Watch Kids' Reviews of
LAST WORDS

What an inspiring social commentary Last Words is. Narrated by a young boy, John Hammon, whose soft voice goes from cheerful to wise, to dismayed, to angry, to instructive, to silent. The gentle role out of its message is beautifully designed to soothe the viewer rather than enrage them.

Billy, who was shot in a rampage school shooting after he co-wrote and rehearsed this speech, is the impetus for this short film on the subjects of responsible gun ownership, the second amendment and the silence about private ownership of military grade weapons. And, "help me" were his Last Words.

Far from a gloom and doom film, the director Alan Chriest uses the guise of innocence as he makes a call to action from the mouth of babes. The cinematography is gorgeous, although stark, as the northern walk we take with Billy reflects the chill of winter. The music and sound effects wrap the cheer of youth and the dread of indifference around the story, tugging at our hearts to care, be reasonable and to get involved. The images at the end reminding us of the lost lives from school shootings are breath stopping. My heart hurt as I read the numbers, once again reminding us of these senseless deaths.

The message of this film is to recognize what is happening with the culture of violence and to do something about it.

I give Last Words 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

What an inspiring social commentary Last Words is. Narrated by a young boy, John Hammon, whose soft voice goes from cheerful to wise, to dismayed, to angry, to instructive, to silent. The gentle role out of its message is beautifully designed to soothe the viewer rather than enrage them.

Billy, who was shot in a rampage school shooting after he co-wrote and rehearsed this speech, is the impetus for this short film on the subjects of responsible gun ownership, the second amendment and the silence about private ownership of military grade weapons. And, "help me" were his Last Words.

Far from a gloom and doom film, the director Alan Chriest uses the guise of innocence as he makes a call to action from the mouth of babes. The cinematography is gorgeous, although stark, as the northern walk we take with Billy reflects the chill of winter. The music and sound effects wrap the cheer of youth and the dread of indifference around the story, tugging at our hearts to care, be reasonable and to get involved. The images at the end reminding us of the lost lives from school shootings are breath stopping. My heart hurt as I read the numbers, once again reminding us of these senseless deaths.

The message of this film is to recognize what is happening with the culture of violence and to do something about it.

I give Last Words 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

On his way to school on a snowy day, Billy is rehearsing his speech on rampage shootings.