in her actions. The film's message is about how the right hero will save the day. In the end, Cardboard Man saves the day, no matter how many other people try to solve the tape shortage. I give Cardboard Man 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This film is super kid-friendly and will definitely keep everyone interested! By Ariadna P., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
STEPHEN BURHOE Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A pair of trick or treaters find themselves about to the main course for some witches'' celebration feast. But they soon turn the tables on the villains. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ghoulash is adorable, from the costumes to the message about perseverance that we see throughout the film. The story starts with two young girls who go trick-or-treating. They stumble upon a large house, and soon, they are about to become two witches' main course for dinner. As the two girls are stuck in the house, they make a plan on how to get out of the house. I liked how the story continues to get more suspenseful every minute, it really hooked me in. The cinematography is excellent, I like the shots showing the girls walking up the stairs in a trance, it looks suspenseful. The sets and locations are great! Since it's Halloween and the kids are out trick-or-treating, it makes sense that the girls are at another house. The background music makes the film seem a lot more suspenseful. I also love the music at the end, when the witches are running away; it signifies that the problem is over. There are plenty of visual effects - ghosts and monsters - and they are all incredible. It feels that both girls earned more confidence throughout the film. At first, they were afraid of the witches, but in the end, the girls know what to do and are very clever on how to escape them. The costume designer did an amazing job, especially with the Halloween costumes. They resemble the Halloween costumes I wore when I was younger. My favorite part of the film is when the girls dress up as werewolves to scare the witches away. That is funny and adorable! The message of this film is that perseverance is everything. Without perseverance, the girls would not have made it out of the house and escaped from the witches. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! I liked how the story continues to get more suspenseful every minute, it really hooked me in. The cinematography is excellent, I like the shots showing the girls walking up the stairs in a trance, it looks suspenseful. The sets and locations are great! Since it's Halloween and the kids are out trick-or-treating, it makes sense that the girls are at another house. The background music makes the film seem a lot more suspenseful. I also love the music at the end, when the witches are running away; it signifies that the problem is over. There are plenty of visual effects - ghosts and monsters - and they are all incredible. It feels that both girls earned more confidence throughout the film. At first, they were afraid of the witches, but in the end, the girls know what to do and are very clever on how to escape them. The costume designer did an amazing job, especially with the Halloween costumes. They resemble the Halloween costumes I wore when I was younger. My favorite part of the film is when the girls dress up as werewolves to scare the witches away. That is funny and adorable! The message of this film is that perseverance is everything. Without perseverance, the girls would not have made it out of the house and escaped from the witches. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
KAPOW INC Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - "Frank" is a short documentary that features Frank Arroyo, the longtime owner of a historic bike shop in the Lower East Side of New York City. The film is a brief portrait of his life, memories, and captures the contributions he's made to the community of bike enthusiasts living in the city. We explore key events and his influence on the community through customer testimonies, interviews, and historical photos. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed the short film Frank. It's a wonderful documentary with an inspiring story of how Frank is a documentary about a small business owner named Frank Arroyo who sells bikes in the Lower East Side of New York. It includes real customer stories and a segment about how Frank used his bikes to help the residents of his city during times of crisis, such as 9/11 and rallies. I enjoyed seeing how a small shop can bring so many people together, and how a business matters to so many more people than just the owner. It is nice when customers can have such a personal relationship with a vendor such as Frank, who really cares about the people he helps. From the outside, Frank's bike shop looks very small. However, shots of the inside really surprised me - there are bikes right next to each other, from the floor to the ceiling! Though Frank doesn't have a lot of space, he manages to fit a lot into it. This documentary was filmed on location in the Lower East Side of New York. Though Frank and his customers share some tragic events such as natural disasters and attacks at some points, happy music throughout the film helps maintain its good nature. The film starts out with very upbeat music and some shots of the city streets. The speakers' perspectives are honest and unscripted. The documentary could have glorified the shop with a goal to get customers, like a commercial, but Frank and his customers recount true events and experiences. My favorite part of the film is the sense of togetherness shared by Frank and his customers. Frank's bike shop has been in business for 40 years, so he recalls some of his customers as children, who now bring their families to buy bikes from the shop. The film's message is that what goes around, comes around. Frank has offered his help to his city's inhabitants in times of need, and in return, he gets loyal customers who keep his business running. I give Frank 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this title for a youth and family film festival. Older children and adults will appreciate this inspirational true story of how a small, hole-in-the-wall business can work as a building block for a city. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! I enjoyed seeing how a small shop can bring so many people together, and how a business matters to so many more people than just the owner. It is nice when customers can have such a personal relationship with a vendor such as Frank, who really cares about the people he helps. From the outside, Frank's bike shop looks very small. However, shots of the inside really surprised me - there are bikes right next to each other, from the floor to the ceiling! Though Frank doesn't have a lot of space, he manages to fit a lot into it. This documentary was filmed on location in the Lower East Side of New York. Though Frank and his customers share some tragic events such as natural disasters and attacks at some points, happy music throughout the film helps maintain its good nature. The film starts out with very upbeat music and some shots of the city streets. The speakers' perspectives are honest and unscripted. The documentary could have glorified the shop with a goal to get customers, like a commercial, but Frank and his customers recount true events and experiences. My favorite part of the film is the sense of togetherness shared by Frank and his customers. Frank's bike shop has been in business for 40 years, so he recalls some of his customers as children, who now bring their families to buy bikes from the shop. The film's message is that what goes around, comes around. Frank has offered his help to his city's inhabitants in times of need, and in return, he gets loyal customers who keep his business running. I give Frank 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this title for a youth and family film festival. Older children and adults will appreciate this inspirational true story of how a small, hole-in-the-wall business can work as a building block for a city. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
HUNTER NICKLESS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Group of friends who love exploring abandon places come across an abandon school with a disturbing backstory and discover a dark secret that changes their lives. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like the story and the special effects in Beyond The Gate. I like the idea behind this film and its creativity. The story follows three high school friends who explore an abandoned high school which they would have attended if it hadn't closed. Suspicious circumstances and a dark secret add to their interest in exploring this location. This is a great example of student filmmaking, using special effects. The production quality is really outstanding. Excellent high school student production, although I wish there was more suspense built up before the kids discover the glowing locker. I really like the distorted scenes where Jake and Megan are in another dimension or universe. The lighting is really good throughout and adds to the eeriness of the film. The sets and locations fit the story. The high school is too pristine for a building that was supposedly abandoned 10 years ago. The sound mixing is quite excellent; the dialogue is easy to hear and the sound effects are appropriately scary and add to the mystique of the film. The special effects by Hunter Nickless are amazing, especially for a high school student who has only made one previous film. Hunter made all the graphics and created the editing himself (overseen by teachers) and it is very impressive. The three key characters in the film are Jake (Sam Broome), Megan (Chance Hagen) and Madison (Lorelei Lee). The three actors seemed quite comfortable together and enjoy the humor shown by Jake. Hunter Nickless is the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, special effects and sound designer of this film. This is his second film and I hope that he continues to learn about film production and brings his creative talents to the screen. My favorite scene is when Megan opens the locker and disappears to another dimension. I really love the graphics and special effects showing her and Jake's travel. The film's message is that friend's stick together. I give Beyond The Gate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! The story follows three high school friends who explore an abandoned high school which they would have attended if it hadn't closed. Suspicious circumstances and a dark secret add to their interest in exploring this location. This is a great example of student filmmaking, using special effects. The production quality is really outstanding. Excellent high school student production, although I wish there was more suspense built up before the kids discover the glowing locker. I really like the distorted scenes where Jake and Megan are in another dimension or universe. The lighting is really good throughout and adds to the eeriness of the film. The sets and locations fit the story. The high school is too pristine for a building that was supposedly abandoned 10 years ago. The sound mixing is quite excellent; the dialogue is easy to hear and the sound effects are appropriately scary and add to the mystique of the film. The special effects by Hunter Nickless are amazing, especially for a high school student who has only made one previous film. Hunter made all the graphics and created the editing himself (overseen by teachers) and it is very impressive. The three key characters in the film are Jake (Sam Broome), Megan (Chance Hagen) and Madison (Lorelei Lee). The three actors seemed quite comfortable together and enjoy the humor shown by Jake. Hunter Nickless is the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, special effects and sound designer of this film. This is his second film and I hope that he continues to learn about film production and brings his creative talents to the screen. My favorite scene is when Megan opens the locker and disappears to another dimension. I really love the graphics and special effects showing her and Jake's travel. The film's message is that friend's stick together. I give Beyond The Gate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
1 SOUL PRODUCTION Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - Maria, a visually impaired high school student, attends class on the first day of school hoping to go unnoticed, knowing that she will be reunited with certain classmates who do not make things easy for her. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the story of One More Day, but I'm left confused. Do Maria's (Noa Flores Rodr�guez) classmates not know she's visually impaired? And how visually impaired is she? Her having this disability isn't revealed until the end of the film and the film makes it seem like she's color-blind but never specifically says exactly what her impairment is. The story follows Maria, a visually impaired high school student, going through her first day of school being picked on by some classmates who won't stop bothering her. She struggles with her disability, her bullies, and with her inability to understand that it's okay to ask for help sometimes. This film has a really good storyline that brings attention to people with visual impairments and their struggles. However, it falls short on truly shining a light on this topic. I didn't understand that Maria had a visual impairment until the last minutes of the film and, even then it, is never explicitly stated - some viewers might not understand that Maria is visually impaired at all and rather just think that it's a story about a girl who gets picked on (take note that the bullies never mention her eyesight at all - they're bullying her for other reasons). The best piece of cinematography in the film are the effects when we see the world through different eyes. Instead of what we usually see, a colorful world, we see what Maria sees, a gray one. It's a great piece of cinematography and very interesting too. The locations suit the story. There's a street, multiple rooms at a school and an apartment. These locations are well chosen. There's a special visual effect that shows different visual impairments that plays before the film's ending showing the world - in all its colorful glory - turning into a dull gray. It shows us what Maria is seeing. In the credits, we see other types of color blindness and visual impairments. A cool effect that makes the viewer sympathize with, or at least understand better, people who have visual disabilities. Maria doesn't change much. After adamantly refusing the prospect of needing help, Maria eventually asks someone to help carry her lamp which gives me hope for her. However, throughout the entire film, she's constantly upset, which makes me believe this visual impairment of hers is something new or more recent. She's grieving what she lost - a world of color - at the beginning of the film and again at the end of the film. In the middle, she admits she needs a little help and she realizes it's okay to need and ask for help. That gives me hope that she'll one day come to see the beauty of her world - even without its colors. Carlos Puig Mund�, the director and writer, deserves a huge shoutout. He, like Maria, has a visual disability and therefore, like Maria, has had to learn how to survive in a world not made for people with such impairments. I think his story is really impressive and that there's a certain beauty to the fact that he's bringing to life the stories that occur to him. I like the scene at the end of the film where we can see what Maria sees this entire time. There's a vibrant world - full of color and then something shifts and we see it only in various shades of gray. It made me sad to look at. Color makes things interesting. Gray is boring. And it's also very hard to see anything specific when everything's gray. I felt horrible for Maria. Until that scene I didn't really understand what her disability was or why she needed a lamp. The film's message is that it's okay to ask for help.The message is kind of lost when, immediately after that, the bullies bully her again. The second message of the film is to shine a light on people with disabilities, like Maria with her visual impairment. Be aware that it contains profanity, shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate, and contains bullying. I give One More Day 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film would appeal particularly to those with visual impairment issues or other disabilities or have someone in their inner circle of friends and family with those issues. By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! The story follows Maria, a visually impaired high school student, going through her first day of school being picked on by some classmates who won't stop bothering her. She struggles with her disability, her bullies, and with her inability to understand that it's okay to ask for help sometimes. This film has a really good storyline that brings attention to people with visual impairments and their struggles. However, it falls short on truly shining a light on this topic. I didn't understand that Maria had a visual impairment until the last minutes of the film and, even then it, is never explicitly stated - some viewers might not understand that Maria is visually impaired at all and rather just think that it's a story about a girl who gets picked on (take note that the bullies never mention her eyesight at all - they're bullying her for other reasons). The best piece of cinematography in the film are the effects when we see the world through different eyes. Instead of what we usually see, a colorful world, we see what Maria sees, a gray one. It's a great piece of cinematography and very interesting too. The locations suit the story. There's a street, multiple rooms at a school and an apartment. These locations are well chosen. There's a special visual effect that shows different visual impairments that plays before the film's ending showing the world - in all its colorful glory - turning into a dull gray. It shows us what Maria is seeing. In the credits, we see other types of color blindness and visual impairments. A cool effect that makes the viewer sympathize with, or at least understand better, people who have visual disabilities. Maria doesn't change much. After adamantly refusing the prospect of needing help, Maria eventually asks someone to help carry her lamp which gives me hope for her. However, throughout the entire film, she's constantly upset, which makes me believe this visual impairment of hers is something new or more recent. She's grieving what she lost - a world of color - at the beginning of the film and again at the end of the film. In the middle, she admits she needs a little help and she realizes it's okay to need and ask for help. That gives me hope that she'll one day come to see the beauty of her world - even without its colors. Carlos Puig Mund�, the director and writer, deserves a huge shoutout. He, like Maria, has a visual disability and therefore, like Maria, has had to learn how to survive in a world not made for people with such impairments. I think his story is really impressive and that there's a certain beauty to the fact that he's bringing to life the stories that occur to him. I like the scene at the end of the film where we can see what Maria sees this entire time. There's a vibrant world - full of color and then something shifts and we see it only in various shades of gray. It made me sad to look at. Color makes things interesting. Gray is boring. And it's also very hard to see anything specific when everything's gray. I felt horrible for Maria. Until that scene I didn't really understand what her disability was or why she needed a lamp. The film's message is that it's okay to ask for help.The message is kind of lost when, immediately after that, the bullies bully her again. The second message of the film is to shine a light on people with disabilities, like Maria with her visual impairment. Be aware that it contains profanity, shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate, and contains bullying. I give One More Day 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film would appeal particularly to those with visual impairment issues or other disabilities or have someone in their inner circle of friends and family with those issues. By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ERIC THOMAS Series: INDIE ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Animated Squid dancing to Garage Band EDM KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a cute animated short that works as an interstitial. The film features two squid that dance around the screen. That's it. No storyline beyond that. The animation is acceptable and would work well at a film festival as an interstitial. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST! The film features two squid that dance around the screen. That's it. No storyline beyond that. The animation is acceptable and would work well at a film festival as an interstitial. I give this film 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: VIDEO |
GREEN OUR PLANET Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-8 Topic - Family Description - "Can Hydroponic Farming Help Reduce the Effects of Climate Change?" is an entertaining and educational short film. Rachel and her remarkable robot companion, Rex, witness the dire consequences of climate change through news reports of devastating natural disasters. When Rex encounters an alien emissary, he embarks on a journey to a ruined world where pollution and climate change led to the collapse of an entire civilization. Returning to Earth the three main causes of global warming are reveal--electricity production, transportation, and wasteful agriculture--and stress the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources, electric transport, and hydroponic farming. Rex takes on the mission of educating robots and humans alike about combating climate change. The film ends with a global commitment to address the crisis and a poignant celebration of Rex's role in this vital endeavor, reminding us of the urgency to protect our planet from climate catastrophe. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Can Hydroponic Farming Help Reduce the Effects of Climate Change? This film is certainly impactful in outlining climate change, its causes, and offers some amazing solutions on how to fix the world in which we live. The animated characters easily captivate and educate viewers making this a perfect film for elementary classrooms. Can Hydroponic Farming Help Reduce the Effects of Climate Change? Is an animated short film which presents viewers with the problem of climate change and reasons for which it is occurring. Worried for their future on Earth, Rachel and her robot friend Rex ponder ways to improve the world that they live in. Rex's alien encounter and the journey that they take allows the robot to get a first hand perspective on the need for immediate change on Earth. The title of this film is somewhat misleading as I expected to learn more about the technique of hydroponics as a solution to global warming. The story line is excellent, however most of the film focuses on climate change, rather than on hydroponics. I enjoyed the way in which the information is presented and the animation is perfect for early learners. The animation is engaging, making it fun for young viewers. The characters are effective in bringing focus and detail to the problems our generation is facing and easily allows kids to understand the bigger picture. Camera angles on the characters are eye level which are great allowing viewers to more easily connect with them. The animated characters are brightly dressed and have an intriguing look to them. All characters appear sci-fi which are perfect for the story line. The animators mixed it up a bit by adding a variety of life forms as characters; humans, robots and aliens. Backgrounds include Earth, other planets, and outer space all of which are creative and very interesting. The other planets and outer space backgrounds are imaginative which helps to hold our interest. Those backgrounds depict a very depleted world plagued with overcrowding, pollution, and deforestation and send a powerful message to viewers. The choice of music for both the intro and outro doesn't seem to fit the film. Something more sci-fi or techno may have fit the film better. Other music throughout was appropriate, especially when giving scientific meanings of concepts being explained. Animated characters show good emotion allowing connection to viewers. Rachel is full of fear for the unknown and delivers her concerns appropriately given the circumstances. The alien in an attempt to give a call to action to make change for Earthlings, speaks in a monotone and direct manner which gives great importance to his words. Star power goes to Rex the robot, as he delivers great knowledge to viewers in such a fun and expressive way. It is obvious that director Kevin Leadingham has a true passion for entertaining, educating, and making positive change. This is an impactful short film that I hope finds its way into elementary classrooms everywhere. This film delivers such important education in a fun way and the film's message of making positive change is critical for future generations. Although I absolutely love the film's message, the animation, and the problems addressing climate change, I question whether the production values are high enough to screen it on the big screen. Its use might be restricted to online or classroom type viewing. Also, the title is misleading. The film's focus is more on the impact of climate change rather than on the solution of hydroponics. My favorite part of the film is its message which addresses the need for change. Humans are depleting valuable resources on Earth and if we are to make positive change for future generations, change is critical. Several solutions with proven positive results are possible but change starts with each of us. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! This film is certainly impactful in outlining climate change, its causes, and offers some amazing solutions on how to fix the world in which we live. The animated characters easily captivate and educate viewers making this a perfect film for elementary classrooms. Can Hydroponic Farming Help Reduce the Effects of Climate Change? Is an animated short film which presents viewers with the problem of climate change and reasons for which it is occurring. Worried for their future on Earth, Rachel and her robot friend Rex ponder ways to improve the world that they live in. Rex's alien encounter and the journey that they take allows the robot to get a first hand perspective on the need for immediate change on Earth. The title of this film is somewhat misleading as I expected to learn more about the technique of hydroponics as a solution to global warming. The story line is excellent, however most of the film focuses on climate change, rather than on hydroponics. I enjoyed the way in which the information is presented and the animation is perfect for early learners. The animation is engaging, making it fun for young viewers. The characters are effective in bringing focus and detail to the problems our generation is facing and easily allows kids to understand the bigger picture. Camera angles on the characters are eye level which are great allowing viewers to more easily connect with them. The animated characters are brightly dressed and have an intriguing look to them. All characters appear sci-fi which are perfect for the story line. The animators mixed it up a bit by adding a variety of life forms as characters; humans, robots and aliens. Backgrounds include Earth, other planets, and outer space all of which are creative and very interesting. The other planets and outer space backgrounds are imaginative which helps to hold our interest. Those backgrounds depict a very depleted world plagued with overcrowding, pollution, and deforestation and send a powerful message to viewers. The choice of music for both the intro and outro doesn't seem to fit the film. Something more sci-fi or techno may have fit the film better. Other music throughout was appropriate, especially when giving scientific meanings of concepts being explained. Animated characters show good emotion allowing connection to viewers. Rachel is full of fear for the unknown and delivers her concerns appropriately given the circumstances. The alien in an attempt to give a call to action to make change for Earthlings, speaks in a monotone and direct manner which gives great importance to his words. Star power goes to Rex the robot, as he delivers great knowledge to viewers in such a fun and expressive way. It is obvious that director Kevin Leadingham has a true passion for entertaining, educating, and making positive change. This is an impactful short film that I hope finds its way into elementary classrooms everywhere. This film delivers such important education in a fun way and the film's message of making positive change is critical for future generations. Although I absolutely love the film's message, the animation, and the problems addressing climate change, I question whether the production values are high enough to screen it on the big screen. Its use might be restricted to online or classroom type viewing. Also, the title is misleading. The film's focus is more on the impact of climate change rather than on the solution of hydroponics. My favorite part of the film is its message which addresses the need for change. Humans are depleting valuable resources on Earth and if we are to make positive change for future generations, change is critical. Several solutions with proven positive results are possible but change starts with each of us. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
LILY ANDREWS Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Young Rose has a special relationship with her grandpa. However when Grandpa goes missing the day after telling a Rose an unsettling tale, she believes his disappearance may be her fault. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I truly enjoyed I Squished Grandpa. It has an adorable main character and a suspenseful plot. This high school student film starts following a young girl named Rose (Rose Borden) who asks her grandpa for a bedtime story. Her grandpa agrees, and tells Rose about how grandparents shrink as they get older. Rose goes to bed, afraid, and wakes up the next morning not knowing where Grandpa is. This film is definitely kid-friendly, and it resembles a "perfect" weekend with the grandparents. I like the suspense in the storyline. It makes good use of how dialogue with children can be confusing at times when grandpa tells Rose that older people start shrinking. That causes Rose to have nightmares and then, when she wakes up, we don't know where Grandpa has disappeared to, which starts a small adventure for her and us. The camera work is quite good and makes use of medium shots, long shots and close-ups. . One shot that stands out to me is when Rose is tossing and turning in her sleep. The camera really captures the worry on her face as she is sleeping. The sets and locations suit the story. I like how they contributed to Rose trying to find her grandpa, since she goes to a few different places searching for him - his bedroom, the pier, and other places. The sound effects stand out to me. When Rose is walking, she steps on a raspberry and it makes a squishing sound. This makes the audience think she squished something, and it made me think that perhaps Rose stepped on Grandpa! There isn't much character growth shown with any of the characters, but I love how, in the end, Rose realizes she didn't squish Grandpa. The costumes all stand out for me; they remind me of what I wore when I went to my grandparents' house. My favorite part of the film is when Grandpa comes back home, because it is so heartwarming to see Rose hugging her grandpa, knowing he is alright. The film's message is to never jump to conclusions. Rose immediately thinks she squished her grandpa, which made her very worried, until she found out that he was okay. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! This high school student film starts following a young girl named Rose (Rose Borden) who asks her grandpa for a bedtime story. Her grandpa agrees, and tells Rose about how grandparents shrink as they get older. Rose goes to bed, afraid, and wakes up the next morning not knowing where Grandpa is. This film is definitely kid-friendly, and it resembles a "perfect" weekend with the grandparents. I like the suspense in the storyline. It makes good use of how dialogue with children can be confusing at times when grandpa tells Rose that older people start shrinking. That causes Rose to have nightmares and then, when she wakes up, we don't know where Grandpa has disappeared to, which starts a small adventure for her and us. The camera work is quite good and makes use of medium shots, long shots and close-ups. . One shot that stands out to me is when Rose is tossing and turning in her sleep. The camera really captures the worry on her face as she is sleeping. The sets and locations suit the story. I like how they contributed to Rose trying to find her grandpa, since she goes to a few different places searching for him - his bedroom, the pier, and other places. The sound effects stand out to me. When Rose is walking, she steps on a raspberry and it makes a squishing sound. This makes the audience think she squished something, and it made me think that perhaps Rose stepped on Grandpa! There isn't much character growth shown with any of the characters, but I love how, in the end, Rose realizes she didn't squish Grandpa. The costumes all stand out for me; they remind me of what I wore when I went to my grandparents' house. My favorite part of the film is when Grandpa comes back home, because it is so heartwarming to see Rose hugging her grandpa, knowing he is alright. The film's message is to never jump to conclusions. Rose immediately thinks she squished her grandpa, which made her very worried, until she found out that he was okay. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
HEATHER ANN ABEYASEKERA Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - This poor vampire has lived through the centuries, freezing down to the marrow! She's at the end of her tether and she's had enough. She's gonna do whatever it takes to feel the warmth on her skin, or it'll be the death of her, AGAIN!! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a fun, imaginative piece of fantasy although the timeline is a bit confusing since she wants to "go back" to being human, but this story starts at 16000 BC. when humans did not wear the attire shown here. But, that doesn't take away from the fun nature of this animated film. The storyline is about a poor vampire who has lived through the centuries, apparently in the basement of a house. She's gotten colder and colder every year and is fed up with it to the point that she is ready to do anything to get warm, including becoming human again. She visits an alchemist for a concoction to solve her problem and... you'll have to watch the film to find out what happens. Fun animation, well executed. Love the color palette of purple, black and grey. The background music is noticeably an integral part of this film, enhancing her every movement and thought. The film is entirely non narrative, which makes the music even more important. With kids' interest in vampires keen right now, the topic is particularly relevant. The film's message is to follow your goosebumps - I mean your desires - in order to get what you need. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline is about a poor vampire who has lived through the centuries, apparently in the basement of a house. She's gotten colder and colder every year and is fed up with it to the point that she is ready to do anything to get warm, including becoming human again. She visits an alchemist for a concoction to solve her problem and... you'll have to watch the film to find out what happens. Fun animation, well executed. Love the color palette of purple, black and grey. The background music is noticeably an integral part of this film, enhancing her every movement and thought. The film is entirely non narrative, which makes the music even more important. With kids' interest in vampires keen right now, the topic is particularly relevant. The film's message is to follow your goosebumps - I mean your desires - in order to get what you need. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
JOHN XAVIER LAMBERT Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Four friends sneak into their school's science lab to make their favorite thing - slime! They soon discover that the secret ingredient that they used to make the slime has given them extraordinary brilliance in science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M)! Excited about their newfound abilities, the Sci-Kids work together to avoid mayhem as they solve mysteries at the school. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sci-Kids is an awesome film with a great message. I really like the storyline and the cinematography. The story follows four friends who sneak into their school's science lab to make their favorite thing - slime! They soon discover that the secret ingredient that they used to make the slime has given them extraordinary brilliance in science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M)! Excited about their newfound abilities, the Sci-kids work together to avoid mayhem as they solve mysteries at the school. My hat is off to the director creating an entertaining and relevant film. The storyline is good, but very predictable. Kids do something wrong; get covered in mysterious goo; and gain special abilities -- this reminds me of every superhero story. I really like the cinematography, especially the shots when Javier is getting ready and transitions from outfit to outfit. I enjoyed the storyline, but did notice some flaws. For example, the mics pick up background noises like shoes brushing against the pavement. The background music stands out; the scene where the janitor is dancing is super fun. The cast all play their roles exceptionally well, especially Hunter Silverman who plays Mike, who sold every bit of his role with his facial expressions and the intonation of his voice. My favorite part is when the janitor is dancing; this scene was hilarious. The film's message is that there is nothing you can't do. Be aware that it does contain bloody, gory acts of violence; shows negative behavior; and shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate -- the kids sneak into the school during recess and make a mess. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows four friends who sneak into their school's science lab to make their favorite thing - slime! They soon discover that the secret ingredient that they used to make the slime has given them extraordinary brilliance in science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M)! Excited about their newfound abilities, the Sci-kids work together to avoid mayhem as they solve mysteries at the school. My hat is off to the director creating an entertaining and relevant film. The storyline is good, but very predictable. Kids do something wrong; get covered in mysterious goo; and gain special abilities -- this reminds me of every superhero story. I really like the cinematography, especially the shots when Javier is getting ready and transitions from outfit to outfit. I enjoyed the storyline, but did notice some flaws. For example, the mics pick up background noises like shoes brushing against the pavement. The background music stands out; the scene where the janitor is dancing is super fun. The cast all play their roles exceptionally well, especially Hunter Silverman who plays Mike, who sold every bit of his role with his facial expressions and the intonation of his voice. My favorite part is when the janitor is dancing; this scene was hilarious. The film's message is that there is nothing you can't do. Be aware that it does contain bloody, gory acts of violence; shows negative behavior; and shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate -- the kids sneak into the school during recess and make a mess. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ILYSA SPENCER Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Santa Fe middle school students explore bullying in society and at school. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like hearing about others' experiences with bullying and how they got past it in the short film Love Don't Bully. It is important that people hear how common it is and how we all have a responsibility to stop it. This film is about young peoples' experiences with bullying and their thoughts on why it exists and how to stop it. There are points of view from children and adults. Each person gives their story and how they have dealt with bullying. I like that everyone that spoke expressed how they moved past the bullying. They discussed different things like keeping good friends, talking to a therapist and working hard to not judge people. The interviews are about everyone's bullying experiences and what they learned from it. I particularly enjoyed the anti-bully boy and wanted more from that character. There is nothing particularly interesting about the camera work, angles or shots. Students are filmed against a plain backdrop. The lighting is not particularly good, but works well enough to not detract from the impact of the film. Many of the interviews have the camera angled up at the person being interviewed, which I found to be distracting. It seems that we are often looking up at the speaker. There are many different angles and uses of lighting that cause shadows. It is unclear if that was intentional or not. The session with Navi has different lighting but it is the same interview format. The audio is pretty serviceable, although one scene outside suffers from lack of use of a windscreen. There isn't background music during the film. There is only music in the introduction and outro. My favorite part is when the anti-bully boy comes out! The film quality may not work well on a big screen; I recommend a small screen or virtual screening rather than a big screen event. The film's message is about how to deal with any bullying encounter you have and offers ways to stop bullying from happening. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! This film is about young peoples' experiences with bullying and their thoughts on why it exists and how to stop it. There are points of view from children and adults. Each person gives their story and how they have dealt with bullying. I like that everyone that spoke expressed how they moved past the bullying. They discussed different things like keeping good friends, talking to a therapist and working hard to not judge people. The interviews are about everyone's bullying experiences and what they learned from it. I particularly enjoyed the anti-bully boy and wanted more from that character. There is nothing particularly interesting about the camera work, angles or shots. Students are filmed against a plain backdrop. The lighting is not particularly good, but works well enough to not detract from the impact of the film. Many of the interviews have the camera angled up at the person being interviewed, which I found to be distracting. It seems that we are often looking up at the speaker. There are many different angles and uses of lighting that cause shadows. It is unclear if that was intentional or not. The session with Navi has different lighting but it is the same interview format. The audio is pretty serviceable, although one scene outside suffers from lack of use of a windscreen. There isn't background music during the film. There is only music in the introduction and outro. My favorite part is when the anti-bully boy comes out! The film quality may not work well on a big screen; I recommend a small screen or virtual screening rather than a big screen event. The film's message is about how to deal with any bullying encounter you have and offers ways to stop bullying from happening. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
BRANDON WADE Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8 -12 Topic - Family Description - Two NASA engineers work together one night on a failing Mars rover. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed Death Of A Star because of the ending shots -- they are wonderful shots with clear quality and a black and white effect. It also has a great message. The story follows two NASA engineers who work together to make a Mars Rover. After many failed attempts of making the Mars Rover, Alex (Eben Mahan) tells his colleague that he's been fired. After hearing the devastating news they decide to spend their time with one more space tour. I like how unpredictable this storyline is. I would've never thought the two elders in the film are the two engineers. The cinematography is amazing; the shots are amazingly clear, especially the images at the end which are great. The visual effects of space nebulas are amazing. I love the shots of the Rover too! The majority of the film takes place in a lab and the lab set here is perfect for the film. The background music adds the dramatic effect, building to a crescendo at the height of Alex's frustrating monologue about having been fired. The actors, Eben Mahan and Angie Sandoval, play their roles exceptionally well from their facial expressions to the intonation of their voices, plus there is great chemistry between them. Although colleagues, it's clear that they care for each other and are respectful of each other's work. I love the ending shot. The love of the filmmaker, WadeBE, for the work of those at the NASA Houston Space Center is clear and he brings magic to the screen. The film's message is that we are not our mistakes, and we can always learn from them and move on. I give Death of a Star 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows two NASA engineers who work together to make a Mars Rover. After many failed attempts of making the Mars Rover, Alex (Eben Mahan) tells his colleague that he's been fired. After hearing the devastating news they decide to spend their time with one more space tour. I like how unpredictable this storyline is. I would've never thought the two elders in the film are the two engineers. The cinematography is amazing; the shots are amazingly clear, especially the images at the end which are great. The visual effects of space nebulas are amazing. I love the shots of the Rover too! The majority of the film takes place in a lab and the lab set here is perfect for the film. The background music adds the dramatic effect, building to a crescendo at the height of Alex's frustrating monologue about having been fired. The actors, Eben Mahan and Angie Sandoval, play their roles exceptionally well from their facial expressions to the intonation of their voices, plus there is great chemistry between them. Although colleagues, it's clear that they care for each other and are respectful of each other's work. I love the ending shot. The love of the filmmaker, WadeBE, for the work of those at the NASA Houston Space Center is clear and he brings magic to the screen. The film's message is that we are not our mistakes, and we can always learn from them and move on. I give Death of a Star 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MICHAEL PLEWA Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A short documentary covering everything a filmmaker needs to know about making a film about Jack, my 1-year-old son, who loves trucks, toys, and especially flowers. And what to say to Jack when making this film means you can't be with him as much as you wish. A filmmaker explores the pain and joy of being a working parent. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a charming sweet film as this father/filmmaker shares the ups and downs of making a film about his young son. It's clear that this is his first child as his naivete sort of jumps off the screen. Jack is completely adorable and I wanted to see more of him, not hear about how hard it was to shoot this film. But, there you go and there is so much joy watching Jack as he explores his world from his one and a half year perspective. How to Make a Film About My Son, Jack explores the complexities of a filmmaker trying to make a film about his young son. This documentary is a love letter from a father to his son - a snapshot in time. The production quality is quite good with lots of beautiful shots, good lighting and good audio. The documentary is supposedly about Jack but, in reality, the story is more about the father and him experiencing fatherhood. Jack is an adorable subject. He does not effectively communicate at his age so the graphic interpretation of his communication on screen is most welcome. We see how much Jack enjoys flowers and, in fact, flower was one of his first words. I love the focus of some of the shots, especially those from Jack's perspective that are shot low to the ground. For example, Jack is running to pluck a dandelion and the camera is solely focused on the dandelion until Jack arrives and his hand grabs the flower. It's one of my favorite shots. The background music by Benjamin Pawlak is very soothing and fits this documentary quite well. The sound mix throughout the film is very good and the dialogue is very clear. The film's progression is a little confusing because the film starts showing Jack walking and running and then later shows him as an infant and beginning to crawl - later, it reverts to scenes of him walking and running once again. The film is directed and narrated by Michael Plewa, who is also Jack's father. My favorite scenes are those showing Jack's happiness as he looks and touches various flowers and other natural foliage. The film's message is that being a father has moments of joy, sadness and difficulty and it's important to be present during all of them. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! How to Make a Film About My Son, Jack explores the complexities of a filmmaker trying to make a film about his young son. This documentary is a love letter from a father to his son - a snapshot in time. The production quality is quite good with lots of beautiful shots, good lighting and good audio. The documentary is supposedly about Jack but, in reality, the story is more about the father and him experiencing fatherhood. Jack is an adorable subject. He does not effectively communicate at his age so the graphic interpretation of his communication on screen is most welcome. We see how much Jack enjoys flowers and, in fact, flower was one of his first words. I love the focus of some of the shots, especially those from Jack's perspective that are shot low to the ground. For example, Jack is running to pluck a dandelion and the camera is solely focused on the dandelion until Jack arrives and his hand grabs the flower. It's one of my favorite shots. The background music by Benjamin Pawlak is very soothing and fits this documentary quite well. The sound mix throughout the film is very good and the dialogue is very clear. The film's progression is a little confusing because the film starts showing Jack walking and running and then later shows him as an infant and beginning to crawl - later, it reverts to scenes of him walking and running once again. The film is directed and narrated by Michael Plewa, who is also Jack's father. My favorite scenes are those showing Jack's happiness as he looks and touches various flowers and other natural foliage. The film's message is that being a father has moments of joy, sadness and difficulty and it's important to be present during all of them. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
TOBY COCHRAN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - LUKi, a charming and upbeat robot known for living life to the fullest, confronts a life-altering ALS diagnosis. Through the lens of LUKi's unwavering resilience, the story of his battle against ALS transforms into a testament to the human (and robotic) spirit's ability to find light even in the darkest of times. With every choice he makes, every smile he shares, and every second he cherishes, LUKi paints a vivid portrait of what it means to truly live, even as the sands of time slip through his grasp. The film follows Luki, a robot who enjoys playing soccer with his friends. One day, he notices that his arm is malfunctioning and that the light in it has gone out (the robots have lightbulbs in their bodies to symbolize life). Unfortunately, Luki learns that he has ALS, a disease with a bleak outlook - but, despite his deteriorating health, he shows how he can still make something wonderful out of any situation. To begin with, I love how the robot, Luki, has so many human attributes and does so many human things from making his morning coffee to taking a shower to sleeping in a bed and living in a house, just like a human would do. It makes him very relatable. I like that the story is told not only from Luki's perspective, but also from that of his friends'. It reminds us that many people are affected by a bad diagnosis, and it's important to make happy memories with your loved ones while you can. I really like the art style for the animation - the color palette is bright and mostly warm. Several times during the movie, there is a shot of Luki's bedside table, showing the progress of the disease as he eventually struggles to switch his alarm clock off. These scenes are necessary to maintain consistency in the film. All the characters in the film are animated robots of different shapes and sizes. Luki is a human-like robot with a square head and a screen for a face, and he has lightbulbs all over his body. The light bulbs going out one by one are a fitting representation of deterioration because it is accurate without being too harsh. Although the film is animated, we see some beautiful landscapes of sunsets and grassy hills where Luki plays with his friends - this is the spot Luki ultimately chooses as his final resting place. The music throughout the film is uplifting, which helps us deal with a pretty sorrowful storyline. Happy music keeps the balance and makes for a wholesome film, rather than a downhearted one. The film has no actors, and there is no dialogue. However, Luki still undergoes character development. After his diagnosis he is sad and angry, but he manages to rise up and keep his mind open. He decides to do something proactive with his emotions and even builds himself a wheelchair he had previously resented. He learns to see the bright side of a bad situation when he challenges his friend to a race and wins because of his wheelchair. My favorite part of the movie is a scene after Luki's death. His friends take a walk in their favorite park, where there is now a bench dedicated to Luki. They play a game of soccer, just as they would have with their best friend. This is my favorite part because it shows recovery after a loss -- Luki's friends miss him, but they know Luki would want them to move on and find happiness again. Luki and the Lights was written by Sascha and Anjo when Anjo was diagnosed with ALS to help their kids grasp what Anjo was going through. There is no cure for ALS at this time. This is a heartwarming film about learning to make the most out of what you have and living life to the fullest day by day. The world is an unfair place sometimes, but if you keep a positive mindset, nobody can stop you from having fun! Though Luki and the Lights is wholesome and may help a child process a loss or diagnosis, it is also emotionally heavy, as we watch the main character deteriorate and eventually die. There is nothing inappropriate about this film, but parents may want to consider how their own children will handle the content. I give Luki and the Lights 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film for a youth and family film festival because it is a beautiful story about overcoming loss and encourages viewers to keep a positive outlook on life. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! The film follows Luki, a robot who enjoys playing soccer with his friends. One day, he notices that his arm is malfunctioning and that the light in it has gone out (the robots have lightbulbs in their bodies to symbolize life). Unfortunately, Luki learns that he has ALS, a disease with a bleak outlook - but, despite his deteriorating health, he shows how he can still make something wonderful out of any situation. To begin with, I love how the robot, Luki, has so many human attributes and does so many human things from making his morning coffee to taking a shower to sleeping in a bed and living in a house, just like a human would do. It makes him very relatable. I like that the story is told not only from Luki's perspective, but also from that of his friends'. It reminds us that many people are affected by a bad diagnosis, and it's important to make happy memories with your loved ones while you can. I really like the art style for the animation - the color palette is bright and mostly warm. Several times during the movie, there is a shot of Luki's bedside table, showing the progress of the disease as he eventually struggles to switch his alarm clock off. These scenes are necessary to maintain consistency in the film. All the characters in the film are animated robots of different shapes and sizes. Luki is a human-like robot with a square head and a screen for a face, and he has lightbulbs all over his body. The light bulbs going out one by one are a fitting representation of deterioration because it is accurate without being too harsh. Although the film is animated, we see some beautiful landscapes of sunsets and grassy hills where Luki plays with his friends - this is the spot Luki ultimately chooses as his final resting place. The music throughout the film is uplifting, which helps us deal with a pretty sorrowful storyline. Happy music keeps the balance and makes for a wholesome film, rather than a downhearted one. The film has no actors, and there is no dialogue. However, Luki still undergoes character development. After his diagnosis he is sad and angry, but he manages to rise up and keep his mind open. He decides to do something proactive with his emotions and even builds himself a wheelchair he had previously resented. He learns to see the bright side of a bad situation when he challenges his friend to a race and wins because of his wheelchair. My favorite part of the movie is a scene after Luki's death. His friends take a walk in their favorite park, where there is now a bench dedicated to Luki. They play a game of soccer, just as they would have with their best friend. This is my favorite part because it shows recovery after a loss -- Luki's friends miss him, but they know Luki would want them to move on and find happiness again. Luki and the Lights was written by Sascha and Anjo when Anjo was diagnosed with ALS to help their kids grasp what Anjo was going through. There is no cure for ALS at this time. This is a heartwarming film about learning to make the most out of what you have and living life to the fullest day by day. The world is an unfair place sometimes, but if you keep a positive mindset, nobody can stop you from having fun! Though Luki and the Lights is wholesome and may help a child process a loss or diagnosis, it is also emotionally heavy, as we watch the main character deteriorate and eventually die. There is nothing inappropriate about this film, but parents may want to consider how their own children will handle the content. I give Luki and the Lights 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film for a youth and family film festival because it is a beautiful story about overcoming loss and encourages viewers to keep a positive outlook on life. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ALEXANDRA SHADRINA Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - A story about the relationship of two teenagers, who used to look at each other as friends, but this summer he fell in love with her. She can't respond the same but is afraid of losing their friendship until a silly game destroys everything. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - uploading soon KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - uploading soon Runtime: 13 minutes KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MAING CAOCHONG Series: FOREIGN STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Weiqi is a competition between black and white. The theory of Weiqi is extensive and profound, which contains profound culture. Not everyone has the talent to master chess, but to experience the game and understand the culture of Weiqi, even if you may not become a chess player, you can stimulate your imagination and enlighten your wisdom. From China; KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This short stop-motion film is adorable and well executed. The film's main characters are two blobs - one white, one black. They appear to be competing in the beginning, transforming themselves into various critters - one more interesting than the last. In the end, they conform in a way that indicates their cooperation. The animation is very well made, giving the blogs distinctive characteristics. The background music helps push the story along - it is simple but poignant with the bass driving the pulse of the film. This was submitted in the middle school category, yet the filmmakers age is give as age 44 - so that is confusing. I'm unsure if actual students were involved in creating this or the filmmaker just selected the wrong category. This will be important as far as categorizing it for KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The film's message seems to indicate that even opposites can find a way to collaborate. 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 film's main characters are two blobs - one white, one black. They appear to be competing in the beginning, transforming themselves into various critters - one more interesting than the last. In the end, they conform in a way that indicates their cooperation. The animation is very well made, giving the blogs distinctive characteristics. The background music helps push the story along - it is simple but poignant with the bass driving the pulse of the film. This was submitted in the middle school category, yet the filmmakers age is give as age 44 - so that is confusing. I'm unsure if actual students were involved in creating this or the filmmaker just selected the wrong category. This will be important as far as categorizing it for KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The film's message seems to indicate that even opposites can find a way to collaborate. 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: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
PETER JURADO Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 2-8 Topic - Family Description - You just found the lost VHS copy of Roy, Gee & Biv! An educational live-action puppet show that focuses on teaching kids of all ages about different forms of art through examples and by interviewing artists. In this short adventure, our three stars learn about painting. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the film Roy Gee & Biv - it's a great educational film, has superb voice acting, and on-point puppetry. There are a few kinks that need to be worked out, but other than that, it is very enjoyable. Three friends, Roy (Kyle Collesano), Gee (Peter Jurado) and Biv (Leah Voysey), start off the show by getting today's activity delivered: paints! They learn how to mix paints, paint on a canvas, and meet three new friends who are professional artists. The plot is very adorable; it is so cute to see the puppets struggle with their portraits, and in the end they look lovely. The storyline is similar to Elmo's World but they add the twist of having multiple puppets. The camera work is a bit shaky at times - there are often white streaks across the screen, and the quality is very pixelated. Not only does the video need work but the audio is second rate. It is muffled at times and I have to strain my ears to hear. The puppets are adorable and their appearances fit their names. I like how colorful the artist's outfits are. The set was mediocre, with just a black curtain and a black table; however the artist studios' are beautiful and I love seeing their artwork displayed. The voice acting for Biv is stellar. Leah Vysey completely portrays the posh and bossy puppet and is, without a doubt, my favorite character! The screenplay is impeccable. The most outstanding part of the film is when Maria Lomboni (one of the artists) starts talking about how you should never give up and that all art is beautiful because everybody's style is different, so there is no 'wrong' way in art. The film's message is about exploring new hobbies and having fun while doing it. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Sofia T. Three friends, Roy (Kyle Collesano), Gee (Peter Jurado) and Biv (Leah Voysey), start off the show by getting today's activity delivered: paints! They learn how to mix paints, paint on a canvas, and meet three new friends who are professional artists. The plot is very adorable; it is so cute to see the puppets struggle with their portraits, and in the end they look lovely. The storyline is similar to Elmo's World but they add the twist of having multiple puppets. The camera work is a bit shaky at times - there are often white streaks across the screen, and the quality is very pixelated. Not only does the video need work but the audio is second rate. It is muffled at times and I have to strain my ears to hear. The puppets are adorable and their appearances fit their names. I like how colorful the artist's outfits are. The set was mediocre, with just a black curtain and a black table; however the artist studios' are beautiful and I love seeing their artwork displayed. The voice acting for Biv is stellar. Leah Vysey completely portrays the posh and bossy puppet and is, without a doubt, my favorite character! The screenplay is impeccable. The most outstanding part of the film is when Maria Lomboni (one of the artists) starts talking about how you should never give up and that all art is beautiful because everybody's style is different, so there is no 'wrong' way in art. The film's message is about exploring new hobbies and having fun while doing it. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Sofia T. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
TUOMAS TUPPURAINEN Series: FOREIGN INDIE SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - When a curious child falls into a long-forgotten cave, she is confronted by a mysterious spirit and must decide whether the being is kindhearted or something more perilous. From Finland; dialogue in English KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Although I can appreciate the artistry of The Brightest Star, the plot is somewhat confusing and the ending left me at loose ends. This film follows a little girl named Sophie who wonders into an abandoned cave and meets a mysterious spirit. Sophie follows this spirit into the sky and is transformed into a shooting star, leaving her parents to search for her. After watching the film, I was still confused about the mysterious spirit and how it ended up inside the cave. The ending also left me with a lot of questions: how did Sophie magically transform into a shooting star? Do her parents ever find her? Is Sophie permanently a star forever now? The animation is interesting and well executed. The different camera angles are well utilized, especially in the scenes that take place in the sky. I love the scene where Sophie is looking down on her parents as they search for her. This wide angle shot is visually dynamic and interesting. Sophie is drawn as a youthful, curious, and adventurous little girl. The mysterious spirit looks rather ominous, but not evil. It and Sophie appear to have a good relationship at the end. One of the standout backgrounds is the opening scene that takes place in an open field. This scene has exquisite detail while also maintaining a hazy or dewy spring feeling. The background music in this short film helps create a feeling of mystery and curiousness. An example of this is when Sophie first discovers the secret cave and the music is low and feels very ominous. My favorite scene is the opening scene. Due to the sense of loss - of Sophie wandering away, never to see her family again, I would recommend this for older audiences. The sense of abandonment might be too frightening for young children. The film's message is about letting your curiosity lead you in everything you do, because you might make new friends along the way. Of course, the down side is that you may just wander off into another world and never see your family again. I give The Brightest Star 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! This film follows a little girl named Sophie who wonders into an abandoned cave and meets a mysterious spirit. Sophie follows this spirit into the sky and is transformed into a shooting star, leaving her parents to search for her. After watching the film, I was still confused about the mysterious spirit and how it ended up inside the cave. The ending also left me with a lot of questions: how did Sophie magically transform into a shooting star? Do her parents ever find her? Is Sophie permanently a star forever now? The animation is interesting and well executed. The different camera angles are well utilized, especially in the scenes that take place in the sky. I love the scene where Sophie is looking down on her parents as they search for her. This wide angle shot is visually dynamic and interesting. Sophie is drawn as a youthful, curious, and adventurous little girl. The mysterious spirit looks rather ominous, but not evil. It and Sophie appear to have a good relationship at the end. One of the standout backgrounds is the opening scene that takes place in an open field. This scene has exquisite detail while also maintaining a hazy or dewy spring feeling. The background music in this short film helps create a feeling of mystery and curiousness. An example of this is when Sophie first discovers the secret cave and the music is low and feels very ominous. My favorite scene is the opening scene. Due to the sense of loss - of Sophie wandering away, never to see her family again, I would recommend this for older audiences. The sense of abandonment might be too frightening for young children. The film's message is about letting your curiosity lead you in everything you do, because you might make new friends along the way. Of course, the down side is that you may just wander off into another world and never see your family again. I give The Brightest Star 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
RACHEL DOOLIN Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 2-8 Topic - Family Description - "Our Land" was created in partnership with the children attending Ulla Beag preschool, located in the rural setting of Ogonnelloe, County Clare in the West of Ireland. Ulla Beag is an early childhood education setting renowned for its commitment to inclusivity and environmental awareness, prioritizing equal educational opportunities for all students. They adopt a child-centered learning approach and foster a creative learning environment. The school's educational approach revolves around Play-Based learning, as articulated in the Aistear curriculum. Aistear is the early childhood curriculum framework for all children from birth to six in Ireland. The principles of Aistear emphasize the importance of children's interests in shaping day-to-day educational plans. Extensive research supports the idea that play-based learning is the most effective method for children to acquire knowledge and skills. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed Our Land; it reminded me of an outdoor class I had as a preschooler. I remember experiencing the wonderment, curiosity and pleasure just as these children are doing!. This is a pleasant film filled with innocence and joy. The film explores an outdoor area that children use to explore and play. The audience listens to the children as they explain how they interact with nature and express their joy while doing so. Denise Sheridan (preschool owner) and Rachel Doolin (film director) have created an outstanding collaboration that shows the importance of unstructured play in a natural setting. There isn't really a plot, or linear storyline. It is more of a descriptive piece about an area where children play. The camera shows many areas of the play place and includes interesting closeups of things such as flowers and bees. The set is paramount to the storyline. I enjoyed the introduction and outro music. In the intro and outro there is a scene with mini fairy boots and a welcome sign - at the beginning I wondered if the film would be about fairies and "their land," however, that is not the case. The subjects in the film are children and they accurately describe the space in the film and how they feel about being there. They feel happy, curious and joyful. I enjoyed listening to the children talking about where bugs live, singing about the different kinds of dirt and expressing their joy for the log walk. The film's message is about the importance of unstructured play in a natural setting that supports children's curiosity and learning. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! The film explores an outdoor area that children use to explore and play. The audience listens to the children as they explain how they interact with nature and express their joy while doing so. Denise Sheridan (preschool owner) and Rachel Doolin (film director) have created an outstanding collaboration that shows the importance of unstructured play in a natural setting. There isn't really a plot, or linear storyline. It is more of a descriptive piece about an area where children play. The camera shows many areas of the play place and includes interesting closeups of things such as flowers and bees. The set is paramount to the storyline. I enjoyed the introduction and outro music. In the intro and outro there is a scene with mini fairy boots and a welcome sign - at the beginning I wondered if the film would be about fairies and "their land," however, that is not the case. The subjects in the film are children and they accurately describe the space in the film and how they feel about being there. They feel happy, curious and joyful. I enjoyed listening to the children talking about where bugs live, singing about the different kinds of dirt and expressing their joy for the log walk. The film's message is about the importance of unstructured play in a natural setting that supports children's curiosity and learning. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
TONY SILVA Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - A panhandling homeless boy gets suspicious when he is kicked out of his corner by a fake homeless woman. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I enjoyed watching the short film, Jack Gets Even. It's well made, with smooth editing, and a decent music-to-dialogue balance. In addition, it has an important message. The storyline follows a young homeless boy named Jack (Elijah Silva) who is trying to survive by making money panhandling on the side of the road. When he gets pressured away from his spot by a woman (Milena Saboya) who claims to be homeless, he follows her and discovers that she is not who she said she was. I like that the story portrays a concept relative to real-life. There are times when people are in unfortunate situations where they go to extreme lengths to survive - like Jack panhandling for money. There are also times when people are deceitful to benefit themselves, like the woman in this film. The camera work is pretty good. It gets shaky at some points, such as when the camera follows Jack into the bushes. However, the actors are always in frame, so it doesn't detract from the story. There are various close-ups that show the dirt on Jack as well as the word "burger" which emphasizes the main points of his character. Jack's attire contributes to the idea of him being homeless and poor, because they are baggy, ripped, and dirty. Seeing the woman transition to a nice car and a beautiful house is important and relevant to the story because it shows how deceitful the woman is, and shows the difference between Jack's life and the woman's. The background music works well with slow, solemn music is when Jack is dealing with rejection and denial. The music enhances the impact on the viewers' emotions. The music gets louder and more aggressive when Jack gets into the deceitful woman's car. It is rock'n'roll with an upbeat tone, differentiating her situation from Jack's. Jack is the main character, and also the standout of this film. Although he is young, he non-verbally portrays his desire for a better life, and his disappointment when he is turned down. His behavior when he tricks the woman into getting into her car is cleverly executed. The fake homeless woman's behavior wasn't quite as believable, but we still get the message. When she demands that Jack leave her spot, she could be more stern and dedicated to her story. Stacy (Bella Basoco) doesn't play a major role, but her youth and personality makes her an enjoyable acting partner for Jack. Tony C. Silva deserves props as both the writer and director. My favorite part of the film is when Stacy helps Elijah when he comes into the house, by giving him food, money, and a friend. It shows that, even though Stacy's mom is secretly a bad person, Stacy knows in her heart that helping him is the kind thing to do. The film's message is that things aren't always what they seem. Though the woman seemed like she was homeless at first, Jack quickly discovers that she is deceitful, and is more fortunate than she lets on. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a young homeless boy named Jack (Elijah Silva) who is trying to survive by making money panhandling on the side of the road. When he gets pressured away from his spot by a woman (Milena Saboya) who claims to be homeless, he follows her and discovers that she is not who she said she was. I like that the story portrays a concept relative to real-life. There are times when people are in unfortunate situations where they go to extreme lengths to survive - like Jack panhandling for money. There are also times when people are deceitful to benefit themselves, like the woman in this film. The camera work is pretty good. It gets shaky at some points, such as when the camera follows Jack into the bushes. However, the actors are always in frame, so it doesn't detract from the story. There are various close-ups that show the dirt on Jack as well as the word "burger" which emphasizes the main points of his character. Jack's attire contributes to the idea of him being homeless and poor, because they are baggy, ripped, and dirty. Seeing the woman transition to a nice car and a beautiful house is important and relevant to the story because it shows how deceitful the woman is, and shows the difference between Jack's life and the woman's. The background music works well with slow, solemn music is when Jack is dealing with rejection and denial. The music enhances the impact on the viewers' emotions. The music gets louder and more aggressive when Jack gets into the deceitful woman's car. It is rock'n'roll with an upbeat tone, differentiating her situation from Jack's. Jack is the main character, and also the standout of this film. Although he is young, he non-verbally portrays his desire for a better life, and his disappointment when he is turned down. His behavior when he tricks the woman into getting into her car is cleverly executed. The fake homeless woman's behavior wasn't quite as believable, but we still get the message. When she demands that Jack leave her spot, she could be more stern and dedicated to her story. Stacy (Bella Basoco) doesn't play a major role, but her youth and personality makes her an enjoyable acting partner for Jack. Tony C. Silva deserves props as both the writer and director. My favorite part of the film is when Stacy helps Elijah when he comes into the house, by giving him food, money, and a friend. It shows that, even though Stacy's mom is secretly a bad person, Stacy knows in her heart that helping him is the kind thing to do. The film's message is that things aren't always what they seem. Though the woman seemed like she was homeless at first, Jack quickly discovers that she is deceitful, and is more fortunate than she lets on. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |