Watch Kids' Reviews of
SPACE BETWEEN US, THE

I loved this film because it is a romantic and dramatic science fiction film that took me to a whole other world with its amazing cinematography, advance futuristic technology, inspired acting, unique plot and unexpected ending. This film has many astonishing scenes that will make you want to visit space and take a trip to Mars. Most of my favorite scenes deal with Gardner experiencing planet Earth for the first time.

The story line is about Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield), a young man who at age 16, has spent his whole life living on Mars as the first human born on that planet. On Mars, he lives in a bubble and was raised by astronaut scientists after his mother passes away. While searching for his biological father, Gardner builds an online friendship with a young Colorado teenage girl named Tulsa (Britt Robertson). After 16 years of living on Mars, Gardner receives the opportunity to visit Earth. He has two goals he desires to fulfill - meet his father and be united with his online friend Tulsa. Tulsa and Gardner go on adventurous expeditions to unite Gardner with his father while withstanding Earth's atmosphere. It's a race against time for Gardner to find out who he really is.

Fantasy and science fiction is a genre that I'm not really interested in, but I honestly enjoyed watching this film. During the 121 minutes of this film, there are several scenes and factors that contributed to my enjoyment - the relationship between Gardner and Tulsa, the scenery and the unique ending. The chemistry and unbreakable relationship between Tulsa and Gardner is truly heartening because they have totally opposite personalities, but complete each other. It is charming to see innocent Gardner win the heart of Tulsa by expressing his true feelings and emotions to her. Additionally, the various locations of the film, shot in New Mexico and California, are magnificent. As they are on their mission they see the beautiful, breathtaking scenery of the mountains and the astounding greenery of the forests. Furthermore, I love the ending of the film. it is very unexpected and different from typical Hollywood movies.

The Space between Us has a heart warming message relating to home, family and belonging. Young, intelligent Gardener hacks the computer system on Mars, doing whatever it takes to gather every bit of information about his mother and father. The love he has for his father and the ambition he has to meet him is truly inspiring. The importance and value of family and home is reflected throughout this science fiction film.

Each of the actors' contributions to the film is incredible. The young English actor, Asa Butterfield plays the first human born on Mars, Gardner Elliot. This talented 19-year-old actor has long career ahead of him. He has been in several other films such as: Ender's Game, Hugo, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and several others. Britt Robertson plays the rebellious, fearless and adventurous Tulsa. She is highly known for her role in Tomorrowland, The Longest Ride and A Dog's Purpose. Gary Oldman plays the character of Nathaniel Shepherd, one of the incredible scientists in charge of the trip to Mars. Known for his role in Harry Potter and The Dark Knight, the renowned Carla Gugino, plays Gardner's mother and scientist. She is known for Elektra Luxx, Spy Kids, Night at The Museum among several others.

I highly recommend this science fiction and fantasy film to ages of 13 to 18. Teens will enjoy watching this film because of the endearing relationship and charm between Tulsa and Gardner. Adults will also find the film fascinating with Gardner's mission of finding his father and surviving in the Earth's atmosphere. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend that you to catch this film at your local theater when it opens February 3, 2017.

By Maria Guerrero, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

This film is visually breathtaking with magnificent scenes of the Grand Canyon, flowing Lakes in Colorado and the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas that make it difficult to say "What is your favorite thing about earth?" In my opinion, Gardener is a good example of what young people who are smart, inquisitive and have talent can create. He uses his life of 16 years on Mars to help him travel to and experience Earth. His example of determination and following a dream is inspirational for any age group. The behaviors in the film run both positive and negative. For example, we see negative behavior in the decision of Nathaniel Shephard (Gary Oldman), the founder of the space project to keep the birth of Gardner, the first child born on Mars a secret. On the other hand, an example of a person's respect for another is seen in Tulsa's willingness to show Gardner the wonders of Earth. She puts aside her anger and cynicism to show him the beauty of the Earth. The film gives us an opportunity to see the Earth from a different perspective. When Gardner asks, "What is your favorite thing about earth?" We are reminded of the differences between Mars and Earth in respect to the gravity and environment. I recommend this to ages 13 to 18. They will enjoy the relationship between Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield and Tulsa (Britt Robertson). Gardner, a young man born on Mars who desperately wants to travel to Earth connects with Tulsa, a young woman on Earth who is about to age out of foster care and is very angry about her life experiences. The most appealing element for me are the beautiful locations and breathtaking scenes of New Mexico, Las Vegas and California.

In this interplanetary adventure, a space shuttle embarks on the first mission to colonize Mars, only to discover after takeoff that one of the astronauts is pregnant. Shortly after landing, she dies from complications while giving birth to the first human born on the red planet - never revealing who the father is. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Gardner Elliot - an inquisitive, highly intelligent boy who reaches the age of 16 having only met 14 people in his very unconventional upbringing. While searching for clues about his father, and the home planet he's never known, Gardner begins an online friendship with a street smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa. When he finally gets a chance to go to Earth, he's eager to experience all of the wonders he could only read about on Mars - from the most simple to the extraordinary. But once his explorations begin, scientists discover that Gardner's organs can't withstand Earth's atmosphere. Eager to find his father, Gardner escapes the team.