Description - Best friends Becca and Zoe help an old friend restore life to the Great Slumber Tree.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I think this series could have a big following because it reminds me of famous kid shows, like the Baby Einstein series. The storyline is simple to understand and the 2D animation is cute.The story follows Becca and Zoe, two friends that help an elderly bear and three little bears find the sleepy fairies so the bears can hibernate easier. I like that the animated bears are different colors so we can easily tell them apart and that the story includes a rocket ship in space. I also like the story that the bears need fairy dust to sleep. The story line is most interesting when the bears are in space helping bears on Earth.
The point of view of the animation includes close-up shots as well as far away shots. It is neat seeing the rocket ship go out of frame in one of the scenes.
I like the pajamas on the little bears and the space gear (especially on the Robot Bear, voiced by Erica Opromollo) is cool. I like that one of the little bears has a yellow blanket with white stars. It is super cute. I like the scene of the elderly bear sitting in his chair with the little bears sitting on a green rug in front of him while there is a fire in the fireplace. It looks cozy to me. The music is upbeat and sets a fun tone to the film. It appears that possible relatives of the director, Mike Schleif make up the voice talent, since Madison Schleif and Julianna Schleif are listed in the credits. The little bears have cute little voices, so I like the voice talent. The animation is strong and simple, so it should translate to the big screen pretty well. The only thing I don't care for is how the bears walk as it is not very realistic. But, other than that, I'm a fan and recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.
The message of the film is about helping others. My favorite character is the brown bear with the blanket (Lilli Mason) because she is so cute. I think her blanket won me over. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 9. Reviewed by Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I think this series could have a big following because it reminds me of famous kid shows, like the Baby Einstein series. The storyline is simple to understand and the 2D animation is cute.
The story follows Becca and Zoe, two friends that help an elderly bear and three little bears find the sleepy fairies so the bears can hibernate easier. I like that the animated bears are different colors so we can easily tell them apart and that the story includes a rocket ship in space. I also like the story that the bears need fairy dust to sleep. The story line is most interesting when the bears are in space helping bears on Earth.
The point of view of the animation includes close-up shots as well as far away shots. It is neat seeing the rocket ship go out of frame in one of the scenes.
I like the pajamas on the little bears and the space gear (especially on the Robot Bear, voiced by Erica Opromollo) is cool. I like that one of the little bears has a yellow blanket with white stars. It is super cute. I like the scene of the elderly bear sitting in his chair with the little bears sitting on a green rug in front of him while there is a fire in the fireplace. It looks cozy to me. The music is upbeat and sets a fun tone to the film. It appears that possible relatives of the director, Mike Schleif make up the voice talent, since Madison Schleif and Julianna Schleif are listed in the credits. The little bears have cute little voices, so I like the voice talent. The animation is strong and simple, so it should translate to the big screen pretty well. The only thing I don't care for is how the bears walk as it is not very realistic. But, other than that, I'm a fan and recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.
The message of the film is about helping others. My favorite character is the brown bear with the blanket (Lilli Mason) because she is so cute. I think her blanket won me over. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 9. Reviewed by Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Juror Recommended Age: 3-9
Suggested Retail Price: $
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ASTA'S JOURNEY - FREIA TITLAND
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 7-10
Description - A film steeped in Norse mythology and folklore, Asta's Journey tells the story of a young girl on the eve of her 9th birthday. Asta's wishes come true as she embarks on an adventure through a magical forest in order to save a new friend.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This story is based on a young girl and fairy tales and it is entertaining. I really like the characters and the story flows well. I also like the gentle reminder of when you lose someone special they are not forgotten. I give this 3 stars out of 5 and recommend it for children ages 7 through 10. It is engaging and I like the dialogue. The downside is there just may not be enough adventure to keep some children's interest and it is somewhat predictable. Reviewed by D.B., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This story is based on a young girl and fairy tales and it is entertaining. I really like the characters and the story flows well. I also like the gentle reminder of when you lose someone special they are not forgotten. I give this 3 stars out of 5 and recommend it for children ages 7 through 10. It is engaging and I like the dialogue. The downside is there just may not be enough adventure to keep some children's interest and it is somewhat predictable. Reviewed by D.B., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Juror Recommended Age: 7-10
Suggested Retail Price: $
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CASTLE - RACHEL DOMAN
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - Castle follows a young girl, Raegan, struggling with Asperger's Syndrome when she is taken in by her school chess club led by popular Kennedy. An unlikely friendship between the two girls and the game reveals an sanguine alliance between Raegan's unique mind and the game of chess and forces Kennedy to adapt, and thrive, in developing society beyond the basic social dynamics of school and develop a new human connection.When a devastating meltdown puts their relationship to a heightened test, the bitter truth of reality sets in.
The theme of human connection is imagined through a castle rooted in a heroic fairytale from Raegan's past and evolves an inspiring journey from a childhood dream.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - At first, I wasn't quite sure if young Raegan had Asperger's because there are only a couple of subtle hints. I like that the script really portrays what it may be like to be a girl with Asperger's and how difficult it is to make friends. I like the characters and felt they represented teenagers quite well. It is insightful and may teach an understanding for those on the spectrum. I found the story unique and appropriate for ages 12 through 18. I also liked the descriptive writing style and give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - At first, I wasn't quite sure if young Raegan had Asperger's because there are only a couple of subtle hints. I like that the script really portrays what it may be like to be a girl with Asperger's and how difficult it is to make friends. I like the characters and felt they represented teenagers quite well. It is insightful and may teach an understanding for those on the spectrum. I found the story unique and appropriate for ages 12 through 18. I also liked the descriptive writing style and give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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DAWN RIDGE - ELIZABETH ADAMS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 7-10
Description - DAWN RIDGE explores a young boy's feelings about losing his family home. Wyatt rows up in a special place - a fantastic old western ranch that once hosted hundreds of visitors a day, but is no longer as popular in a world that has forgotten the lure of six-shooters and lassos. Wyatt's ??fascination with the ??abled Lost Adams ??old sends on him on a journey to save the property and remain on the ranch. From bedtime to horse chases, his living?? room becomes the rowdy saloon it was meant to be. DAWN RIDGE rides head-first into the ??feelings of?? loss, ??growth, and love that come with ??getting older.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What is missing are more specific details about why the family of three is moving away from the old west type of town. I did understand that the Mother and Father are most likely not making enough money and are in the red, so to speak. But all I learned is that they are moving somewhere with snow so that will be a new adventure. I like the use of imagination and found the over all dialogue entertaining, but the theme isn't as original as I would like. There is a slight message of being positive about the future but that isn't a strong message either. It is appropriate for ages 7 through 10. I give this 2.5 out of 5 stars. Over all, the characters are a strong point but I would like more of a story.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What is missing are more specific details about why the family of three is moving away from the old west type of town. I did understand that the Mother and Father are most likely not making enough money and are in the red, so to speak. But all I learned is that they are moving somewhere with snow so that will be a new adventure. I like the use of imagination and found the over all dialogue entertaining, but the theme isn't as original as I would like. There is a slight message of being positive about the future but that isn't a strong message either. It is appropriate for ages 7 through 10. I give this 2.5 out of 5 stars. Over all, the characters are a strong point but I would like more of a story.
Juror Recommended Age: 7-10
Suggested Retail Price: $
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SPEED BAG - JOSEPH EDWARDS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 10-18
Description - Speed Bag tells the story through the eyes of a young boy that falls prey to bullying. At the brink of hopelessness, he discovers a mystical speed bag that teaches him an extraordinary skillset. Through the support of his mother, a former boxing coach and the neighborhood grocery store owner he learns that a compassionate heart is more powerful than a clinched fist.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is more than your typical teenage bully drama where good wins over the bad. There's a magical twist to it. The characters are well developed and aren't just a group of undefined teenagers. I really like Mr. Earl and Freddie's Mom and feel they are very positive characters in this story. All of the dialogue is realistic and naturally flows. I like how the conflict is resolved. It is quite appropriate for ages 12 to 18. I give this 4 out of 5 stars because it is engaging and has a message that being a bully really isn't okay and is also refreshing that the bully learns what it is like to be bullied first hand without the story being too violent. Very nicely written.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is more than your typical teenage bully drama where good wins over the bad. There's a magical twist to it. The characters are well developed and aren't just a group of undefined teenagers. I really like Mr. Earl and Freddie's Mom and feel they are very positive characters in this story. All of the dialogue is realistic and naturally flows. I like how the conflict is resolved. It is quite appropriate for ages 12 to 18. I give this 4 out of 5 stars because it is engaging and has a message that being a bully really isn't okay and is also refreshing that the bully learns what it is like to be bullied first hand without the story being too violent. Very nicely written.
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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HERE BE DRAGONS - STEVE BRUMWELL
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - After discovering a mysterious old hermit in an abandoned coal mine, four friends searching for their missing classmate team up with him to fight off the machinations of a local businessman using dark magic to further his sinister ambitions. A young boy who has lost his belief in magic, an old man who has lost his faith in humanity....together they must face down a powerful evil.... When their classmate goes missing, four pre-teen friends set off into the wild countryside outside their remote Welsh village where they stumble into a disused coal mine. Inside they are terrified by the presence of a decrepit old hermit who looks at least a hundred years old and smells like a thousand cigar smokers. They run in fear and soon find themselves lost in the cavernous and obsidian dark of the mine, to their surprise the Old Man finds them and leads them to the exit. They explain about their missing friend but the Old Man has heard or seen nothing of him. He tells the friends he is waiting for something or someone but cannot remember what it is, just that he knows he is supposed to be here right at this moment.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed the story and I have to admit that, besides Harry Potter, I am not big on stories of dragons and warlocks. This was engaging and entertaining and I really like how well the conflict is resolved. The characters are engaging and the dialogue holds your attention, especially the humor. There is also a message of friendship and teamwork and good winning over evil. I give this 3.5 points out of 5 and recommend for ages 12 through 18 years old.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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TROPHY HUNTER - BILL JARCHO
Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 8-18
Description - A little boy with a BB gun fantasizes of being a big game hunter. Selected: 9th Balne�rio Cambori� International Film Festival; International Film Festival of Larissa
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wow, I am such a fan of Sean Burns' work. Kubo and the Two Strings is one of my all-time favorite animated films. It is so brilliant. He is brilliant. Thanks for submitting your short film to our festival. We are honored. This short film tackles a not uncommon situation of a boy with a love for playing with guns. We watch him stalk the wildlife in his own backyard until he finally gets a hit, leaving him unsatisfied and aware of the value of living things. The animation is remarkable in its attention to details and beautiful color palette. The music and sound effects are spot on. The storyline is told without dialog and we get the message loud and clear. My favorite part is when the boy realizes he did wrong by killing the bird. It's heart-breaking. My second favorite part is watching him discard the gun by the tree and seeing the tree grow year by year, season by season. Beautiful piece. 5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Ethan P. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Jurors.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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KARMA OF BOCCE, THE - DUNCAN PUTNEY
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - A young boy meets a young girl at a local park. They watch her grandfather and his elderly friends play bocce as she reads the boy a story, his imagination is set free and he watches the heavens move with every toss in the old men's game.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is an engaging short with a powerful message about the importance of having an imagination. The characters are very descriptive. I felt as if I could picture them and their dialogue is very real and easy to relate to. I recommend this for ages appropriate for ages 8 to 18 and adults. I can see this on the big screen and I give this 4 stars out of 5. Very well written.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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LISTIES WORK FOR PEANUTS, THE - EPISODE 3 - ASH COTTRELL
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - THE LISTIES are odd couple housemates who love to have adventures. Just staying alive can be a fun challenge for them, literally. Recently, Matt was worried he was dying. He thought his bum was broken - there was a crack down the middle. On top of this their landlady, an impossibly high achieving and quick witted eight year old ABERNATHY PEANUTS, won't stop hammering on the door with a list of demands - well it's more a list of DEMAND seeing as there's only one thing on the list: PAY YOUR RENT! The Listies have got bills, bills, bills so they need to get to werk, werk, werk! The only thing is, they're not exactly what you would call employable. In fact they've been fired from literally every proper job they've ever had, (apart from when they were human cannonballs, when they weren't fired, because they didn't fire, so they were fired (if you catch my drift). In every episode of THE LISTIES WORK FOR PEANUTS, Matt and Rich have to get a job to pay their rent to their eight year old landlord, Abernathy Peanuts - and if they don't... they'll be out on their BEEPs!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Where to start. This is episode 3 of a series so you don't quite know the backstory, but it doesn't hamper understanding this clip. It is well produced and quite current in terms of the social media maven/influencer that hires the two goofy guys for her campaign. The topic of replacing poo for chocolate certainly has no socially redeeming value to it, but it is funny and kids would get a kick out to it. It works for kid and family festivals for a bit of comic relief. The camera work is very good. The actors are spot on, especially the "odd couple." Love the visual graphics. Fun. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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SARAH MACDOUGAL MEETS THE GHOST OF BEETHOVEN - KEVIN REEVES
Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 4-14
Description - A disenfranchised girl is bored with life until the ghost of Beethoven appears and sparks a renewed interest in the piano, her friends, and life in general.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a sweet story about a girl and the power of music to inspire. It's fun to see Beethoven portrayed in modern day as a ghost. The music is beautiful! The story is about a young girl reluctantly learning to play Beethoven's music who meets the ghost of Beethoven who befriends her, teaches her how to play better and inspires a love of classical music and adds a spark to her life.The story is a bit predictable and the pace is a bit slow. However, the photography and color palate are very pleasing. A scene where Sarah plays the Moonlight Sonata in front of an audience is particularly well shot. The modern day dress for the girl works fine and Beethoven's attire seems true to his time. The sets are varied, from the home to school to an auditorium to outside in a park, all very pleasing. The music is very well-played and definitely drives the story, given that it is essential to the plot. The ghost appears and disappears and the visual effects are fine although subdued. The two main actors playing Sarah and Beethoven perform quite well. Tere are some nice scenes with Sarah and her friends who want her to play soccer with them instead of practice the piano, but by the end they come to appreciate her talent. The production design is very good. Visually the film would look fine on a big screen, but its short-comings, such as slow pacing, may be more apparent than on a TV screen or computer. The message of the film is about being open to new experiences and you might become inspired. Good friends will stick by you even if you need to spend time on something other than them. I particularly enjoyed learning details about Beethoven, such as that his Moonlight Sonata was named by someone after he died and not by Beethoven himself and that, in anger, he once threw an unwanted entree at a waiter! My favorite part is when Beethoven tells Sarah he wants to rewrite a section of his famous Moonlight Sonata.
It's a sweet story and Sarah's relationship with her friends is nicely portrayed. Also, the music is beautiful and it might inspire some young viewers to take playing piano seriously. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 14. Reviewed by Michael F. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! jurors.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Juror Recommended Age: 4-14
Suggested Retail Price: $
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CLYDE AND BEAR - ARAM KATZ
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 9-18
Description - One was a boy with no friends. The other was a dog, abandoned and forgotten. Together, they built a bond that could never be broken and shared adventures that they would remember for a lifetime.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - At first, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading about bearlike aliens and when I found out it is a boy's game and use of his imagination, I found the story much more intriguing. The characters are easy to relate to and are a strong point of the screenplay. The bullying seemed a bit over the top at first and then it fit with the story. My favorite characters are Bear and Clyde's mom, but all the characters are engaging. It teaches kids a lesson about bullying and also about friendship. Even with a talking dog it feels very real and, although I would have really liked to know if Bear lives, it still has a very good ending. I give this screenplay 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 through 18. Some adults may even learn something about compassion and friendship. Reviewed by Denise B, KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Juror Recommended Age: 9-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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