KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a spin-off and sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place. The series follows an adult Justin Russo, living a normal life with his wife and two sons in Staten Island, until his sister Alex asks for help with a young wizard-in-training named Billie. He revives his magical skills in order to mentor the young girl, while balancing living a normal life and safeguarding the Wizard World’s future.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G., comments, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a comedic series, full of mystery and magic. I really enjoyed how this show is so nostalgic. Growing up as a Disney kid, I constantly watched the Disney channel and loved Wizards of Waverly Place. Watching this spin-off reminded me of that same feeling I used to have when I was younger while watching the Disney channel.” See her full review below.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 18

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a comedic series, full of mystery and magic. I really like this show – it is fun and entertaining, while having a nostalgic feeling to it.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set years later from the original Disney channel show, Wizards of Waverly Place. It stars Janice LeAnn Brown (Billie) who is brought to the Russo house by Alex Russo (Selene Gomez). Alex leaves her there in hopes that her brother, Justin (David Henrie) will help her to control her magic; she has a big heart, but can sometimes get carried away. Justin must learn to come to terms with who he is while helping Billie navigate this wonderful but dangerous gift that they share.

I really enjoy how this show feels so nostalgic. Growing up as a Disney kid, I constantly watched the Disney channel and loved Wizards of Waverly Place. Watching this spin-off reminded me of that same feeling I used to have when I was younger while watching the Disney channel. There is also the live audience aspect – hearing the laughs at the funny parts, and the “oohs” at the intense moments really adds to the show. It absolutely captures the essence of the old Disney channel, while still feeling new and fresh. Additionally, the storyline is enjoyable. Although this connects to an old show, it does not feel old. Each episode follows Billie’s journey and viewers get to experience her magic and watch her learn to navigate all of her skills in the real world.

I particularly enjoyed the first episode when we get to see all of Billie’s tricks. They take us back to the lair, where all the magic happens! Another standout in this show are the characters’ relationships with one another. For instance, Billie and Justin, despite just meeting, instantly form a tight bond. Justin acts as almost an older brother figure, helping Billie deal with her magic. There are many times when Billie doesn’t know how to control all of her powers, and just wants to use them for good. However, Justin teaches her that just because you have the ability to do something, doesn’t mean it’s always the right time to exercise that power.

The show’s message is to never give up on the people you care about.

I give Wizards Beyond Waverly Place 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18. You can watch Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on the Disney Channel beginning October 29, 2024.

Twelve-year-old Donn Fendler becomes trapped on a treacherous mountain when a fast-moving storm separates him from his family. With no food or proper clothing, he begins a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I enjoyed Lost on a Mountain in Maine.  This inspiring story of survival has strong acting and moving messages with beautiful cinematography and landscapes.” See her full review below.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I enjoyed Lost on a Mountain in Maine. This inspiring story of survival has strong acting and moving messages with beautiful cinematography and landscapes.

This movie is based on the true story of twelve-year-old Donn Fendler (Luke David Blumm). After getting separated from his hiking party, Donn gets lost on the highest mountain in Maine. All the odds are against him, so can he survive long enough to be found?

Donn’s story was written about in a book with the same name as this film and the book inspired the making of this movie. Two of the producers were very fond of it growing up.

One of them, Ryan Cook, read the book in fourth grade and was lucky enough to receive a visit from Donn in his class, and from then on, he wanted to see a movie made from this story. The other producer, Dick Boyce, developed a fondness of the book from his father who tracked Donn’s story on the radio when it was happening. When a film had yet to be made, Cook and Boyce decided to make it themselves, and here we are.

Throughout the film, we get to see actual footage of interviews of people involved in Donn’s search – Donn’s family and, eventually, Donn himself, with each video marking somewhat of a new chapter in the movie.

There are quite a few tips that I learned from this movie that will be helpful if I ever find myself in the same situation as Donn. Luke David Blumm as Donn Fendler portrays Donn so well; I could really feel all his emotions. Paul Sparks, as his father, and Griffin Wallace, as his twin brother perfectly portray their roles. All of them together create an incredible tension that really drew me in emotionally to the story.

This movie has many messages about the values of family and being resourceful. There are some risky behaviors portrayed in this movie that young children shouldn’t try to replicate and some scenes that might be scary for young children.

I give Lost on a Mountain in Maine 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters on November 1, 2024.

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Are You Afraid of the Dark and the Midnight Society return in this nightmarish collection of the limited series events! In the first installment, Rachel must tell a truly terrifying tale in order to join the secret Midnight Society. When the chilling events of her “Tale of Mr. Tophat and the Carnival of Doom” start to come true, Rachel must face her fears to end Mr. Tophat’s reign of terror. Next, Are You Afraid of the Dark? Curse of Shadows features and all-new Midnight Society and a spooky new seaside location. When the group’s leader suddenly vanishes, the remaining members must uncover the truth behind the town’s terrifying curse before it’s too late. In Are You Afraid of the Dark? Ghost Island, four best friends and members of the Midnight Society get more than they bargained for when their fun summer vacation on a resort island turns into something sinister. They are pulled into the mystery of the island’s ghosts leading them to the terrifying and shocking revelation of room 13!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalynn G. comments, “The series Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection is scary and suspenseful. It takes place at a spooky carnival and the music and lighting effects make it even more frightening.” See her full review below.

Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection
By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

The series Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection is scary and suspenseful. It takes place at a spooky carnival and the music and lighting effects make it even more frightening.

The storyline follows a group called The Midnight Society which includes Rachel (Lyliana Wray), Gavin (Sam Ashe Arnold),Graham (Jeremy Ray Taylor), Louise (Tamara Smart) and Akiko (Mya Cech). As the new kid at school, Rachel gets accepted into The Midnight Society, which meets at midnight to tell scary stories. Rachel tells a story about the Carnival of Doom and Mr. Tophat, and the next day her story comes true. She and the rest of the group face many challenges trying to save their friend Adam and Gavin and stopping Mr. Tophat.

I love how unique this series is. It has been around for a while, however, I have never seen anything else like it. The music and special effects definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. My favorite part of this series is when Rachel, Gavin, Graham, Louise, and Akiko find out that The Carnival of Doom is a real thing. The looks on their faces when they learn that show their fear, confusion and worry. I love the character Akiko. She is brave, very independent, and definitely is not afraid to share her opinions. I love the teamwork that is shown between the various characters as The Midnight Society works together to stop Mr. Tophat and find their friends. I also love the friendships that develop during their exciting mission and adventure.

The film’s message is about teamwork and friendship. The Midnight Society has to work together in order to find Gavin and Adam and stop Mr. Tophat, and the group develops strong friendships while on that mission.

I give Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Limited Series Three-Season Collection 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This series is available now on DVD.