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AGAINST THE WILD 2: SURVIVE THE SERENGETI

I really enjoyed this film. At first, I was a little worried that there would be no animals. I hate when movies advertise animals and there aren't any in the film. I was wrong! There are tons of animals and it was really fun to see them in their natural habitats. We see lions, elephants, snakes, monkeys, giraffes and so many more. I learned a lot too. I actually had no idea that lions and hyenas are afraid of fire. All of these majestic, friendly and not so friendly animals were my favorite part of this film.

This film revolves about a brother and sister, Ryan (John Paul Ruttan) and Emma (Ella Ballentine). They take an airplane to see their father and their plane gets shot down over the Serengeti. With the pilot injured and no one else to help them except a Malamute dog called Chinook, they have to rely on each other for survival.

My favorite character in this film is Emma because she is upbeat and tries her hardest to be positive, even though it is difficult. She is also a little scared and I could definitely relate to that. Emma and Ryan desperately want to go home to mom and dad. She portrays the character well and shows a bit of girl power, humor, wit and courage.

My favorite scene is when we see an aerial view of zebras, wildebeest and giraffes from the plane. This was an incredible scene because we got to learn more about the animals.

Some things about this movie bothered me. Emma had a cut on her face which moved from scene to scene. In one shot, it was on her left cheek and then, it was on the right. Continuity is a big deal on a film and this was a goof. Also, I found some of the fire scenes and, there are many, a little worrisome. I kept thinking, "Please, stop and clear all the grass away so you do not start a brush fire." I thought more could have been done with content of the kids' backpacks and what could help them. It lacked teaching and educational moments, to me. But, overall, I loved the film and seeing the cool animals.

This film is suitable for ages 6 to 18. My mom and dad liked it so, I think other adults would enjoy it as well. Younger children might find the lions, crocodiles and hyenas frightening because they all are all real and scary looking.

I rate this film 4.5 out of 5 stars as it felt as if I was on a safari in the Serengeti in Africa.

Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

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For bickering siblings Ryan (John Paul Ruttan of Shelby: The Dog Who Saved Christmas) and Emma (Ella Ballentine), it was going to be a fun weekend visit with their dad at his job in Africa. But when their small plane crash-lands in the Serengeti, they have only each other along with their fellow passenger, a Malamute named Chinook to rely on. The rescue teams are searching. Their mom (Jeri Ryan of Star Trek: Voyager and Boston Public) is panicked. Can brother, sister and one courageous dog now learn how to conquer their fears and trust each other in the most beautiful yet untamed wilderness of all?