![]() NETFLIX Series: TV SERIES, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Six teens attending an adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar must band together to survive when dinosaurs wreak havoc on the island. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 is an exciting, action-packed, at times funny, animated TV series on Netflix! The series continues building upon the beloved Jurassic World and Jurassic Park franchise. If you are fascinated by dinosaurs (like I am) and you like adventure, you should definitely watch this show. Additionally, if you like the other Jurassic Park or Jurassic World movies, I bet you will love this series. I really enjoyed it! The story is about six teenagers, Darius (Paul-Mik�l Williams), Brooklyn (Jenna Ortega), Kenji (Ryan Potter), Ben (Sean Giambrone), Yaz (Kausar Mohammed) and Sammy (Raini Rodriguez) who go together to a camp in Jurassic World, called Camp Cretaceous. They have a fun time at the camp, but then all of a sudden all the dinosaurs living in Jurassic World become loose! The teenagers then need to figure out how to survive on an island with wild and crazy dinosaurs that attack the campers. Even though this may sound a little scary, there is humor throughout the episode. There are moments that had me laughing such as when stuff breaks that isn't supposed to, or when the characters say funny things. In every episode of this series, there are new dinosaurs that pop into the show. The special effects surrounding these dinosaurs are awesome and seem incredibly realistic. The dinosaurs actually seem like they are alive. There is a T-Rex, Raptor, Mosasaurus, Compy, Stegosaurus and other prehistoric creatures. The dinosaurs are, by far, my favorite part of the show. The teenage characters all have different types of traits including: athletic, funny, scared of everything, famous, rich and loving dinosaurs. I enjoyed watching how they all end up working together as a team during the course of the series. The primary message of the series is about teamwork and collaboration. The characters all end up working as a team.< p>I give Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can find Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 on Netflix, available January 22, 2021. By Conrad W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10 I love Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2--it's so interesting, and it grabs your attention so well! I also like that season 2 has more action than season 1, which kept me watching the whole time. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Season 2 is an American animated, science-fiction adventure series based on the multi-billionaire Jurassic Park franchise. This awesome series has eight episodes with a duration of approximately 25 minutes each. The computer animation and graphics are neat, and the colorful backgrounds attract the viewer's attention. The voiceovers suit each character, and the music played on every scene is suitable to what is going on. My favorite part is when Darius has a flashback about how he got the dinosaur tooth necklace. This season starts with a boy named Darius (Paul-Mik�l Williams) who wants to go to Camp Cretaceous like he and his dad planned. Sadly, his dad dies and ever since then Darius has been playing a VR game because the game's winner gets Camp Cretaceous tickets. No one has beat the game yet, until Darius does, and he attends Camp Cretaceous in honor of his dad. This is big for Darius because he is a huge dino nerd and knows so many facts and has dino toys all over his room. He arrives at Camp Cretaceous and meets five other kids: Brooklyn (Jenna Ortega), a famous travel vlogger; Ben (Sean Giambrone), who is scared of everything and a germophobe; Kenji (Ryan Potter), a rich ungrateful kid who likes attention and brags about going to the park six gazillion times. The other kids include Yasmina (Kausar Mohammed), an athlete who sits alone and Sammy (Raini Rodriguez), who likes to talk a lot and makes friends with everyone. All six of the kids embark on a new adventure in every episode. There are many morals in season 2, but teamwork stands out the most. In season 1, the kids need to find people that work at the camp so they can get saved and, in that process, they work together very well. In season 2, they need to find a beacon and also watch out for a T-rex and its lair. They work together using walkie-talkies. I'd give Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Season 2, 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18 plus adults and to whomever is a dinosaur or Jurassic Park fan. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Season 2 comes out on January 22, 2021, on Netflix. By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
![]() DISNEY CHANNEL Series: SERIES,K AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - Blends the style of classic sitcoms with the MCU in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision -two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives-begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Marvel has once again delivered with WandaVision! This show has many unique elements like the different time periods of the episodes, and it ties into the Avengers storyline we all know and love. Keep your eyes peeled, because there are Easter eggs everywhere! WandaVision follows Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) in this sitcom world Wanda has created. Each episode varies in style from classic shows like I Love Lucy to The Brady Bunch. While the two superheroes live their urban life, we see glitches in Maximoff's reality bubble. This show will lead into the third installment of the MCU Spider-Man series and a sequel to Dr.Strange. As Wanda (aka Scarlet Witch) opens up the multiverse, Strange is left to clean up her mess. Kudos to executive producer Kevin Feige for creating a show based on Scarlet Witch and Vision which is so unique but still stays true to its comic book roots. In the comics, Wanda goes mad, and ends up opening the multiverse. In WandaVision, we see this perfect bubble she has created and how it starts to deteriorate. Also true to the books, Vision and Maximoff share twins who also blossom into superheroes themselves, Thomas and William, aka Speed and Wiccan. In the comics, they form a fraction of the new Avengers team. Wanda has her own comic book series which include all of these adventures. Scarlet Witch has always been a role model for me since seeing Avengers: Age Of Ultron. Now that she has her own series, many girls around the world will grow up with her and look up to her just as I did. The theme of the series is about reminiscing highlights of classic television. In the episodes, the range of classic show styles range from The Brady Bunch to Full House. In this series, we have modern day comedy with the over-the-top acting and era-appropriate wardrobe. At times, it's easy to forget we're watching a Marvel show, and think we're watching an episode of one of our favorite childhood shows. But then there are the strings that pull the viewer back to reality and notice the bigger picture. WandaVision is wonderful for anyone who's an MCU fan or someone who enjoys the nostalgia of sitcom memories. I give WandaVision 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It premieres on Disney+ January 15, 2020. Reviewed by Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
DONNA GUTHRIE Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 4-18 Topic - Family Description - A four-minute, family-friendly, musical animated film about Maggie Mae, a constant shopper who buys things she doesn't need. When she gets buried in styrofoam, tissue, and silly purchases, she learns to recycle and reuse. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A valuable lesson full of color and with a catchy song! MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story is a short film that teaches a great lesson which has never been more important than right now. The animation of the characters is well done and makes the story more appealing. The way the story is narrated, using music, makes the lesson easier to learn and to remember for future scenarios. Aunt Maggie May loves to travel, and she collects souvenirs after each trip. However, she will have to learn how to deal with all the trash in her house, and she will learn a great lesson about helping the environment. The continuity of the storyline is great. It shows how something small can lead to a bigger problem if is not addressed early enough. It also shows how adults and their behaviors can have major effects on children, such as how the little girl was observing all the actions that Aunt Maggie May did regarding her trash. The story develops in a way that both the problem and the solution are easy to identify and to apply to real life scenarios. The animation of the film portrays daily aspects very accurately. Each detail is well-designed and full color, which makes them appealing and easy to associate. The film shows different places that are easy to recognize, such as a house, the store, the planet Earth and the recycling plant. The transitions between each scene help to the continuity of both the story and the song. As this is an animated short film that focuses on Aunt Maggie May and her niece, each location reflects their daily lives. The shots that include the Earth are well done, as they show most countries where the plane is flying from above. The music by Elliot Sheridan is the main factor of the film. It narrates the storyline and moves the scenes according to what is being sung at the moment. The song is catchy and the words easy, which makes it easier to learn and to remember. The instruments can be all heard and appreciated by the watcher. The song is energetic, joyful and it helps to highlight the overall lesson of the film. The animation by Kevin Mark is remarkable. Each character is well designed and is easy to recognize who is who and what role they have in the film. All the details of the film are well executed; there are some scenes that mix fantasy characters, which makes it more appealing. Donna W. Guthrie is the director, writer, and producer, and she delivers an engaging and relevant film. The message is that recycling can make a difference to the planet. The words "recycle, reduce and reuse" have great impact, and how we decide to act will mark our future and that for the coming generations. Collecting memories does not mean to collect trash and unnecessary materials, as the most valuable things in life cannot be bought or collected on shelves. Showing younger generations how they can start changing the world by just recycling can lead to a better future. The film makes me want to learn about ways to recycle and how I can use those ways in my community. It makes me want to look for recycling plants near me and take all my trash and recycle to help the planet. The scenes where Aunt Maggie Way and her niece are going through all the trash and the recycling bins are so much fun to watch! They really show all the details and the emotions in the characters' faces well. I like those scenes because they show how recycling works and how to separate the trash, so the viewers will learn to recycle in their own communities. I give MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. This film shows recycling in such a simple way that everyone can watch it and still learn the main message. With the use of the music and the colors, younger children will understand the importance of recycling better. Recycling is an action that families should practice at each of their homes so the world can continue to be the beautiful and diverse planet that we all know. This would play well in any festival that includes films about the environmental, recycling, activism and family. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror Aunt Maggie May loves to travel, and she collects souvenirs after each trip. However, she will have to learn how to deal with all the trash in her house, and she will learn a great lesson about helping the environment. The continuity of the storyline is great. It shows how something small can lead to a bigger problem if is not addressed early enough. It also shows how adults and their behaviors can have major effects on children, such as how the little girl was observing all the actions that Aunt Maggie May did regarding her trash. The story develops in a way that both the problem and the solution are easy to identify and to apply to real life scenarios. The animation of the film portrays daily aspects very accurately. Each detail is well-designed and full color, which makes them appealing and easy to associate. The film shows different places that are easy to recognize, such as a house, the store, the planet Earth and the recycling plant. The transitions between each scene help to the continuity of both the story and the song. As this is an animated short film that focuses on Aunt Maggie May and her niece, each location reflects their daily lives. The shots that include the Earth are well done, as they show most countries where the plane is flying from above. The music by Elliot Sheridan is the main factor of the film. It narrates the storyline and moves the scenes according to what is being sung at the moment. The song is catchy and the words easy, which makes it easier to learn and to remember. The instruments can be all heard and appreciated by the watcher. The song is energetic, joyful and it helps to highlight the overall lesson of the film. The animation by Kevin Mark is remarkable. Each character is well designed and is easy to recognize who is who and what role they have in the film. All the details of the film are well executed; there are some scenes that mix fantasy characters, which makes it more appealing. Donna W. Guthrie is the director, writer, and producer, and she delivers an engaging and relevant film. The message is that recycling can make a difference to the planet. The words "recycle, reduce and reuse" have great impact, and how we decide to act will mark our future and that for the coming generations. Collecting memories does not mean to collect trash and unnecessary materials, as the most valuable things in life cannot be bought or collected on shelves. Showing younger generations how they can start changing the world by just recycling can lead to a better future. The film makes me want to learn about ways to recycle and how I can use those ways in my community. It makes me want to look for recycling plants near me and take all my trash and recycle to help the planet. The scenes where Aunt Maggie Way and her niece are going through all the trash and the recycling bins are so much fun to watch! They really show all the details and the emotions in the characters' faces well. I like those scenes because they show how recycling works and how to separate the trash, so the viewers will learn to recycle in their own communities. I give MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. This film shows recycling in such a simple way that everyone can watch it and still learn the main message. With the use of the music and the colors, younger children will understand the importance of recycling better. Recycling is an action that families should practice at each of their homes so the world can continue to be the beautiful and diverse planet that we all know. This would play well in any festival that includes films about the environmental, recycling, activism and family. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
FILMSTOFESTIVALS DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Series: FOREIGN ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 11-18 Topic - Family Description - Ariel is a teenager who enjoys figure skating. Sometimes when he passes by the neighborhood football field, the boys who are playing make fun of him for being different. At school, he receives mockery and paper planes from his pals. One of those papers is the invitation to the prom party. He decides to assist. The night of the party, he is getting ready to go. Something triggers inside him and he makes a decision. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like this film because it brings out a very important message and it represents the LGBT community. It shows the viewers that it is okay to be yourself and not let others determine your path. In this film, a teenager is having a hard time becoming who they want to be because of all the people around them that tease and call them names. They are able to find their true selves in the end. The story is about a teen that is bullied for being different. Everyone in the community laughs at them for being themselves and it's very hard for them to transition and realize that it doesn't matter what others think, the only opinion that you should care about is your own. I like the emotion in the film and the deep feelings it shows through the beautiful animation. The expressions on the main characters' faces are very heartbreaking and made me feel sad for them. At the beginning of the film there is a scene where the protagonist is skating on a rink with their long hair flowing as they glide along. In just four minutes we are transported to a skating rink, town, the main character bedroom, and a high school. It all fits so perfectly together like a puzzle and I really appreciate all the minute details that went into creating this so we could understand what was going through the mind of the protagonist. The background music consists of a piano playing softly throughout the film and it carries the animation with very soothing sounds. The animators, Gaspar Aguirre and Rom�n Sovrano, draw out the perfect storyline and give every moment thought and care. You can really tell how much effort they put into bringing this story to life. The message is don't listen to anyone if they are causing you distress, the only opinion that matters is your own. It contains profanity but nothing drastic. Broken Doll has a really important message and I think a lot of people will find it helpful and inspiring to see it for themselves. My favorite part of this film is when the main character finally stops caring about what everyone else thought and does what makes them happy. I give Broken Doll 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18. Reviewed by Winter F. and David O. The story is about a teen that is bullied for being different. Everyone in the community laughs at them for being themselves and it's very hard for them to transition and realize that it doesn't matter what others think, the only opinion that you should care about is your own. I like the emotion in the film and the deep feelings it shows through the beautiful animation. The expressions on the main characters' faces are very heartbreaking and made me feel sad for them. At the beginning of the film there is a scene where the protagonist is skating on a rink with their long hair flowing as they glide along. In just four minutes we are transported to a skating rink, town, the main character bedroom, and a high school. It all fits so perfectly together like a puzzle and I really appreciate all the minute details that went into creating this so we could understand what was going through the mind of the protagonist. The background music consists of a piano playing softly throughout the film and it carries the animation with very soothing sounds. The animators, Gaspar Aguirre and Rom�n Sovrano, draw out the perfect storyline and give every moment thought and care. You can really tell how much effort they put into bringing this story to life. The message is don't listen to anyone if they are causing you distress, the only opinion that matters is your own. It contains profanity but nothing drastic. Broken Doll has a really important message and I think a lot of people will find it helpful and inspiring to see it for themselves. My favorite part of this film is when the main character finally stops caring about what everyone else thought and does what makes them happy. I give Broken Doll 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18. Reviewed by Winter F. and David O. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 11-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
FILMSTOFESTIVALS DISTRIBUTION AGENCY Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 6-18 Topic - Family Description - Sometimes with the sons, it happens as with the drawing, they do not come out as you imagined. This is Gusti's story. A father who goes through bewilderment and denial, to the most unconditional love for his new son, upon discovering that he has Down Syndrome. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - My Other Son is so beautiful and emotional because is a personal story. It is a story about a father and his reaction when facing something unexpected. The film truly captures the emotions of its characters and shows each aspect Gusti goes through during his new journey. Many parents can relate to this story and feel connected with each scene, and that is truly unique. Also, each part when the story shows bonding moments between the father and his son are so good and they really portray the key lesson of the film. Gusti becomes the father of a beautiful, but a different boy. He goes through different emotional reactions as he faces the reality of his son and what it will mean for Gusti and his family, but he finds beauty in the unexpected. This is truly one of the most creative, touching and unique films I have ever seen! It is a beautiful story from a parent's perspective about the unexpected having a positive outcome. This short film uses so many artistic techniques, is filled with color and creativity; each scene has a unique personal touch. Many parents will relate to the story, as it is about Down Syndrome and the realities that many go through during those first moments when their child is diagnosed. But the main point is the great relationship between the father and his son. The film has so many different uses of camera work and techniques. All the shots are full of animation, color, techniques and an artistic perspecvied. One refreshing touch is the set-up of the film, as it is animated through canvas over a table, giving the idea that the father is narrating his story. This makes it feel more personal and appealing to the viewer. The film made want to read more about parents with Down Syndrome children and how they have overcome any doubts or fears they had at the beginning. It is beautiful to see and learn how love can overcome anything, and in situations just as unexpected as this one, it is even stronger. I loved this film from the beginning to the end. The credits have a beautiful surprise that brought tears to my eyes because I was able to watch true joy, happiness and love. But my favorite part is definitely a quote from the dad, "Love doesn't count chromosomes." This quote captures the message of the film, and is such a powerful statement. Love should be unconditional, and love should guide those who are starting this new stage of their lives. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 18, plus Adults. Gustavo Alonso is the director and the writer; Noem� Fuhrer and Graciela Mazza are the producers. This team has created a beautiful story with a relevant message. The message is very relevant and the fact that is a narrated personal story makes it more honest and unique. Many families will relate to having those fears and doubts in cases like the one presented, but the film can help as emotional support and as inspiration when the challenges seem overwhelming. Reviewed by David L, KIDS FIRST! Gusti becomes the father of a beautiful, but a different boy. He goes through different emotional reactions as he faces the reality of his son and what it will mean for Gusti and his family, but he finds beauty in the unexpected. This is truly one of the most creative, touching and unique films I have ever seen! It is a beautiful story from a parent's perspective about the unexpected having a positive outcome. This short film uses so many artistic techniques, is filled with color and creativity; each scene has a unique personal touch. Many parents will relate to the story, as it is about Down Syndrome and the realities that many go through during those first moments when their child is diagnosed. But the main point is the great relationship between the father and his son. The film has so many different uses of camera work and techniques. All the shots are full of animation, color, techniques and an artistic perspective. One refreshing touch is the set-up of the film, as it is animated through canvas over a table, giving the idea that the father is narrating his story. This makes it feel more personal and appealing to the viewer. The film made want to read more about parents with Down Syndrome children and how they have overcome any doubts or fears they had at the beginning. It is beautiful to see and learn how love can overcome anything, and in situations just as unexpected as this one, it is even stronger. I loved this film from the beginning to the end. The credits have a beautiful surprise that brought tears to my eyes because I was able to watch true joy, happiness and love. But my favorite part is definitely a quote from the dad, "Love doesn't count chromosomes." This quote captures the message of the film, and is such a powerful statement. Love should be unconditional, and love should guide those who are starting this new stage of their lives. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 18, plus Adults. Gustavo Alonso is the director and the writer; Noem� Fuhrer and Graciela Mazza are the producers. This team has created a beautiful story with a relevant message. The message is very relevant and the fact that is a narrated personal story makes it more honest and unique. Many families will relate to having those fears and doubts in cases like the one presented, but the film can help as emotional support and as inspiration when the challenges seem overwhelming. Reviewed by David L, KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 6-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
GIANMARCO D'AGOSTINO Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-15 Topic - Family Description - "The Boy who would become a Knight" tells, with live action and stop motion animations, a moment of transition in the life of Luigi, a child from Florence at the end of the Fourteenth century. Thanks to the words of the family weaver and a precious embroidered blanket, the adventures of the young Tristan come to life before Luigi's eyes, to teach him what skills a knight must have. Luigi becomes afraid of the consequences he may face after a fight with the barber's son. With the help of the family weaver and his tales, he discovers the story of Tristan, and what being a Knight really means. The story is constructed in such a way that the public can identify the main qualities of a knight - brave, ready for the action, kind, stable and passionate. Even though all these characteristics are necessary, the story highlights the most important of all in the end. The film presents a real-life situation with Luigi and it creates a comparison with the story of the knight to help him see what really is important at the end of the day. This connection is valuable and highlights the message of the film. The camera work of the film captures the essence of the time period. It shows all the details in both the settings and the characters' costumes. In the animated portion of the film, the scenes are changing and are never static. The costumes suit the time period of the film. They show accurately how a royal or high class family would dress and live during the fourteenth century. The location where everything takes place is a castle. There are many doors, the rooms are huge and everything is incredibly detailed. In the beginning of the film, I felt as if I was walking through the castle, appreciating the beautiful architecture, the paintings on the walls, and the strong columns and stairs. the music has the classic melodies and tones of medieval music, which is appropriate for the time period. It helps during the transitions between conversations and in the animated part of the film. All the visual effects take place when the family weaver starts to narrate the story of Tristan and one of his adventures as a knight. The story takes life when the weaver shows Luigi the embroidered blanket he is working on. From there, all the scenes that show the story are animated with both embroidered details and drawings to show what is happening during the film. Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti plays the family weaver; he stands out the most since he is the narrator of the story and helps young Luigi learn the skills that knights must have. Luigi is played by Pietro Leoni and his mother is played by Elena Talenti. The director of the film is Gianmarco D'Agostino and he co-writes the story with Matteo Bortolotti. The message can be summarized by a quote from the film: A knight does not obey his sword; he is guided by love because love conquers all. This is an important reminder, especially during those moments in life where we feel overcome by anger, frustration or we need to think before acting. A strong word or fight will not achieve anything and they will make the situations worse. But a loving response, with kind words, not only achieves a determined goal, but also helps create better relationships with those around us. I love the locations and scenery of this film. As someone who appreciates details and is very interested in architecture and design, the scenes at the beginning of the film are intensely captivating. I love seeing the dimensions of the castle and the many great details in the paintings, the furniture and in all the construction. The actors in the film include Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti, Pietro Leoni and Elena Talenti. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. The most moving element was structuring the story through the traditional embroidered blanket. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror Luigi becomes afraid of the consequences he may face after a fight with the barber's son. With the help of the family weaver and his tales, he discovers the story of Tristan, and what being a Knight really means. The story is constructed in such a way that the public can identify the main qualities of a knight - brave, ready for the action, kind, stable and passionate. Even though all these characteristics are necessary, the story highlights the most important of all in the end. The film presents a real-life situation with Luigi and it creates a comparison with the story of the knight to help him see what really is important at the end of the day. This connection is valuable and highlights the message of the film. The camera work of the film captures the essence of the time period. It shows all the details in both the settings and the characters' costumes. In the animated portion of the film, the scenes are changing and are never static. The costumes suit the time period of the film. They show accurately how a royal or high class family would dress and live during the fourteenth century. The location where everything takes place is a castle. There are many doors, the rooms are huge and everything is incredibly detailed. In the beginning of the film, I felt as if I was walking through the castle, appreciating the beautiful architecture, the paintings on the walls, and the strong columns and stairs. the music has the classic melodies and tones of medieval music, which is appropriate for the time period. It helps during the transitions between conversations and in the animated part of the film. All the visual effects take place when the family weaver starts to narrate the story of Tristan and one of his adventures as a knight. The story takes life when the weaver shows Luigi the embroidered blanket he is working on. From there, all the scenes that show the story are animated with both embroidered details and drawings to show what is happening during the film. Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti plays the family weaver; he stands out the most since he is the narrator of the story and helps young Luigi learn the skills that knights must have. Luigi is played by Pietro Leoni and his mother is played by Elena Talenti. The director of the film is Gianmarco D'Agostino and he co-writes the story with Matteo Bortolotti. The message can be summarized by a quote from the film: A knight does not obey his sword; he is guided by love because love conquers all. This is an important reminder, especially during those moments in life where we feel overcome by anger, frustration or we need to think before acting. A strong word or fight will not achieve anything and they will make the situations worse. But a loving response, with kind words, not only achieves a determined goal, but also helps create better relationships with those around us. I love the locations and scenery of this film. As someone who appreciates details and is very interested in architecture and design, the scenes at the beginning of the film are intensely captivating. I love seeing the dimensions of the castle and the many great details in the paintings, the furniture and in all the construction. The actors in the film include Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti, Pietro Leoni and Elena Talenti. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. The most moving element was structuring the story through the traditional embroidered blanket. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-15 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
TOBIAS GRUBER Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 6-12 Topic - Family Description - The 10-year-old Valentin wants to become an author. Although he writes great essays, he always stutters while reading and is bullied by his schoolmates. But when cowboy Billy suddenly shows up and decides to take Valentin on a trip, big changes are coming up. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Little Cowboy is a quirky coming of age short film that audiences of all ages will relate to. Everyone has felt like an outcast in some way or another, and this film tells a narrative in a way that is both natural and magical all at once. It deals with serious topics while feeling lighthearted and sweet. The storyline follows Valentin, only 10 years old, but teeming with ambition to become a writer. These ambitions, it seems, are crushed when he is unable to speak because of his stutter. Bullied and cast off by his classmates, he finds himself in the world of a mysterious cowboy who takes him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The plot is clich� at times - run-of-the-mill backstory and predictable. There is the element of magical realism and a quirky side character to contrast. It would seem that these elements should not mesh, but they do. The story is tried and true, and the director's artistic take makes it that much better. It does feel that it might fare better as a full-length feature. The cinematography is astounding. The camera quality is rich and the shots feel intentional. The scene where Billy the Cowboy is first introduced has a dream-like quality to it. The scene where Valentin is walking toward the stage at the end of the film brings you with him so that the audience feels all of his anxieties. Visually, the film is outstanding. The costumes fine a rare balance of intention and realism. Valentin's glasses, the teacher's red lipstick, the bully's headband, Billy's rustic hat. Every small detail adds dimension to the character without overdoing it. Location wise, the film fares above average, but not outstanding. The barn stands out as the best scene location out of the film. The background music is one of the short film's weaknesses. The background sounds are unnoticeable the way they should be. However, the background music, particularly when Valentin faces difficulty, is off-putting and distracting. On the other hand, the Western music during the cowboy scenes is very fitting. The cinematographer and Billy stand out in their performances. The camerawork shows a person who knows their craft. Billy plays his role in a way that is not over-the-top, a threshold easily broken when playing a role such as a cowboy. My favorite part of the film is the scene in the barn when we are introduced to Billy. I did not know that hay could translate so beautifully on film. It is immersive and magical, but also subtle. It is the perfect transition to the second act of the film and keeps the film feeling light and airy. The Little Cowboy clearly shows its audience the value of trusting oneself despite the difficulties faced in life. Just as Valentin is optimistic in the face of troubles, the film is lighthearted throughout - a valuable attribute of a coming of age film for young viewers. I give The Little Cowboy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows Valentin, only 10 years old, but teeming with ambition to become a writer. These ambitions, it seems, are crushed when he is unable to speak because of his stutter. Bullied and cast off by his classmates, he finds himself in the world of a mysterious cowboy who takes him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The plot is clich� at times - run-of-the-mill backstory and predictable. There is the element of magical realism and a quirky side character to contrast. It would seem that these elements should not mesh, but they do. The story is tried and true, and the director's artistic take makes it that much better. It does feel that it might fare better as a full-length feature. The cinematography is astounding. The camera quality is rich and the shots feel intentional. The scene where Billy the Cowboy is first introduced has a dream-like quality to it. The scene where Valentin is walking toward the stage at the end of the film brings you with him so that the audience feels all of his anxieties. Visually, the film is outstanding. The costumes fine a rare balance of intention and realism. Valentin's glasses, the teacher's red lipstick, the bully's headband, Billy's rustic hat. Every small detail adds dimension to the character without overdoing it. Location wise, the film fares above average, but not outstanding. The barn stands out as the best scene location out of the film. The background music is one of the short film's weaknesses. The background sounds are unnoticeable the way they should be. However, the background music, particularly when Valentin faces difficulty, is off-putting and distracting. On the other hand, the Western music during the cowboy scenes is very fitting. The cinematographer and Billy stand out in their performances. The camerawork shows a person who knows their craft. Billy plays his role in a way that is not over-the-top, a threshold easily broken when playing a role such as a cowboy. My favorite part of the film is the scene in the barn when we are introduced to Billy. I did not know that hay could translate so beautifully on film. It is immersive and magical, but also subtle. It is the perfect transition to the second act of the film and keeps the film feeling light and airy. The Little Cowboy clearly shows its audience the value of trusting oneself despite the difficulties faced in life. Just as Valentin is optimistic in the face of troubles, the film is lighthearted throughout - a valuable attribute of a coming of age film for young viewers. I give The Little Cowboy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 6-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
SAGE DRAKE Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - A short quirk comedy about a young essential grocery worker who meets up a very difficult customer during the covid-19 crisis. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A comical take of a relevant situation! What About My Bag? is the story that many grocery workers have been facing since the start of the pandemic. The film takes a comical tone in showing a tense situation. I wish the film had better addressed the importance of following the guidelines set by stores during the pandemic and how truly essential grocery store workers are. The film follows Natalie, a grocery worker that has to face the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic at work. This time, she has to deal with a very stubborn customer as she tries to make her understand the guidelines of the store. The film is accurate in portraying the reality that many grocery workers continue to face during this pandemic. Many customers do not follow the guidelines, which are just set to protect them and protect store staff. It is fun that the film adds comical details, maybe with the intention to make it not quite so serious. However, the story at times feels a little too long, since it is a back and forth conversation without any outside details or other characters involved. The camera angles are appropriate and the backgrounds are easy to identify and associate with in terms of common places. Some shots where the characters are speaking are a little too close, as they are speaking directly to the camera and not to the other character. But overall, the camera work is good and realistically captures the facial expressions and gestures of the characters. The location is a grocery store parking lot. The background music adds to the comical scenes in the film and the absurdity of the conversation. Most of the time the music is playful as the characters go back and forth, but it increases in a tense scene, adding to the dramatic tone as well. The grocery worker is played by Natalie Mangiante and the customer is played by Venee Lotusfire Call-Ferrer. Both actors show a range of emotions - frustration, sadness, stress, anger and doubt. Even with the masks on, their eyes, tone of voice and gestures are express what the story is in a way that you can't miss. There is one scene where the grocery worker is so frustrated with the customer that, in a made-up scenario, she takes the bag and uses it to suffocate her. This does not occur during the film and is a brief sequence, but it may be something that parents would not be comfortable with or that children could imitate. My favorite part is when the film addresses the audience and in a message thanks the essential workers. During these difficult times, these workers are driving the country and they are risking their lives to protect others and help others. Some of them may have many necessities, fears, and situations at home, but they are constantly working to do the best that they can do to help those who are in a more severe condition or who are trying to keep the "normal" during these times. The grocery worker is played by Natalie Mangiante, who has acted in at least eight other films and has written and directed some of those same films. The customer is played by Venee Lotusfire Call-Ferrer. The director explains that this is a film about a personal story that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The message emphasizes how simple it is to follow guidelines in order to stay safe and minimize the risk of being infected with covid and how bad people look when they do not do this and put their feelings over the safety of others. I give What About My Bag? 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film shows a current and relevant situation that is occurring every day in the United States and across the globe. By watching this short film, many families will see how easy is to just follow guidelines and how bad it looks when we put our emotions or our pride before thinking about the impact that our decisions may cause in others around us. Reviewed by David O, KIDS FIRST! Juror The film follows Natalie, a grocery worker that has to face the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic at work. This time, she has to deal with a very stubborn customer as she tries to make her understand the guidelines of the store. The film is accurate in portraying the reality that many grocery workers continue to face during this pandemic. Many customers do not follow the guidelines, which are just set to protect them and protect store staff. It is fun that the film adds comical details, maybe with the intention to make it not quite so serious. However, the story at times feels a little too long, since it is a back and forth conversation without any outside details or other characters involved. The camera angles are appropriate and the backgrounds are easy to identify and associate with in terms of common places. Some shots where the characters are speaking are a little too close, as they are speaking directly to the camera and not to the other character. But overall, the camera work is good and realistically captures the facial expressions and gestures of the characters. The location is a grocery store parking lot. The background music adds to the comical scenes in the film and the absurdity of the conversation. Most of the time the music is playful as the characters go back and forth, but it increases in a tense scene, adding to the dramatic tone as well. The grocery worker is played by Natalie Mangiante and the customer is played by Venee Lotusfire Call-Ferrer. Both actors show a range of emotions - frustration, sadness, stress, anger and doubt. Even with the masks on, their eyes, tone of voice and gestures are express what the story is in a way that you can't miss. There is one scene where the grocery worker is so frustrated with the customer that, in a made-up scenario, she takes the bag and uses it to suffocate her. This does not occur during the film and is a brief sequence, but it may be something that parents would not be comfortable with or that children could imitate. My favorite part is when the film addresses the audience and in a message thanks the essential workers. During these difficult times, these workers are driving the country and they are risking their lives to protect others and help others. Some of them may have many necessities, fears, and situations at home, but they are constantly working to do the best that they can do to help those who are in a more severe condition or who are trying to keep the "normal" during these times. The grocery worker is played by Natalie Mangiante, who has acted in at least eight other films and has written and directed some of those same films. The customer is played by Venee Lotusfire Call-Ferrer. The director explains that this is a film about a personal story that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The message emphasizes how simple it is to follow guidelines in order to stay safe and minimize the risk of being infected with covid and how bad people look when they do not do this and put their feelings over the safety of others. I give What About My Bag? 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film shows a current and relevant situation that is occurring every day in the United States and across the globe. By watching this short film, many families will see how easy is to just follow guidelines and how bad it looks when we put our emotions or our pride before thinking about the impact that our decisions may cause in others around us. Reviewed by David O, KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ROTATING PLANET PRODUCTIONS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-11 Topic - Family Description - Join Zamzoom - an enthusiastic space animal - and his sharp-as-a-whistle partner, Orbie, on an uproarious intergalactic expedition to Earth to discover the planet's most strange and extraordinary creatures. Zamzoom's examinations of the wildlife on planet Earth can make for some silly misconceptions. Thankfully, his partner Orbie is always nearby to set him straight - tapping into Earth's database, Orbie knows how to spit facts. She can be a little overprotective, but it's hard, after all, holding a whole planet's worth of information in her circuits. Together, our odd duo team provides comical debates and science in bite-sized pieces, perfect for kids! Each episode blends exciting 2D animation with real and spectacular wildlife footage. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - While well-intentioned, Environmental Video's content is only average and we do not find it inspiring enough to accept it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Whereas it may be useful for an audience under age 5, the tips are pretty standard and the presentation here lacks professionalism. There is little new information being presented in the short film. This short film covers small tips to incorporate into everyday life to help the environment. It covers the three basic points of environmental conservation very briefly. The video is lacking in providing new information that would a youth audience would find interesting. It does not stand out as being contemporary or current. The presentation lacks pizzazz. The production values are quite average from the camera angles to the editing. The audio level is very low. I had to boost my speakers to their highest setting to listen to it and, even then, the audio level is too low. It seems to have been filmed in someone's home, which is okay, but the lighting is poor in many scenes. Going between black and white and color doesn't seem to make sense. There is little background music and the sound effects a bit distracting - they are at least twice as loud as the narrative, which hurts your ears. They do not blend well into the video. The narrator is reading from a script and looks down at it quite often as she is speaking. She is quite adorable but little is done to make her performance engaging. Although the film is short and sweet, and we admire the filmmaker's efforts, the quality is unsuitable to play on a big screen. Even the title of this film lacks appeal. The film's message is about three practical tips to help the environment. I give Environmental Video 1.5 out of 5 stars and do not recommend it to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The tips are outdated and the production quality is low. There are better resources and tips available and better production quality that should be strived for in a film festival entry. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! This short film covers small tips to incorporate into everyday life to help the environment. It covers the three basic points of environmental conservation very briefly. The video is lacking in providing new information that would a youth audience would find interesting. It does not stand out as being contemporary or current. The presentation lacks pizzazz. The production values are quite average from the camera angles to the editing. The audio level is very low. I had to boost my speakers to their highest setting to listen to it and, even then, the audio level is too low. It seems to have been filmed in someone's home, which is okay, but the lighting is poor in many scenes. Going between black and white and color doesn't seem to make sense. There is little background music and the sound effects a bit distracting - they are at least twice as loud as the narrative, which hurts your ears. They do not blend well into the video. The narrator is reading from a script and looks down at it quite often as she is speaking. She is quite adorable but little is done to make her performance engaging. Although the film is short and sweet, and we admire the filmmaker's efforts, the quality is unsuitable to play on a big screen. Even the title of this film lacks appeal. The film's message is about three practical tips to help the environment. I give Environmental Video 1.5 out of 5 stars and do not recommend it to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The tips are outdated and the production quality is low. There are better resources and tips available and better production quality that should be strived for in a film festival entry. Reviewed by Juror #22. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-11 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MOLLY E. SMITH Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - A young girl's imagination runs wild when her mother tells her of the family legend. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wampus is a short visit in the magical world of a young girl. Without elaborate storytelling or an extended run time, Molly Smith explores the power of the young imagination and demonstrates just how boundless it can be. It is simple. yet whimsical, like childhood should be. The storyline revolves around a young girl, fully immersed in a world of her own. After tea parties with her toys and stuffed animals, she plans a camping trip in her front yard. All is swell until she learns of the bobcat called Wampus, enough to spook her into spending the night indoors. While the film captures the magic of imagination, the plot's structure waivers at time. The events are clear and the feelings attempting to be evoked are clear, but motives and conflict are unclear. The cinematography adds to the whimsicality of the film. It is dynamic in a way that does not feel over or under-whelming. The first scene in particular immediately tells the audience that they are about to watch a story of imagination. The simplicity of the sets are what make Wampus so endearing and reminiscent of childhood. From the warm interior lighting to the seemingly endless supply of stuffed toys, Wampus excels in this department. The sound of Wampus is one of its weaker areas, but only in the first scene. Here, the music does not feel complementary. On the other hand, when the young girl meets Wampus, the music complements the scene amazingly. The visual effects are what give this short film its magical essence. In the last scene, the distorted images and fast cuts evoke a sense of fear, thus enhancing the overall plot and the scene's contribution to the film. The two actors have great chemistry. Their mother-daughter relationship is believable and feels natural throughout. The performance that stands out the most is that of the young girl (Lily Jane Chachula) She is a natural and portrays every emotion clearly and confidently. Because folklore is not commonly told in the age of technology, I did not know about the Wampus. It is valuable to pass these tales down, especially in times when oral story telling is a dying art. The dynamic between mother and daughter was beautiful to watch. It does not feel forced and portrays a very healthy relationship. This is very valuable for any audience. Wampus shows viewers that the untainted imagination has no boundaries. Note that the last scene might be scary to young viewers. I give Wampus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12. Although it has some pacing problems and the plot is not particularly strong, the feelings Smith is able to communicate are valuable for children, especially in times like these. Oftentimes kids are not told the importance of imagination, but this film encourages that. Reminiscent of Alice In Wonderland, Wampus is a story that I feel would charm viewers at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! Juror The storyline revolves around a young girl, fully immersed in a world of her own. After tea parties with her toys and stuffed animals, she plans a camping trip in her front yard. All is swell until she learns of the bobcat called Wampus, enough to spook her into spending the night indoors. While the film captures the magic of imagination, the plot's structure waivers at time. The events are clear and the feelings attempting to be evoked are clear, but motives and conflict are unclear. The cinematography adds to the whimsicality of the film. It is dynamic in a way that does not feel over or under-whelming. The first scene in particular immediately tells the audience that they are about to watch a story of imagination. The simplicity of the sets are what make Wampus so endearing and reminiscent of childhood. From the warm interior lighting to the seemingly endless supply of stuffed toys, Wampus excels in this department. The sound of Wampus is one of its weaker areas, but only in the first scene. Here, the music does not feel complementary. On the other hand, when the young girl meets Wampus, the music complements the scene amazingly. The visual effects are what give this short film its magical essence. In the last scene, the distorted images and fast cuts evoke a sense of fear, thus enhancing the overall plot and the scene's contribution to the film. The two actors have great chemistry. Their mother-daughter relationship is believable and feels natural throughout. The performance that stands out the most is that of the young girl (Lily Jane Chachula) She is a natural and portrays every emotion clearly and confidently. Because folklore is not commonly told in the age of technology, I did not know about the Wampus. It is valuable to pass these tales down, especially in times when oral story telling is a dying art. The dynamic between mother and daughter was beautiful to watch. It does not feel forced and portrays a very healthy relationship. This is very valuable for any audience. Wampus shows viewers that the untainted imagination has no boundaries. Note that the last scene might be scary to young viewers. I give Wampus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12. Although it has some pacing problems and the plot is not particularly strong, the feelings Smith is able to communicate are valuable for children, especially in times like these. Oftentimes kids are not told the importance of imagination, but this film encourages that. Reminiscent of Alice In Wonderland, Wampus is a story that I feel would charm viewers at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Reviewed by Joy P., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
LESLIE BLOOM Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 9-15 Topic - Family Description - Henry Summers has more angst than the average teenager. He doesn't know his father, and his mother spent her entire life trying to save everyone but him, and now she's dead with nothing to show for it. One thing might cheer him up, though: ruining his neighbor's Spring Break Restoration Project. Her name is Becca and yes, she's 10 years old. Okay, yes, that is eight years younger than him. But yes, she's a typical do-gooder, like his mother was, and it brings a smile to his face when her hopes are properly dashed. Henry has a peculiar life. He lost his mom and has a lot of issues about her. He lives with his Nana and lacks social skills that enable him to relate to others, such as his neighbor, little Becca. Eventually, he discovers a family secret and he has to decide how to use it and how to grow as a person. The storyline is interesting and is enhanced by many fantasy elements and twists. I would be concerned that that there are many parts of the story that lack background stories. This particular episode does not show us why Henry went to live with his Nana, why he has such a negative perspective of the world and why he does not like Becca, yet he babysits her. There are more things that are not explained. In this episode discovers his powers and yet, we never get to see what happens or what he does with them. This is part of a television series, so it makes sense that not everything is wrapped up in a tidy way and, it may just inspires kids to watch the rest of the series. The camera work is very well done with lots of changes in perspective and capturing each location in great detail. The locations range from school settings, home, parks, streets and neighborhoods. All of them are colorful and well designed. I love the use of color in this film. There are scenes where the contrasts between colors really make the whole thing to stand out. The only memorable costume is when Nana uses her powers and reveals herself as Henry's fairy godmother. The visual effects enhance every time magic occurs with sparks, movement and magic sprinkles. The key characters are Henry, Becca and Henry's Nana, played by Teddy Van Ee, Lucia Ridao-Moore and Anita Sorel (in the same order). Henry and Becca stand out the most, at least in this episode, as the storyline revolves around them and their experiences. The actors all give believable performances. Teddy Van Ee captures even the little details and gestures that many adolescents do when they are frustrated or annoyed, and he does it in a way that it does not seem forced at all. The acting is great, and the storyline is very engaging, but I love the visual complements. There is a scene where Nana is helping two customers that love the color blue, and watching all those tones of blue is both fun and satisfyingly to look at. The message of the overall series tries to show how dealing with our past can really open our future. There are situations that we experience that are unpleasant, but perhaps their purpose is to learn a lesson that will help others deal with a similar situation sometime in the future. Another recurrent theme of the film is the importance of family. I give The Fairy Godmother's Apprentice 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 15, plus adults. While this film has great production and acting, keep in mind that it is one episode from a series. Is a very entertaining show about family and dealing with one's fears and past. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror Henry has a peculiar life. He lost his mom and has a lot of issues about her. He lives with his Nana and lacks social skills that enable him to relate to others, such as his neighbor, little Becca. Eventually, he discovers a family secret and he has to decide how to use it and how to grow as a person. The storyline is interesting and is enhanced by many fantasy elements and twists. I would be concerned that that there are many parts of the story that lack background stories. This particular episode does not show us why Henry went to live with his Nana, why he has such a negative perspective of the world and why he does not like Becca, yet he babysits her. There are more things that are not explained. In this episode discovers his powers and yet, we never get to see what happens or what he does with them. This is part of a television series, so it makes sense that not everything is wrapped up in a tidy way and, it may just inspires kids to watch the rest of the series. The camera work is very well done with lots of changes in perspective and capturing each location in great detail. The locations range from school settings, home, parks, streets and neighborhoods. All of them are colorful and well designed. I love the use of color in this film. There are scenes where the contrasts between colors really make the whole thing to stand out. The only memorable costume is when Nana uses her powers and reveals herself as Henry's fairy godmother. The visual effects enhance every time magic occurs with sparks, movement and magic sprinkles. The key characters are Henry, Becca and Henry's Nana, played by Teddy Van Ee, Lucia Ridao-Moore and Anita Sorel (in the same order). Henry and Becca stand out the most, at least in this episode, as the storyline revolves around them and their experiences. The actors all give believable performances. Teddy Van Ee captures even the little details and gestures that many adolescents do when they are frustrated or annoyed, and he does it in a way that it does not seem forced at all. The acting is great, and the storyline is very engaging, but I love the visual complements. There is a scene where Nana is helping two customers that love the color blue, and watching all those tones of blue is both fun and satisfyingly to look at. The message of the overall series tries to show how dealing with our past can really open our future. There are situations that we experience that are unpleasant, but perhaps their purpose is to learn a lesson that will help others deal with a similar situation sometime in the future. Another recurrent theme of the film is the importance of family. I give The Fairy Godmother's Apprentice 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 15, plus adults. While this film has great production and acting, keep in mind that it is one episode from a series. Is a very entertaining show about family and dealing with one's fears and past. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 9-15 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
FLORENCE ROCHE Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Creation in action! A web series that offers a collection of video workshops: three artists explore their creative discipline and share it with children ... as well as adults! In each series of workshops, an artist, by doing, presents his or her approach. The works of art are accessible to all, and need no specialized equipment or prior learning. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I found ReCreations Collection very interesting and very sweet. It doesn't so much tell a story, but tells how to make a fun and exciting card for someone. You should know that the dialogue is in French with English subtitles. This short film features a woman, Patsy Van Roost (also self-described as a fairy) making letters that spread joy. The story is very interesting. It is really a documentary about a woman who spread love and joy by creating custom made letters for people. She is adorable and tells her story in an engaging, heartwarming and fascinating way. The cinematography is well executed. One of my favorite shots is one where the letters are featured. The primary set is in Patsy's workshop where she fabricates her creations. We see a collection of paint brushes, fabrics, and all different types of materials she uses to create her magic. Every corner hides more little things that one might use in their magic making. The film's background music is fun and upbeat, with a slight jazz feeling to it. Patsy is definitely the star of this show and, as self-described as a fairy, I believe she is one. It appears that she brings joy to anyone in her universe. I have to praise the editor, because the movie is beautifully edited. The film taught me how to make a message for someone by cutting out big letters in fabric. My favorite part of the film is near the end, when Patsy shows the letter to her son. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror This short film features a woman, Patsy Van Roost (also self-described as a fairy) making letters that spread joy. The story is very interesting. It is really a documentary about a woman who spread love and joy by creating custom made letters for people. She is adorable and tells her story in an engaging, heartwarming and fascinating way. The cinematography is well executed. One of my favorite shots is one where the letters are featured. The primary set is in Patsy's workshop where she fabricates her creations. We see a collection of paint brushes, fabrics, and all different types of materials she uses to create her magic. Every corner hides more little things that one might use in their magic making. The film's background music is fun and upbeat, with a slight jazz feeling to it. Patsy is definitely the star of this show and, as self-described as a fairy, I believe she is one. It appears that she brings joy to anyone in her universe. I have to praise the editor, because the movie is beautifully edited. The film taught me how to make a message for someone by cutting out big letters in fabric. My favorite part of the film is near the end, when Patsy shows the letter to her son. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ROZE MCQUEEN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - Original song about the misinformation bombarding us from all sides. The challenge is to thread through all the noise to uncover the truth. Only then can we make informed decisions about our lives and the issues that affect them. Original animated story about a young boys journey to understand the impact of global warming, guided by a shapeshifting rave The storyline follows a young person that is distracted by his cell phone, while his elder is busy taking care of the earth. His elder gives him a patch with a bird on it. While the boy sleeps, the patch shapeshifts to become a large bird that takes him to faraway places, transforming into a girl who shows him scarred places on the planet that morph into beautiful places. This story serves as a reminder for us to take care of the earth. The animation is quite lovely, with beautiful subtleties. I especially like the color contrasts between the healthy and abused landscapes. The clothing has hints of Native American culture. As the bird takes the boy to various places and animal habitats, it is cool to see the damaged places change into something beautiful. The boy's cell phone distraction at the beginning is contrasted to him planting in the garden at the end. The original song is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and soothing. It is perfect for the story. When the patch turns into a bird and the bird into a girl, the boy's dreamlike world becomes a reality. Creators Kaitlin McQueeney, Eli�zer Ojeda and Barbara McQueeney have created a simply beautiful film, from the characters to the storyline and the message. The moral of this film is to understand the impact of global warming and to do good for the planet; don't take things for granted and help take care of the earth. I learned that the earth always finds a way to make beauty, but it needs help to do that. My favorite part of the film is when the bird takes the boy to a polar region. A weak polar bear gets stuck on a separated piece of ice. With the touch of the girl's hand to his, the environment improves, with the walrus and polar bear families playing in the snow. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I would say ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film has a powerful message that could affect people of all ages. It would make a great opener to a film with a similar message. Reviewed by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic The storyline follows a young person that is distracted by his cell phone, while his elder is busy taking care of the earth. His elder gives him a patch with a bird on it. While the boy sleeps, the patch shapeshifts to become a large bird that takes him to faraway places, transforming into a girl who shows him scarred places on the planet that morph into beautiful places. This story serves as a reminder for us to take care of the earth. The animation is quite lovely, with beautiful subtleties. I especially like the color contrasts between the healthy and abused landscapes. The clothing has hints of Native American culture. As the bird takes the boy to various places and animal habitats, it is cool to see the damaged places change into something beautiful. The boy's cell phone distraction at the beginning is contrasted to him planting in the garden at the end. The original song is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and soothing. It is perfect for the story. When the patch turns into a bird and the bird into a girl, the boy's dreamlike world becomes a reality. Creators Kaitlin McQueeney, Eli�zer Ojeda and Barbara McQueeney have created a simply beautiful film, from the characters to the storyline and the message. The moral of this film is to understand the impact of global warming and to do good for the planet; don't take things for granted and help take care of the earth. I learned that the earth always finds a way to make beauty, but it needs help to do that. My favorite part of the film is when the bird takes the boy to a polar region. A weak polar bear gets stuck on a separated piece of ice. With the touch of the girl's hand to his, the environment improves, with the walrus and polar bear families playing in the snow. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I would say ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film has a powerful message that could affect people of all ages. It would make a great opener to a film with a similar message. Reviewed by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ANDY DUBICK Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 4-11 Topic - Family Description - Chonker is a cat, bigger than most, navigating her new life at Hollywood Elementary School after moving from Farmington for her mom's new job. She meets and quickly befriends Lil' Friend, who is a talented musician and helpful guide for life in the glitzy town of Hollywood. Lil' Friend inspires Chonker by showing her that bullying doesn't have to stop you from thriving. Chonker's parents, and all the adults on the show, support her with empathy and knowledge. The other students at Hollywood Elementary School are a diverse mix of animals and backgrounds, proving that what makes you different makes you special. Through these endearing and relatable characters we learn about real-world issues that children confront everyday like bullying, growing older, and body positivity. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I give this script 3.5 out of 5 stars. It has potential. Author has written fun characters with a diversity of cultures, in this case animal groups - even a flying squirrel. It is a colorful script and the young cat, Chonker, is very likable as is her vital, talent-driven Lil' Friend. Singing, positive rap lyrics and holding hands all suggest friendship and breaks barriers. Shooting for the stars is a good goal. This script has value which is why I would have liked to believe the Chonker really understands herself and accepted herself in the end. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #11. KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I give this script 3.5 out of 5 stars. It has potential. Author has written fun characters with a diversity of cultures, in this case animal groups - even a flying squirrel. It is a colorful script and the young cat, Chonker, is very likable as is her vital, talent-driven Lil' Friend. Singing, positive rap lyrics and holding hands all suggest friendship and breaks barriers. Shooting for the stars is a good goal. This script has value which is why I would have liked to believe the Chonker really understands herself and accepted herself in the end. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #11. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-11 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: Screenplay |
STEPHEN BURHOE Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 10-18 Topic - Family Description - A sleepover movie night turns sinister, as the contents of the scary movies become not-so-imaginary. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Awakeover is an impressive film. I love the storyline and all the actors. I really enjoyed the special effects and editing. The storyline is extremely creative with stories within stories. I also love the surprise plot twist at the end. I appreciate the difficulty of shooting during the day, night, inside and outside. The storyline is about three girls having a sleepover while babysitting one of their younger brothers. Each girl picks a different horror movie to watch throughout the night. The brother selects a film that is all about compassion and love towards animals. I really enjoyed the storyline; it is very original and the film incorporates lots of amazing editing skills and special effects throughout. The camerawork is quite outstanding, with lots of varied camera angles, Face Time shots, TV shots and various time of day. There are scenes where another story, movie or person appears on the other side of the screen, making the Face Time or TV scene seem super realistic. The background music definitely compliments the film nicely. Lots of the scary parts are very suspenseful. The special effects start with the introduction and continue throughout the film. The effects well executed. The actors not only perform as characters, but also participated in writing and producing the film. The acting is very believable and makes the film seem real. My favorite part is when the TV movie shows a dog and his new best friend. The dog leaps through the air in slow motion, which is the cutest thing. The message of the film is about looking out for each other. You should know that the film does show kids doing some risky things that other kids might imitate. The only negative acts are when a guy is on the phone talking with his ex and tells the boy to "stay out of the street stupid kid" and then dumps off a dog in a box into the dumpster. I give The Awakeover 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for children 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic The storyline is about three girls having a sleepover while babysitting one of their younger brothers. Each girl picks a different horror movie to watch throughout the night. The brother selects a film that is all about compassion and love towards animals. I really enjoyed the storyline; it is very original and the film incorporates lots of amazing editing skills and special effects throughout. The camerawork is quite outstanding, with lots of varied camera angles, Face Time shots, TV shots and various time of day. There are scenes where another story, movie or person appears on the other side of the screen, making the Face Time or TV scene seem super realistic. The background music definitely compliments the film nicely. Lots of the scary parts are very suspenseful. The special effects start with the introduction and continue throughout the film. The effects well executed. The actors not only perform as characters, but also participated in writing and producing the film. The acting is very believable and makes the film seem real. My favorite part is when the TV movie shows a dog and his new best friend. The dog leaps through the air in slow motion, which is the cutest thing. The message of the film is about looking out for each other. You should know that the film does show kids doing some risky things that other kids might imitate. The only negative acts are when a guy is on the phone talking with his ex and tells the boy to "stay out of the street stupid kid" and then dumps off a dog in a box into the dumpster. I give The Awakeover 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for children 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MARK KELLY Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - While evading bloodthirsty rivals, an Irish pirate captain with a multinational pirate crew rescue a shipwrecked maiden, only to find she's Spanish royalty with deadly political enemies. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Good Script. Good sub stories. Believable characters based on pirate lore throughout history. Cinematic opportunity for director to make a rollicking, semi-historic film that contains real values, strategic decision making, vivid sea fights with canons and fire, love, companionship, life paths. Reviewed by Juror #11. Recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Good Script. Good sub stories. Believable characters based on pirate lore throughout history. Cinematic opportunity for director to make a rollicking, semi-historic film that contains real values, strategic decision making, vivid sea fights with canons and fire, love, companionship, life paths. Reviewed by Juror #11. Recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: Screenplay |
MARK KELLY Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - A pack of wolves tell their cubs about their adventurous and sometimes tragic family history, teaching them lessons about life, family and love. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Good script. Well thought out. Multiple characters. Inherent values such as patience, love, compassion, family rules plus the flip side values of anger, revenge, greed, lack of forgiveness. The script has good potential. Wolves have a subconscious appeal to readers throughout literature and film. This script provides a strong story of territory, family and individuality. It also provides interesting background locations, which can be animated or presented in more traditional cinematic methods. Characters are clear and expressive. The script could be played to a younger audience or developed for a more sophisticated older audience. It is close to a documentary, however the strong story form allows the audience to be a part of journey of this particular family of wolves. The pacing moves easily. However it slows down through some of the flashbacks - not all of them. Some of the flashback stories and character introductions could have been presented through a simpler telling by parent wolves to the cubs leaving the more involved and necessary flashbacks the significance they deserve. Story builds to an upbeat ending. The one drawback is the abundance of flashbacks, which breaks the flow of the story. Some, however, are well placed and introduce a sense of family bloodlines and story line. The story does follow the structural sense of a family facing overbearing threats, being forced to venture into other landscapes, and the back in eventual triumph to resettle. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. Reviewed by Juror #11 KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Good script. Well thought out. Multiple characters. Inherent values such as patience, love, compassion, family rules plus the flip side values of anger, revenge, greed, lack of forgiveness. The script has good potential. Wolves have a subconscious appeal to readers throughout literature and film. This script provides a strong story of territory, family and individuality. It also provides interesting background locations, which can be animated or presented in more traditional cinematic methods. Characters are clear and expressive. The script could be played to a younger audience or developed for a more sophisticated older audience. It is close to a documentary, however the strong story form allows the audience to be a part of journey of this particular family of wolves. The pacing moves easily. However it slows down through some of the flashbacks - not all of them. Some of the flashback stories and character introductions could have been presented through a simpler telling by parent wolves to the cubs leaving the more involved and necessary flashbacks the significance they deserve. Story builds to an upbeat ending. The one drawback is the abundance of flashbacks, which breaks the flow of the story. Some, however, are well placed and introduce a sense of family bloodlines and story line. The story does follow the structural sense of a family facing overbearing threats, being forced to venture into other landscapes, and the back in eventual triumph to resettle. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. Reviewed by Juror #11 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: Screenplay |
LIGHT HOUSE STUDIO Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - A deep-dive into the issue of pet homelessness and the people working to alleviate it. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - CAT Rescue addresses the pet overpopulation problem which is a global issue that tugs at the hearts of many us. This film is an eye opener to many who are unaware that this feline surplus pandemic even exists. If people are unaware of a problem, they can't help solve it. Education is key and CAT Rescue certainly sheds light on this heartbreaking issue. The film outlines for viewers the extent of the unfortunate plight of the many homeless cats which exists throughout our neighborhoods, no matter where you live. The burden of help falls on the shoulders of animal rescue volunteers in hopes of giving these numerous forgotten felines a second chance. These folks truly are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the cause. CAT Rescue takes us into the daily routine of volunteers who have dedicated their lives to helping reduce the pain and suffering of stray and abandoned cats. This problem exists right in our own backyards, yet for many, it has become easy to turn the other way. The volunteers shown in the film explain perfectly that, in order to solve this problem, community dedication and working together is needed. Although we get a glimpse here and there of a feral cat and a kitten in the film, I'm not certain that the scenes and camera work within this film truly highlight the scope of the feral cat overpopulation problem which exists. My family has been involved in the feral cat mission for years and has encountered colonies which exceed over 100 cats. This is a true problem that comes with extensive challenges, given the high numbers of unwanted litters born to one single, unaltered cat. In order to give this problem much more depth, I believe the impact would have been greater had more cats been shown in the scenes. Animal rescue volunteers are normal people that step up to the plate just about any day and any time. They come as they are, on the drop of a dime, and this is what we see in this film. The majority of this film takes place at what appears to be an abandoned home, which is very typical of the problem. People often move away and leave their unwanted, unaltered pets behind to fend for themselves. The location perfectly shows where the problem starts. The narrator, the rescue volunteer, is the main character of this film. She highlights her efforts in helping solve the homeless cat problem and she makes it clear for viewers that, despite these exhausting efforts, every bit matters. She is the key influencer within CAT Rescue. CAT Rescue sends the message that a small group of committed individuals can indeed make change. Hard work, dedication and education need to be combined in order to take on the challenge of cat overpopulation and the reduction of euthanasia rates within our shelters. Although my family is well versed with the scope of the feral cat problem, we are always looking to see what other committed individuals are doing to help combat this problem. It is said that two out of every ten day feral cats are ones that can be socialized and given a chance for a domestic life. I enjoyed the part of the film that shows the other side of feral cat rescue, where younger cats can be worked with by volunteers in hopes for them to be adopted. There are many parts to cat rescue and it's the re-homing of cats and kittens that has always been rewarding for me to witness I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Cat overpopulation is a global problem that needs global education. If people are unaware of the problem, they can't solve it. CAT Rescue is an educational film that deserves to be seen by a wide range of viewers. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic The film outlines for viewers the extent of the unfortunate plight of the many homeless cats which exists throughout our neighborhoods, no matter where you live. The burden of help falls on the shoulders of animal rescue volunteers in hopes of giving these numerous forgotten felines a second chance. These folks truly are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the cause. CAT Rescue takes us into the daily routine of volunteers who have dedicated their lives to helping reduce the pain and suffering of stray and abandoned cats. This problem exists right in our own backyards, yet for many, it has become easy to turn the other way. The volunteers shown in the film explain perfectly that, in order to solve this problem, community dedication and working together is needed. Although we get a glimpse here and there of a feral cat and a kitten in the film, I'm not certain that the scenes and camera work within this film truly highlight the scope of the feral cat overpopulation problem which exists. My family has been involved in the feral cat mission for years and has encountered colonies which exceed over 100 cats. This is a true problem that comes with extensive challenges, given the high numbers of unwanted litters born to one single, unaltered cat. In order to give this problem much more depth, I believe the impact would have been greater had more cats been shown in the scenes. Animal rescue volunteers are normal people that step up to the plate just about any day and any time. They come as they are, on the drop of a dime, and this is what we see in this film. The majority of this film takes place at what appears to be an abandoned home, which is very typical of the problem. People often move away and leave their unwanted, unaltered pets behind to fend for themselves. The location perfectly shows where the problem starts. The narrator, the rescue volunteer, is the main character of this film. She highlights her efforts in helping solve the homeless cat problem and she makes it clear for viewers that, despite these exhausting efforts, every bit matters. She is the key influencer within CAT Rescue. CAT Rescue sends the message that a small group of committed individuals can indeed make change. Hard work, dedication and education need to be combined in order to take on the challenge of cat overpopulation and the reduction of euthanasia rates within our shelters. Although my family is well versed with the scope of the feral cat problem, we are always looking to see what other committed individuals are doing to help combat this problem. It is said that two out of every ten day feral cats are ones that can be socialized and given a chance for a domestic life. I enjoyed the part of the film that shows the other side of feral cat rescue, where younger cats can be worked with by volunteers in hopes for them to be adopted. There are many parts to cat rescue and it's the re-homing of cats and kittens that has always been rewarding for me to witness I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Cat overpopulation is a global problem that needs global education. If people are unaware of the problem, they can't solve it. CAT Rescue is an educational film that deserves to be seen by a wide range of viewers. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
LIGHT HOUSE STUDIO Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - Overview of the reality most small businesses face during a global pandemic. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Getting Through the Pandemic: Small Businesses is very appealing documentary. I found myself unable to look away. It shows a fascinating facet of the pandemic, and has engaging subjects. The film interviews several small business owners about their experiences during the pandemic. The film has great content and watching it play out on screen is fascinating. The one complaint I have is that the film is extremely depressing. Even though most of the interviewees have a positive outlook, you can tell that many of them are stressed. Many discuss worrying about their families. The film has very simple but impressive cinematography. I especially like the way the interviews are shot and how they focus on the subjects' faces. This makes the film compelling and emphasizes the human aspect of businesses. The film has no background music, but it does have a lot of background noises - some of which are distracting. This enhances the viewer's experience and drives home the importance of the business owners. I must praise the scriptwriter, for the questions are well composed and get to the heart of economic issues during the COVID pandemic. The message of this film is about perseverance, how these business owners have persevered during this pandemic. The film taught me more about the plight of small business owners during the pandemic. It taught me about how flexible both people and businesses can be. The film also made me want to know more about how federal business aid is given, and how businesses are surviving and thriving throughout the pandemic. My favorite parts of the film are the interviews. They are honest, well-written and mostly well shot. I give Getting Through the Pandemic: Small Businesses 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film because it is engaging and teaches children about what it is like to be a small business owner during the pandemic. This would play well at any festival that is examining the consequences of COVID-18, business or documentaries. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror. The film has great content and watching it play out on screen is fascinating. The one complaint I have is that the film is extremely depressing. Even though most of the interviewees have a positive outlook, you can tell that many of them are stressed. Many discuss worrying about their families. The film has very simple but impressive cinematography. I especially like the way the interviews are shot and how they focus on the subjects' faces. This makes the film compelling and emphasizes the human aspect of businesses. The film has no background music, but it does have a lot of background noises - some of which are distracting. This enhances the viewer's experience and drives home the importance of the business owners. I must praise the scriptwriter, for the questions are well composed and get to the heart of economic issues during the COVID pandemic. The message of this film is about perseverance, how these business owners have persevered during this pandemic. The film taught me more about the plight of small business owners during the pandemic. It taught me about how flexible both people and businesses can be. The film also made me want to know more about how federal business aid is given, and how businesses are surviving and thriving throughout the pandemic. My favorite parts of the film are the interviews. They are honest, well-written and mostly well shot. I give Getting Through the Pandemic: Small Businesses 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film because it is engaging and teaches children about what it is like to be a small business owner during the pandemic. This would play well at any festival that is examining the consequences of COVID-18, business or documentaries. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
BEN SIMPSON Series: SERIES, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Derek is a sheep and sheep really love grass, there is some really lovely looking grass on the other side of the river...but how will Derek get across to eat it? KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Derek The Sheep is so creative! It has some humor along with an important message teaching you to be thankful for what you have. The upbeat music in the cool intro makes it all more enjoyable and the animation is terrific. The storyline follows Derek, a sheep, who notices some green grass across the river. He wants to eat that grass but can't find a way to get to it. He tries does everything he can to make it over to the other side. Unfortunately, when he does, it is not what he expected. The story line is silly and fun with lots of humor. Derek's struggle to cross to the grass on "the other side" presents so many obstacles standing in his way. The ending is predictable, but still enjoyable. There animation is the best part of this film! It is cleverly executed, jumping from format to format. I love the images and the style. It reminds me of some 90s cartoons such as Ren & Stimpy or The Simpsons in both the presentation and the more mature humor. The music is very upbeat and positive. The intro is particularly fun to watch. The sound effects definitely are a hit! They greatly add to the humor of the film. My favorite part is when the bee stings Derek on his backside, which is really funny. He jumps from the sting and lands on the other side of the river. The message of this short is to be thankful for what you already have. I give Derek The Sheep 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors The storyline follows Derek, a sheep, who notices some green grass across the river. He wants to eat that grass but can't find a way to get to it. He tries does everything he can to make it over to the other side. Unfortunately, when he does, it is not what he expected. The story line is silly and fun with lots of humor. Derek's struggle to cross to the grass on "the other side" presents so many obstacles standing in his way. The ending is predictable, but still enjoyable. There animation is the best part of this film! It is cleverly executed, jumping from format to format. I love the images and the style. It reminds me of some 90s cartoons such as Ren & Stimpy or The Simpsons in both the presentation and the more mature humor. The music is very upbeat and positive. The intro is particularly fun to watch. The sound effects definitely are a hit! They greatly add to the humor of the film. My favorite part is when the bee stings Derek on his backside, which is really funny. He jumps from the sting and lands on the other side of the river. The message of this short is to be thankful for what you already have. I give Derek The Sheep 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Carlee S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
CARLOS DOUGLAS JR Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 3-10 Topic - Family Description - Kenya, a bold five-year old girl, is reluctantly dragged to a symphony by her mother. Through the power of the orchestra, the young girl's passion for music blossoms before her own eyes. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The short animated film Kenya's Symphony is completely engrossing. I found myself unable to look away. The main character, Kenya, is relatable and fascinating, and the story is well-plotted. The music is alluring and pretty. The storyline is about a young girl going to a symphony and gaining a passion for music. I like the storyline. It's engaging and fun. At times, the story could be thrilling, and the entire movie is abuzz with excitement from start to finish. The story is also extremely compelling, especially the scene where the young girl discovers a passion for music. The 2D animation is excellent, very simple, but it fits the story. One specific shot that impressed me is the scene where Kenya first discovers her passion for music. The color scheme uses tones that accentuate the brown skin of Kenya and the mostly white skin of the musicians. The film had two sets, one outside and one inside the auditorium. The classical music drives the film. Kenya's antics as she from using a spitball gun to finally discovering her passion for the music are all well delivered. There are two main characters in the film, the mother and Kenya, her young daughter who is spunky and spirited. There is no dialogue, but lots of music, which is excellent and well chosen. My favorite part of the film is the scene where the little girl discovers her passion for music. It is so exciting and the music scoring at the moment is beautiful. I give Kenya's Symphony 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This film will play at any festival geared for youth and families and qualifies as an African-American special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror. The storyline is about a young girl going to a symphony and gaining a passion for music. I like the storyline. It's engaging and fun. At times, the story could be thrilling, and the entire movie is abuzz with excitement from start to finish. The story is also extremely compelling, especially the scene where the young girl discovers a passion for music. The 2D animation is excellent, very simple, but it fits the story. One specific shot that impressed me is the scene where Kenya first discovers her passion for music. The color scheme uses tones that accentuate the brown skin of Kenya and the mostly white skin of the musicians. The film had two sets, one outside and one inside the auditorium. The classical music drives the film. Kenya's antics as she from using a spitball gun to finally discovering her passion for the music are all well delivered. There are two main characters in the film, the mother and Kenya, her young daughter who is spunky and spirited. There is no dialogue, but lots of music, which is excellent and well chosen. My favorite part of the film is the scene where the little girl discovers her passion for music. It is so exciting and the music scoring at the moment is beautiful. I give Kenya's Symphony 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This film will play at any festival geared for youth and families and qualifies as an African-American special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-10 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
JOE CHANG Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 10-18 Topic - Family Description - Unspoken and free from any conventional set of characters, The Birds employs a unique ink washed style to offer a heartfelt, imploring of humankind to take the time to truly admire the beauty of birds and to connect with nature. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Birds showcases the beauty of birds in an unconventional and intriguing art style! The quirky ink-washed animation is beautiful, creating its own character and tone. The real bird sounds pull the audience into the natural ambiance while keeping them on their toes with the original visuals. The film features birds sitting on branches in a polished black and white colorized style with actual audio from nature's flyers tweeting in the background. Filmmaker Joe Change creates visual effects by mixing natural with fabricated images that gives us an overall sense of peacefulness. All four minutes of the short consist of birds sitting on branches or searching for water. There is no conflict, main character, or even a climax. I don't believe the goal that the creator is trying to reach is a storyline, but rather a calm break from every day media. The sound effects remind me of being in an aviary at the zoo. The bird sounds are so realistic and there's a large variety of them from eerie owl hoots to soft coos to loud crow caws. I think it's equally important to artistic bent of the film art because it balances the uniqueness of the art with familiar sounds. This film highlights the beauty of birds and the importance of connecting with nature. Even in unusual forms of animation, birds are still a wonder to behold. It made me want to embrace nature more and appreciate the sounds that animals make in the wild. My favorite part of the film are the sounds, because they remind me why people should appreciate everything nature has to offer, even down to bird songs. I give The Birds 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It's certainly appropriate for young children, but I'm not sure how entertaining younger ones will find it. The production is a bit strange and dark, which may be scary for very young children. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror The film features birds sitting on branches in a polished black and white colorized style with actual audio from nature's flyers tweeting in the background. Filmmaker Joe Change creates visual effects by mixing natural with fabricated images that gives us an overall sense of peacefulness. All four minutes of the short consist of birds sitting on branches or searching for water. There is no conflict, main character, or even a climax. I don't believe the goal that the creator is trying to reach is a storyline, but rather a calm break from every day media. The sound effects remind me of being in an aviary at the zoo. The bird sounds are so realistic and there's a large variety of them from eerie owl hoots to soft coos to loud crow caws. I think it's equally important to artistic bent of the film art because it balances the uniqueness of the art with familiar sounds. This film highlights the beauty of birds and the importance of connecting with nature. Even in unusual forms of animation, birds are still a wonder to behold. It made me want to embrace nature more and appreciate the sounds that animals make in the wild. My favorite part of the film are the sounds, because they remind me why people should appreciate everything nature has to offer, even down to bird songs. I give The Birds 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It's certainly appropriate for young children, but I'm not sure how entertaining younger ones will find it. The production is a bit strange and dark, which may be scary for very young children. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
HALEY PINE Series: STUDENT FILM, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - A teenage child star returns home after filming a big movie, expecting his family to treat him exactly like he's been treated in Hollywood. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Little Star certainly has a good story to tell, however it falls a bit short from its target. The script is well thought out and it is funny at times, yet the manner in which the actors play it out seems to take from the film. The story follows a young actor that returns to his home after being away in Hollywood for some time. Hollywood living is certainly unique and, upon his return to his home with his family, young Scottie (Charlie Tackle) expects to continue this elite lifestyle. His new Hollywood ways of living are not widely accepted by his family which seems to cause some friction between him, his family and his manager. This friction is funny at times The story line is one that is believable in that people can change in order to adapt to their surroundings. This change is not always a good one but I like the way Haley Pine, the director of The Little Star, adds some comedy to Scottie's new Hollywood selfish style. The cinematography is pretty good, however the audio has some issues. There are several parts where I had to adjust the volume as the sound faded. There is one visual effect when Scottie gets a "wake up call" from a bolt of energy that comes down from the sky and hits him. Though it is not believable, it adds to the humor that the film. Scottie stands out the most with his ungrateful and selfish new ways that are so ridiculous they are humorous. The Little Star sends a clear message to never forget from where you came! After viewing the film a second time, the corny humor grew on me. The silliness of Scottie's behavior throughout this film is my favorite part. Haley Pine, the director of this film sure has some star power. This young director has quite a resume as seen on her director's bio. The film industry is competitive and being able to direct a film at her age deserves credit. I give The Little Star 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend The Little Star for a youth and family film festival as some viewers will find humor in it and it may have some teachable moments in it. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. The story follows a young actor that returns to his home after being away in Hollywood for some time. Hollywood living is certainly unique and, upon his return to his home with his family, young Scottie (Charlie Tackle) expects to continue this elite lifestyle. His new Hollywood ways of living are not widely accepted by his family which seems to cause some friction between him, his family and his manager. This friction is funny at times The story line is one that is believable in that people can change in order to adapt to their surroundings. This change is not always a good one but I like the way Haley Pine, the director of The Little Star, adds some comedy to Scottie's new Hollywood selfish style. The cinematography is pretty good, however the audio has some issues. There are several parts where I had to adjust the volume as the sound faded. There is one visual effect when Scottie gets a "wake up call" from a bolt of energy that comes down from the sky and hits him. Though it is not believable, it adds to the humor that the film. Scottie stands out the most with his ungrateful and selfish new ways that are so ridiculous they are humorous. The Little Star sends a clear message to never forget from where you came! After viewing the film a second time, the corny humor grew on me. The silliness of Scottie's behavior throughout this film is my favorite part. Haley Pine, the director of this film sure has some star power. This young director has quite a resume as seen on her director's bio. The film industry is competitive and being able to direct a film at her age deserves credit. I give The Little Star 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend The Little Star for a youth and family film festival as some viewers will find humor in it and it may have some teachable moments in it. Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
ANGELWOOD PICTURES Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 10-18 Topic - Family Description - When an innocent young witch botches a love potion she uses on the boy she likes, she must turn to her mother and her great-great-great grandmother for help repairing the damage. "Luna's greatest power comes not from its fabulous display of supernatural witchery but from its tributes to the strength shared by a loving family and the can-do attitude of women amid even the most extraordinary crises." - Chris Hadley, The Snobby Robot Having powers is something that a lot of people wish for, especially when something goes wrong. Luna is a teenage witch who just wants things to go right. When she develops a crush on a boy in her class, she tries everything in her power to make him like her back, including putting a spell on him. However, this is when it all goes wrong. She messes up the potion and now has to turn to her mother and great-great-great-grandmother for help. What I like about the storyline is that it includes fantasy along with modern-day issues typical of what some teens experience. For instance, Luna is a witch and has amazing powers and cool objects that allow her to embrace those powers. Her necklace is the object that gives her the ability to do spells. This is part of the very interesting fantastical and fictional part of the series. However, Luna also has a crush on a boy named Bryan, but doesn't know if he likes her back. This is the type of doubt that teenagers feel on a daily basis, and makes this series more realistic by including it. Not to mention, this series includes a scene where Luna and Bryan make a TikTok video. TikTok is definitely trending right now, so that is another good touch. The camera work is good with lots of close-ups where we can see the expressions on the actors' faces. The sets all look very realistic, making the scenes stronger. The costumes are typical of what teens wear today and they match each character's personality. The grandmother isn't in the first episode, but the mom and Luna are. They are witches and this takes place in 2019. Luna, The Witch was filmed in New England, which can be very busy at some times of year. However, in this episode it's very quiet and not busy at all. The piano background music appears at the beginning and sporadically throughout. The visual effects are one of the things I like best about the show. In the first episode, after Luna botches the love potion for Bryan, Bryan blows up. This effect looks like an actual explosion. If witches were real, you would believe they had the power to do that. They are definitely believable. Something else that stands out to me are the opening credits. It has multi-color clouds with the actors' names on them. This drew my attention automatically and makes the show look very exciting. The actors include Alexa Hartman, Wendy Hartman, Karen Ann Martino and Charlie Tacker. They are all quite good. When in scenes together, they relate to each other well and seem to have good chemistry. Alexa's performance at the teenage witch, Luna, is particularly believable. Charlie has very good timing when relating to Alexa. The production design and the editing also stand out to me. The sets look like an actual house, with photos of the characters (actors) on the wall, which I noticed. There is a scene when Bryan and Luna do a TikTok, which is very contemporary and the editing is great on that. The message of this series is to be careful what you wish for, and of the actions you take. Luna wishes for Bryan to like her back and puts a spell on him, but by doing so she makes him explode. This is very small, however Luna does put a potion into Bryan's drink and that is not something you want kids to replicate. My favorite part of the film is when Bryan explodes. The animation here is fantastic and provides an excellent plot twist. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I to 18, plus adults. This film would play well at a youth and family film festival because it's very kid and family-friendly, with a good story-line. Reviewed by Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Having powers is something that a lot of people wish for, especially when something goes wrong. Luna is a teenage witch who just wants things to go right. When she develops a crush on a boy in her class, she tries everything in her power to make him like her back, including putting a spell on him. However, this is when it all goes wrong. She messes up the potion and now has to turn to her mother and great-great-great-grandmother for help. What I like about the storyline is that it includes fantasy along with modern-day issues typical of what some teens experience. For instance, Luna is a witch and has amazing powers and cool objects that allow her to embrace those powers. Her necklace is the object that gives her the ability to do spells. This is part of the very interesting fantastical and fictional part of the series. However, Luna also has a crush on a boy named Bryan, but doesn't know if he likes her back. This is the type of doubt that teenagers feel on a daily basis, and makes this series more realistic by including it. Not to mention, this series includes a scene where Luna and Bryan make a TikTok video. TikTok is definitely trending right now, so that is another good touch. The camera work is good with lots of close-ups where we can see the expressions on the actors' faces. The sets all look very realistic, making the scenes stronger. The costumes are typical of what teens wear today and they match each character's personality. The grandmother isn't in the first episode, but the mom and Luna are. They are witches and this takes place in 2019. Luna, The Witch was filmed in New England, which can be very busy at some times of year. However, in this episode it's very quiet and not busy at all. The piano background music appears at the beginning and sporadically throughout. The visual effects are one of the things I like best about the show. In the first episode, after Luna botches the love potion for Bryan, Bryan blows up. This effect looks like an actual explosion. If witches were real, you would believe they had the power to do that. They are definitely believable. Something else that stands out to me are the opening credits. It has multi-color clouds with the actors' names on them. This drew my attention automatically and makes the show look very exciting. The actors include Alexa Hartman, Wendy Hartman, Karen Ann Martino and Charlie Tacker. They are all quite good. When in scenes together, they relate to each other well and seem to have good chemistry. Alexa's performance at the teenage witch, Luna, is particularly believable. Charlie has very good timing when relating to Alexa. The production design and the editing also stand out to me. The sets look like an actual house, with photos of the characters (actors) on the wall, which I noticed. There is a scene when Bryan and Luna do a TikTok, which is very contemporary and the editing is great on that. The message of this series is to be careful what you wish for, and of the actions you take. Luna wishes for Bryan to like her back and puts a spell on him, but by doing so she makes him explode. This is very small, however Luna does put a potion into Bryan's drink and that is not something you want kids to replicate. My favorite part of the film is when Bryan explodes. The animation here is fantastic and provides an excellent plot twist. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages I to 18, plus adults. This film would play well at a youth and family film festival because it's very kid and family-friendly, with a good story-line. Reviewed by Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
FESTIVAL FORMULA Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - Ten year old Adnan has fled Syria with his mother after their family were killed and their neighborhood destroyed. Now settled in the UK, he must use all his creativity to break through her PTSD or risk losing her forever. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Adnan is short, yet impactful tearjerker that will surely leave a massive impact on its viewers. With an incredible and experienced cast (but not in the conventional sense), seamless editing and a unique theme, this film is a great way for kids to learn about the Syrian conflict through the eyes of a refugee. Adnan is a young Syrian refugee who sought asylum with his mother in Britain after his family was killed in Aleppo. His mother suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and believes that she lost Adnan too, even when he is right in front of her. Adnan must resort to his artistic skills to help his mother remember their journey and remember him or risk losing her forever. I love every element of this film. The majority of the dialogue is in Arabic and the script is written from the perspective of a refugee, with strong emotions. Thus, the film delivers its authenticity. Adnan is truly an emotional rollercoaster that gives you an insider's perspective on the journey that refugees take and the pain they bear. The camera work in Adnan fit the tone of the story very well; dark shots when describing Aleppo, and with light in scenes in the UK. The speed of the shots also changes throughout the film. My favorite scene is when Adnan's mother breaks through her PTSD and hugs Adnan for the first time. The radiant light from the upper corners of the frame and the shot in itself combine to make an incredible scene. The film was shot in the UK, with Adnan's art structures serving as a secondary location (Syria). There's not much shot outside of Adnan's home, which seems small in some shots and large in others - though that may just be movie magic. The sets and locations are rather inconsequential; the story really pulls viewers in. The music is one of my favorite parts of the film. In many scenes, one can tell that the music was a deliberate choice to help add depth to the scene. At one point, Adnan tries to remind his mother of the stormy seas and rough boat ride they took by singing an Arabic song, which his mother repeats in the last scene. First off, that's a great callback, and secondly, a unique choice that helps add authenticity. The music drives the action in other scenes in the film. When Adnan runs to the craft store and is in 'art creation mode,' the music is fast-paced and crescendos. In other scenes that are more melancholy, the music slows and the volume is a little lower. Steven Chatterton and Mark Arrigo are the directors of this film, and they made sure that every piece of the puzzle was immaculately placed together. Arrigo also helped Steven Chatterton in the script-writing process. Julia Taylor-Stanley and Tiernan Hanby are the producers, who masterfully crafted each element of the film. Ayham Kabi, a refugee himself, plays the role of Adnan in this short film. His own experience really makes the acting even more powerful and poignant. Zaynah, Adnan's mother, is played by Raghad Chaar, whose subtle, nuanced acting is also believable and well-done. I believe the cast stands out the most in this film. Adnan portrays refugees in a new light, removing the third-person and using actual refugee actors as the cast. It promotes a message of choosing love over division and animosity. I love the character of Adnan. He truly wants to help his mother and is independent and strong through her battle with PTSD. I give Adnan 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. This is truly a beautiful film and would be enriching for kids to view at a youth and family film festival. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adnan is a young Syrian refugee who sought asylum with his mother in Britain after his family was killed in Aleppo. His mother suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and believes that she lost Adnan too, even when he is right in front of her. Adnan must resort to his artistic skills to help his mother remember their journey and remember him or risk losing her forever. I love every element of this film. The majority of the dialogue is in Arabic and the script is written from the perspective of a refugee, with strong emotions. Thus, the film delivers its authenticity. Adnan is truly an emotional rollercoaster that gives you an insider's perspective on the journey that refugees take and the pain they bear. The camera work in Adnan fit the tone of the story very well; dark shots when describing Aleppo, and with light in scenes in the UK. The speed of the shots also changes throughout the film. My favorite scene is when Adnan's mother breaks through her PTSD and hugs Adnan for the first time. The radiant light from the upper corners of the frame and the shot in itself combine to make an incredible scene. The film was shot in the UK, with Adnan's art structures serving as a secondary location (Syria). There's not much shot outside of Adnan's home, which seems small in some shots and large in others - though that may just be movie magic. The sets and locations are rather inconsequential; the story really pulls viewers in. The music is one of my favorite parts of the film. In many scenes, one can tell that the music was a deliberate choice to help add depth to the scene. At one point, Adnan tries to remind his mother of the stormy seas and rough boat ride they took by singing an Arabic song, which his mother repeats in the last scene. First off, that's a great callback, and secondly, a unique choice that helps add authenticity. The music drives the action in other scenes in the film. When Adnan runs to the craft store and is in 'art creation mode,' the music is fast-paced and crescendos. In other scenes that are more melancholy, the music slows and the volume is a little lower. Steven Chatterton and Mark Arrigo are the directors of this film, and they made sure that every piece of the puzzle was immaculately placed together. Arrigo also helped Steven Chatterton in the script-writing process. Julia Taylor-Stanley and Tiernan Hanby are the producers, who masterfully crafted each element of the film. Ayham Kabi, a refugee himself, plays the role of Adnan in this short film. His own experience really makes the acting even more powerful and poignant. Zaynah, Adnan's mother, is played by Raghad Chaar, whose subtle, nuanced acting is also believable and well-done. I believe the cast stands out the most in this film. Adnan portrays refugees in a new light, removing the third-person and using actual refugee actors as the cast. It promotes a message of choosing love over division and animosity. I love the character of Adnan. He truly wants to help his mother and is independent and strong through her battle with PTSD. I give Adnan 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. This is truly a beautiful film and would be enriching for kids to view at a youth and family film festival. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
NILAMADHAB PANDA Series: INDIE FEATURE, AGES 12-17 Topic - Family Description - A rumor starts to grow about the emergence of a ghost, in a tiny fishermen village of India. Bishwa, a born blind kid, gets curious and starts asking for a description of ghost to the people. Clueless, they share their imaginary ideas about how a ghost looks. Fearful of the ghost, the villagers stop stepping out after sunset. The kids do not get to play in the evenings. It confuses Bishwa and he decides to go catch the ghost on his own. What does he discover? Can a blind boy catch a ghost? The film attempts to explore the idea of vision KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Quarantine has made me a sucker for sunrises and sunsets, so I loved the cinematography of the mountains and the village of Chilika in Bishwa. They are stunning. Surrounded by ghosts and superstitions in his home village, an inquisitive blind youth, Bishwa, tries to understand what the people around him fear about this so-called ghost. His stubborn, yet fierce love for his family proves to cause trouble and solve problems along the way. While every part of the film adds value to the story, it sometimes drags, making the film slow to watch at times. There are some uncomfortably long or redundant scenes. Also, the ending does not entirely make sense to me and doesn't wrap the story up completely. The nature shots are beautiful and the film nears IMAX quality. However in one scene, when showing a video within the film, the video plays over a shaky shot that shows that the screen is not actually playing anything. I love the authenticity of the sets and locations as India's villages and cities really do look the way they are portrayed it in the film. There were some adorable Hindi songs included that give a good Bollywood music video feel to the film. But there are two English songs in the film that feel out of place, especially since the entire film is spoken in Hindi. Also there are a few moments when the dialogue changes in quality or doesn't match the actors' mouths when they speak. Siblings Bishwa, Shyam and Hira are played by child actors Yagya Bhasin,, Mann Gandhi and Mahi Soni respectively. The three have a strong bond and work together to solve the issue of the village ghost. No matter how much Bishwa gets himself into trouble, his siblings always have his back. Hira is just as outspoken as her brother and may be even more feisty than he. Shyam is the calmer elder brother. The message is that loving families, no matter how much they fight, are boomerangs. Family members will get mad at each other, sometimes because they want to protect one other. But, they will forgive because their love is stronger than their pride. Differing beliefs can be so strong that they rip apart family members, but even if a family is broken apart, they will always come back together in the end. Note: there is some smoking shown in the film. There is a commentary about faith and how, sometimes, people give blind faith to corrupt religious individuals. They will believe anything about things they don't understand, just to have something to hold onto. And, the people that are telling them what to believe in, line their pocketbooks from those that believe in them. It makes us question what institutions we put our belief in and how they are actually affecting our lives. My favorite part is when Bishwa runs the race and the other contestants purposefully go slowly. Bishwa starts to run outside of his lane without realizing it and others follow him. The men holding the finish line move with Bishwa to ensure that he finishes first and wins the race. Yagya Bhasin who plays Bishwa and Mahi Soni who plays Hira definitely have star power. They both played their strong willed characters powerfully. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 17. Reviewed by Anokhi L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Surrounded by ghosts and superstitions in his home village, an inquisitive blind youth, Bishwa, tries to understand what the people around him fear about this so-called ghost. His stubborn, yet fierce love for his family proves to cause trouble and solve problems along the way. While every part of the film adds value to the story, it sometimes drags, making the film slow to watch at times. There are some uncomfortably long or redundant scenes. Also, the ending does not entirely make sense to me and doesn't wrap the story up completely. The nature shots are beautiful and the film nears IMAX quality. However in one scene, when showing a video within the film, the video plays over a shaky shot that shows that the screen is not actually playing anything. I love the authenticity of the sets and locations as India's villages and cities really do look the way they are portrayed it in the film. There were some adorable Hindi songs included that give a good Bollywood music video feel to the film. But there are two English songs in the film that feel out of place, especially since the entire film is spoken in Hindi. Also there are a few moments when the dialogue changes in quality or doesn't match the actors' mouths when they speak. Siblings Bishwa, Shyam and Hira are played by child actors Yagya Bhasin,, Mann Gandhi and Mahi Soni respectively. The three have a strong bond and work together to solve the issue of the village ghost. No matter how much Bishwa gets himself into trouble, his siblings always have his back. Hira is just as outspoken as her brother and may be even more feisty than he. Shyam is the calmer elder brother. The message is that loving families, no matter how much they fight, are boomerangs. Family members will get mad at each other, sometimes because they want to protect one other. But, they will forgive because their love is stronger than their pride. Differing beliefs can be so strong that they rip apart family members, but even if a family is broken apart, they will always come back together in the end. Note: there is some smoking shown in the film. There is a commentary about faith and how, sometimes, people give blind faith to corrupt religious individuals. They will believe anything about things they don't understand, just to have something to hold onto. And, the people that are telling them what to believe in, line their pocketbooks from those that believe in them. It makes us question what institutions we put our belief in and how they are actually affecting our lives. My favorite part is when Bishwa runs the race and the other contestants purposefully go slowly. Bishwa starts to run outside of his lane without realizing it and others follow him. The men holding the finish line move with Bishwa to ensure that he finishes first and wins the race. Yagya Bhasin who plays Bishwa and Mahi Soni who plays Hira definitely have star power. They both played their strong willed characters powerfully. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 17. Reviewed by Anokhi L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-17 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
MICHELLE WORTHINGTON Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-12 Topic - Family Description - Sassafras and Alcatraz are twins who couldn't be more different, expect for the fact that they love their local library and their mother is best friends with the librarian. They sit in the library while their mother coaches their older brothers football team. The librarian, Ms Burns, tells them the Mayor is going to demolish the library to make way for a car park and there is nothing she can do about it. When Sass goes down to the basement for the packing boxes, she puts her hands on the old library files that hold the Dewey Decimal Cards and something magical happens. She calls the characters of the books to life. The library is helping them to find a way to fight. Can they find the right combination of characters, including the knights, pirates and scientists, to stop the council and save the library? KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I gave Sass and Traz Save The Library 4.5 out of 5 stars due to subject matter. It would benefit from a tighter re-write. The script addresses the conflict technology faces in co-existing or destroying places of learning. The script's writing characters out of their cobwebbed and forgotten drawers and making them dimensional experiences is clever. It falls short only in that a temporary halt to the destruction of the library is achieved and no real concrete understanding is achieved. The script is entertaining with the diverse family of a football player and telepathic twins, one of whom is in a wheelchair. The characters are a strength - a charming bee-hived librarian that reads books aloud while their magical characters - pirates, a pirate's brave daughter dressed in pink, King Arthur and Lancelot, Einstein and tiny, crawling dinosaurs. They all pop up within the story to tell their stories, offer solutions and express their love for their home in the sanctuary of the library. A halt to the demolition, though temporary, might indeed happen and as a team, they do their best. I recommend this for ages 8 to 12, plus adult. Reviewed by Juror #11. KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I gave Sass and Traz Save The Library 4.5 out of 5 stars due to subject matter. It would benefit from a tighter re-write. The script addresses the conflict technology faces in co-existing or destroying places of learning. The script's writing characters out of their cobwebbed and forgotten drawers and making them dimensional experiences is clever. It falls short only in that a temporary halt to the destruction of the library is achieved and no real concrete understanding is achieved. The script is entertaining with the diverse family of a football player and telepathic twins, one of whom is in a wheelchair. The characters are a strength - a charming bee-hived librarian that reads books aloud while their magical characters - pirates, a pirate's brave daughter dressed in pink, King Arthur and Lancelot, Einstein and tiny, crawling dinosaurs. They all pop up within the story to tell their stories, offer solutions and express their love for their home in the sanctuary of the library. A halt to the demolition, though temporary, might indeed happen and as a team, they do their best. I recommend this for ages 8 to 12, plus adult. Reviewed by Juror #11. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: Screenplay |
LUCIANA ABAD Series: INDIE SHORT, AGE 5-18 Topic - Family Description - In frozen Alaska, a child wonders about distance, solitude and boredom. Created by Diego Medvedocky and Luis Aguer KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Uki is so sweet and heartwarming that it almost made me cry. It's a story that speaks to anyone living in these times and that even adults will hear, relate to and understand. The main character is fascinating, relatable and honest, and exposes some truths about life that everyone should hear. The storyline is about a young girl reflecting on quarantine, COVID and life itself. I like the story. I especially like the way the little girl isn't aware exactly what COVID is, so she describes it as a monster, making it seem sinister and scary. I also like the way the story takes an optimistic look at adversity and portrays an arduous time through innocence. The cinematography is extremely beautiful. Most of the shots explore a beautiful Arctic vista that is stunning. My favorite shot comes towards the end, where the young girl is standing on top of a mound of snow. It's a beautifully composed and powerful shot. All of the landscape shots are stunning though. They are snow-covered, beautiful, alluring and detailed. The background music and natural sounds are subtle, adding to the sense of peacefulness and distance in the film. There is one character, a young girl. She shows great insight and depth. I also like how she portrays a sense of both naivety and worldliness. She narrates the film in a childlike, simple and friendly way. The message of the film is to be optimistic and look at life like an adventure. The film reminded me to take a more hopeful outlook at the pandemic and quarantine, and to see this painful year as an opportunity. Choosing a favorite part of this film is very difficult. However, my favorite part of the film would be the shot of the little girl standing upon a mound of snow. For me, this moment is very powerful. Another part I like is the voiceover narrative by Alani Ui��iq Thomas. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror The storyline is about a young girl reflecting on quarantine, COVID and life itself. I like the story. I especially like the way the little girl isn't aware exactly what COVID is, so she describes it as a monster, making it seem sinister and scary. I also like the way the story takes an optimistic look at adversity and portrays an arduous time through innocence. The cinematography is extremely beautiful. Most of the shots explore a beautiful Arctic vista that is stunning. My favorite shot comes towards the end, where the young girl is standing on top of a mound of snow. It's a beautifully composed and powerful shot. All of the landscape shots are stunning though. They are snow-covered, beautiful, alluring and detailed. The background music and natural sounds are subtle, adding to the sense of peacefulness and distance in the film. There is one character, a young girl. She shows great insight and depth. I also like how she portrays a sense of both naivety and worldliness. She narrates the film in a childlike, simple and friendly way. The message of the film is to be optimistic and look at life like an adventure. The film reminded me to take a more hopeful outlook at the pandemic and quarantine, and to see this painful year as an opportunity. Choosing a favorite part of this film is very difficult. However, my favorite part of the film would be the shot of the little girl standing upon a mound of snow. For me, this moment is very powerful. Another part I like is the voiceover narrative by Alani Ui��iq Thomas. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
CECILIA LI Series: INDIE FEATURE, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - t in Guangxi China, "The Bamboo Hat" is a tender heartwarming story about a grandma-grandson bond that has to withstand the ravages of time, fate and truths. Through his grandmother's boundless patience and devotion, seven-year-old Huolong learns to embrace empathy, humility and the importance of family. The movie puts a spotlight on the left-behind children who live with other family members in the countryside of China. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Bamboo Hat is a heartwarming tale that makes viewers want to give their grandmother a big hug. The film is beautifully touching and tragic as it reveals the development of the love between a grandson and his grandmother. So much Chinese culture is ingrained in this movie, while not overloading for foreign audiences. In rural China, a grandmother keeps the disappearance of her son from her grandson, Huolong, while he learns the importance of family. Through sadness, anger and devotion, the pair bonds as Huolong waits for his father to return home. The story is incredibly moving as Huolong and his grandmother grow ever closer. Initially, Huolong is angry and withholding, but eventually, he learns to accept and appreciate his grandmother, though she keeps the news of his father a secret. I love Huolong's characterization as a rowdy and emotional, but overall good kid, and how that plays against his grandmother who is calm, compassionate, and determined. The cinematography is incredible beautiful, from the close-ups that capture the intimate family bonding to the wide angle shots display the stunning farms and rivers. The scenes showing Huolong running through the farms are very appealing. The grandmother's attire is beautiful, while retaining the simplicity of farmer's clothing. The locations are beautiful and show American audiences the unfamiliar geography of China's stunning river basins. The landscapes have an appealing aesthetic, as do the stone and wood of the houses. The music perfectly captures the sad and sentimental tone of the scenes. When the narrator describes the story of the gods, the music sweeps the audience into the story. The upbeat music emphasizes Huolong's playful personality, while the soft, wistful woodwind music helps convey the grandmother's calm and wisdom. The sounds of the cello force your eyes to well as the grandmother cries, worried about her son and grandson. Every actor performs beautifully, but Yanshu Wu, as the grandmother, stands out. She expresses the emotions that any grandmother would feel from her frustration to her remorse and her love. This film will play well on a big screen. The message is that family is the most valuable thing in the world. It's important to value and appreciate our family and all they do for us. The lesson behind the story hits home with me personally, because growing up in an Asian American family, I also have had to learn the importance of family that is so valued in Asian culture. It contains some profanity. I can't say anything about the profanity in Mandarin, but the subtitles do possess some minor language. This film made me want to learn more about my own Chinese culture and native language. I'm also captivated by the stories of the Chinese gods that are referenced throughout the film. My favorite part is the bonding of Huolong and his grandmother. It reminds me of my own relationship with my grandmother, and how important that is. The actress Yanshu Wu is well known, although she is mainly recognized in China rather than the US. I give The Bamboo Hat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You should know that the dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic The story is incredibly moving as Huolong and his grandmother grow ever closer. Initially, Huolong is angry and withholding, but eventually, he learns to accept and appreciate his grandmother, though she keeps the news of his father a secret. I love Huolong's characterization as a rowdy and emotional, but overall good kid, and how that plays against his grandmother who is calm, compassionate, and determined. The cinematography is incredible beautiful, from the close-ups that capture the intimate family bonding to the wide angle shots display the stunning farms and rivers. The scenes showing Huolong running through the farms are very appealing. The grandmother's attire is beautiful, while retaining the simplicity of farmer's clothing. The locations are beautiful and show American audiences the unfamiliar geography of China's stunning river basins. The landscapes have an appealing aesthetic, as do the stone and wood of the houses. The music perfectly captures the sad and sentimental tone of the scenes. When the narrator describes the story of the gods, the music sweeps the audience into the story. The upbeat music emphasizes Huolong's playful personality, while the soft, wistful woodwind music helps convey the grandmother's calm and wisdom. The sounds of the cello force your eyes to well as the grandmother cries, worried about her son and grandson. Every actor performs beautifully, but Yanshu Wu, as the grandmother, stands out. She expresses the emotions that any grandmother would feel from her frustration to her remorse and her love. This film will play well on a big screen. The message is that family is the most valuable thing in the world. It's important to value and appreciate our family and all they do for us. The lesson behind the story hits home with me personally, because growing up in an Asian American family, I also have had to learn the importance of family that is so valued in Asian culture. It contains some profanity. I can't say anything about the profanity in Mandarin, but the subtitles do possess some minor language. This film made me want to learn more about my own Chinese culture and native language. I'm also captivated by the stories of the Chinese gods that are referenced throughout the film. My favorite part is the bonding of Huolong and his grandmother. It reminds me of my own relationship with my grandmother, and how important that is. The actress Yanshu Wu is well known, although she is mainly recognized in China rather than the US. I give The Bamboo Hat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You should know that the dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles. Reviewed by Abigail L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
AAREEV PANDA Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 8-18 Topic - Family Description - Dependence of technology and smart phone have alienated children. We are more in virtual world, Hangouts, chat, zoom, video conferencing and mobile phones games. This Virtual world has gone more viral during COVID. I am a middle schooler and I want to grow up like a normal child, play with my friends in playground vs Xbox and go to beach to play with sand vs selfies and Instagram. Will kids of my generation get back to normalcy - let's wait to find out! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Digital World is extremely compelling. It tells an interesting and incredible story with characters that carefully carry the theme. The animation is minimal and that only contributes to the story. The story is about a person trying to find human connection in a screen-caught world. I like the storyline. It is told well and extremely intriguing. The 2D animation features black and white line drawings that are animated. One thing that is cleverly executed is how the animator shows that someone is on their screen by depicting a moving block of blue over their eyes. One song plays throughout the film, "Mad World," by Tears for Fears. I like this song, because it fits the theme of the film really well. I am concerned about whether or not the filmmaker has obtained proper rights to use this music. The main character tries to make human connection. This is a non-narrative film with music helping drive the action. The music is well-selected and definitely sets the mood and pace of the film. The message of this film is that human connection is important, more so than the screens we use. My favorite part is the scene where the main character walks into a library and finds everyone using a screen. This really drives the message home. I give Digital World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Juror The story is about a person trying to find human connection in a screen-caught world. I like the storyline. It is told well and extremely intriguing. The 2D animation features black and white line drawings that are animated. One thing that is cleverly executed is how the animator shows that someone is on their screen by depicting a moving block of blue over their eyes. One song plays throughout the film, "Mad World," by Tears for Fears. I like this song, because it fits the theme of the film really well. I am concerned about whether or not the filmmaker has obtained proper rights to use this music. The main character tries to make human connection. This is a non-narrative film with music helping drive the action. The music is well-selected and definitely sets the mood and pace of the film. The message of this film is that human connection is important, more so than the screens we use. My favorite part is the scene where the main character walks into a library and finds everyone using a screen. This really drives the message home. I give Digital World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
RYDER KOLL-BRAVMANN Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 9-18 Topic - Family Description - A short documentary summarizing the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd and the effects of the BLM movement on a certain high school in Los Angeles. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Black Lives Matter is a deeply moving film! By hearing different experiences from the interviewees, I learned more about the movement as each expressed their own way to fight back against racism and violence. This student-produced documentary profiles three people, two African-American and one Latinx, that share their perspectives and experiences about the movement that was initiated by the murder of George Floyd in the spring of 2020. Using social media and attending peaceful protests allowed the interviewees to participate in this big historical moment. I really like the specific and personal descriptions of how the interviewees feel. Each person had different experiences and emotions that range from fear to motivation to taking action. By combining the faces of the interviewees with images from social and news media, the audience is drawn into the emotions of their experiences. The background music is beautiful and creates a somber and moving vibe. The interviewer is off-camera, so the viewpoint of the film is determined by the director who highlights the most interesting parts of the interviews. The production value is pretty good, although the zoom interviews are not well framed or lit. Also, the audio levels jump all over the place - very high at some points an d very low at others. The message I took away from this is that we all have to stand up for what's right in any way we can. This film made me want to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement and other important movements in our history. My favorite parts of the film are the diverse points of view of the interviewees. I give Black Lives Matter 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. This is an important film for all families to see to learn about an important moment in our modern times. Reviewed by Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic This student-produced documentary profiles three people, two African-American and one Latinx, that share their perspectives and experiences about the movement that was initiated by the murder of George Floyd in the spring of 2020. Using social media and attending peaceful protests allowed the interviewees to participate in this big historical moment. I really like the specific and personal descriptions of how the interviewees feel. Each person had different experiences and emotions that range from fear to motivation to taking action. By combining the faces of the interviewees with images from social and news media, the audience is drawn into the emotions of their experiences. The background music is beautiful and creates a somber and moving vibe. The interviewer is off-camera, so the viewpoint of the film is determined by the director who highlights the most interesting parts of the interviews. The production value is pretty good, although the zoom interviews are not well framed or lit. Also, the audio levels jump all over the place - very high at some points an d very low at others. The message I took away from this is that we all have to stand up for what's right in any way we can. This film made me want to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement and other important movements in our history. My favorite parts of the film are the diverse points of view of the interviewees. I give Black Lives Matter 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. This is an important film for all families to see to learn about an important moment in our modern times. Reviewed by Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 9-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
MARIANELA DIAZ ROMAN Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 12-16 Topic - Family Description - Manuel and Lucio are friends; however, Lucio always mocks Manuel and calls him a chicken. One early morning, Lucio challenges Manuel to show his courage by throwing wet toilet paper balls to the passing cars from the terrace without awaking Lucio's father. When a car stops violently and the passenger couple looks for the guilty person, the funny situation gets out of control. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What appeals to me the most about Four Thirty (Las Cuartro Y Media) is the storyline. The moral is simple and perfectly relatable for young people. Something that is lacking for me is plot development. When the two children get caught, I did not feel much empathy for them, because the stakes are not high enough. We don't know enough about the back-story of these children or their dad. The storyline follows two friends, Lucio and Manuel, hanging out at a sleepover. Lucio calls Manuel a chicken because he's scared when watching a movie, so Manuel tries to prove to Lucio that he isn't a chicken. The relationship between Lucio and Manuel is well established. They seem to be good friends as things do not feel awkward between them. For example, they're comfortable sitting in a room in silence watching a movie together. On the other hand, the father's reaction seems a bit off. I expected him to explode or start a fight with Lucio like he did with the man driving the car. The camera work is quite good. One angle in particular that I like is where the camera is placed at the height of the ground. We see the man whose car was hit by the wet paper ball step out, but only see his shoes. This makes him seem ominous and creates a foreboding feeling that lingers before he is revealed. This angle also makes the viewer feel small and more inferior to the man in the car. The two key influencers in the film are Lucio and Manuel. The two play off of each other very well. Lucio comes off as the cool guy. He seems to keep his emotions hidden and portrays himself with a tough exterior. Manuel, on the other hand, seems to be more timid and weaker. This creates a dynamic distinction between the two. I like when Manuel decides to show the adults that he and Lucio threw the wet paper towel balls. The messages of the film are: other people's portrayal of you should not affect your behavior, stay true to yourself, anybody has the capability of doing the right thing and following their own path. You should know that it does contain some mild profanity between the two adults when they have a scuffle outside. There is also some disrespect for people's property. I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, due to the profanity. Adults will enjoy it as well. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Juror The storyline follows two friends, Lucio and Manuel, hanging out at a sleepover. Lucio calls Manuel a chicken because he's scared when watching a movie, so Manuel tries to prove to Lucio that he isn't a chicken. The relationship between Lucio and Manuel is well established. They seem to be good friends as things do not feel awkward between them. For example, they're comfortable sitting in a room in silence watching a movie together. On the other hand, the father's reaction seems a bit off. I expected him to explode or start a fight with Lucio like he did with the man driving the car. The camera work is quite good. One angle in particular that I like is where the camera is placed at the height of the ground. We see the man whose car was hit by the wet paper ball step out, but only see his shoes. This makes him seem ominous and creates a foreboding feeling that lingers before he is revealed. This angle also makes the viewer feel small and more inferior to the man in the car. The two key influencers in the film are Lucio and Manuel. The two play off of each other very well. Lucio comes off as the cool guy. He seems to keep his emotions hidden and portrays himself with a tough exterior. Manuel, on the other hand, seems to be more timid and weaker. This creates a dynamic distinction between the two. I like when Manuel decides to show the adults that he and Lucio threw the wet paper towel balls. The messages of the film are: other people's portrayal of you should not affect your behavior, stay true to yourself, anybody has the capability of doing the right thing and following their own path. You should know that it does contain some mild profanity between the two adults when they have a scuffle outside. There is also some disrespect for people's property. I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, due to the profanity. Adults will enjoy it as well. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Juror KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-16 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
![]() DISNEY CHANNEL Series: TV SERIES, AGES 7-16 Topic - Family Description - Set in the fictional titular town, Secrets of Sulphur Springs follows 12-year-old Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver), whose world has been upended by his father's decision to move the family from Chicago to take over an abandoned hotel property, The Tremont. The Campbells, which includes Griffin's mother and his younger twin siblings, move into The Tremont in hopes of restoring it to the vacation destination it once was. But on his first day at his new school, Griffin hears rumors that the hotel is haunted by the ghost of Savannah (Elle Graham), a girl who disappeared decades ago. Soon, he and his new friend, Harper (Kyliegh Curran), discover a portal that allows them to travel back in time and uncover clues about the town's biggest mystery. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Disney's new TV series, Secrets of Sulphur Springs, dives deep into the mysteries of the unknown. The writers of the show weave a chilling tale of mystery and suspense that is brought to life by the cast. It is a show about new friendships and old secrets that will leave you on the edge of your seat, as it did me. In Secrets of Sulphur Springs, a music-loving middle school boy named Griffin (Preston Oliver) moves into an abandoned hotel called The Tremont that his family plans to restore. The hotel is said to be haunted by a girl named Savannah (Elle Graham) who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago. Griffin is missing his old town and old friends, but he finds a new friend named Harper (Kyliegh Curran). Together they are determined to uncover the truth about the hidden secrets of the hotel and find out what happened to Savannah. One of my favorite scenes was when Griffin finds out that the old hotel is supposedly haunted--it is very fascinating to see his reaction when others tell him about Savannah haunting it. Equally interesting is to see how the others react to Griffin when they find out he is living at the old hotel. Griffin has younger twin siblings (Landon Gordon and Madeleine McGraw) and Harper has a brother (Bryant Tardy). The relationships that Griffin and Harper have with their siblings make the characters easy to relate to. The hotel set is decorated to portray that old, abandoned, rustic style which gives it a spooky appearance. The scenes where the set is dark also add to the eerie mood. The overall creepy setting makes the scenes more believable. The clothing choices are also well thought out, and perfect for the scenes. The messages in this TV series are about building friendships and trust. Moving to a new town and having to make new friends at school is not always easy. Being a good friend means being kind, helpful and truthful. It also means working together. Trust is especially important because it's hard to earn back after it's lost. Parents may need to know that there are some suspenseful scenes that may be scary for younger viewers. I give the new TV series, Secrets of Sulphur Springs, 5 out of 5 stars. Every scene kept me captivated and wanting more. I recommend this show for ages 7 to 16. Secrets of Sulphur Springs premieres on the Disney Channel January 15, 2021. Reviewed by Carlee S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-16 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
![]() BRANDED STUDIOS Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 12-18 Topic - Family Description - Frank Stallone has seen it all. Frank Stallone has done it all. But, who is Frank Stallone? You know the name, now discover the Grammy and Golden Globe nominated singer, songwriter, musician and actor who has been entertaining audiences for over fifty years, all the while living in a giant shadow. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth review KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I'm super excited to share my thoughts about the documentary Stallone: Frank, That Is about a Hollywood star that has seen and done it all. I am talking about Frank Stallone who has spent nearly 50 years entertaining us with his platinum and gold albums and his amazing songs that have topped the music charts worldwide. His movie soundtracks for the most iconic films remain familiar throughout many generations. Singer, songwriter, musician and an actor...Frank Stallone is a package deal! Stallone: Frank, That Is, a documentary written and directed by Derek Wayne Johnson, gives viewers an inside look into the life, career and struggles of a performer who has been dubbed "the most unknown famous entertainer in Hollywood." The film takes us behind the scenes as we follow Frank Stallone's professional journey told in words by Frank himself and people within his life who knew him best. Frank's accomplishments seem so remarkable, however for much of his life he has lived within the shadows of his more famous brother, Sylvester Stallone. Being "Rocky's Brother" may have been the largest hindrance to Frank's career, yet the most beneficial, because Frank's first real break within the industry came from his contributions to the Rocky Film Series. Frank Stallone's story is one of perseverance, inner strength, and a passion for the arts. Frank's path has been filled with many opportunities and setbacks. Everyone, of course, has heard of Sylvester Stallone, yet, just as talented Frank has remained the Stallone underdog. I believe this documentary is exactly what Frank Stallone needs in order to share with the world exactly who he is, what he's done, and just how talented he actually is. Frank is exceptionally courageous in sharing his deepest inferior feelings and reveals to the world that there is room for more than one Stallone! I truly enjoyed hearing from Mr. Stallone talk about how difficult his journey has been and how he hurdled so many obstacles to follow his dreams. As a young actor, I know firsthand how frustrating and disheartening it is to try to make it big within the talent world. I can relate to the look on Frank's face when as he discusses the setbacks he has faced. The industry is certainly competitive. What every entertainer needs is a will to push forward and a strong support base. The closest people in Frank Stallone's life offer words of encouragement to this amazing entertainer, which I believe is the message of this perseverant film; lots of support and self-confidence are needed if you are going to succeed within this terribly competitive niche. You need to navigate around your obstacles in order to reach your dreams. I give Stallone: Frank, That Is 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to ages 12 to 18. Adults would especially love this documentary also, as many of them are quite familiar with Frank's music. This documentary will be released January 19, 2021. You can watch it on Video on Demand and Digital Screenings. This is an inspiring film that you don't want to miss. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
![]() WARNER BROS. PICTURES Series: FEATURE, AGES 10 - 18 Topic - Family Description - Rewind to the 1980s as Wonder Woman's next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love Wonder Woman 1984! The costumes and sets are magnificent! And it has original music that fits perfectly with every scene! Wonder Woman 1984 takes place in 1984 (hence the name), 66 years after the original movie, Wonder Woman. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) is living among the mortals and working at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. While there, the museum receives a mysterious stone that can grant one wish per person. Diana wishes to bring her long lost love, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), back from the dead. Subsequently, she discovers the true power of the stone, and what would happen if it falls into the wrong hands. I am happy to report that this movie has a "satisfying" ending, but no spoilers here. Knowing that this movie is a sequel, I would recommend watching the first one because it sets up Wonder Woman's backstory and other characters from the first movie. One thing that really stands out to me is the attention to detail. All of the costumes, sets and dialogue are very well executed and accurate to the 80s, or so my parents tell me! I especially like Wonder Woman's golden armor. Kudos to Lindy Hemming (costume designer) and Aline Bonetto (production designer) for the realistic look. All of the actors are strong, but the ones that stand out the most are Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig. Pedro Pascal (Maxwell Lord) really personifies the bad guy, a con man always wanting more. And as you watch Kristen Wiig's character, Barbara Minerva, evolve during the movie, you can see the contrast between her two personalities emerge. The main messages of this movie are to be careful about what you wish for, truth overcomes lies, and of course, girl power. There is some bad language and a lot of fight scenes - it is, of course, a superhero movie. Wonder Woman is a great role model for all people as she inspires bravery, love, and heroism. I give Wonder Woman 1984 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for ages 10 to 18. Adults will enjoy it, too. Wonder Woman 1984 will be coming out in select theaters, IMAX, and HBO Max on December 25, 2020. Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 Wonder Woman 1984 is a fantasy action sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins and starring by Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig. The movie opens with spectacular action scenes that take place in Themyscira, the ancient island where our favorite heroine comes from. We see Diana (Gal Gadot) at a very young age, competing in a warrior challenge and learning one of the most important lessons in life: the importance of being truthful. Then, the film shifts to the 1980's where most of the movie takes place. Diana Prince is working at the Smithsonian Institute curating ancient artifacts, and one of them, recently discovered, is a very powerful stone that grants wishes. The stone will become a powerful and destructive weapon. Diane welcomes new worker Barbara Minerva who is shy and seems to be the opposite of Diana and who is investigating the stone. The greatest assets in Wonder Woman 1984 are Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig). Their characters are rich and enjoyable to watch, and they each portray a wide range of emotions. Gal Gadot as Diana Prince shines again in a role that seems tailor-made for her. She is the greatest princess: fierce, elegant and full of humanity. The special effects are very well done, not perfect, but very impressive. There are a couple of sequences that are absolutely spectacular. The colors and costumes are vibrant, elegant and truthful to the era. And while the action scenes are exciting, the main story in general seems a little weak. I was on the edge of my seat at different times, but the story, at many moments is not that powerful. The music by Hans Zimmer is impeccable and adds a perfect emotional touch. Wonder Woman 1984 is not as "wonderful" as the previous film, but is totally entertaining--and the messages are much needed in the world today: first, staying true to who we are. The other message is "be careful what we wish for" which, in this film, means it's good to remember that what we long for should be love and kindness. I give Wonder Woman 1984 a 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended to kids 10 and up (for some violent scenes) and adults as well. Wonder Woman 1984 opens on December 25, 2020, in theaters and on HBO Max. By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |