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The Sisters Grimm: Season 2 * The best thing about this season is the captivating story!

Friday, October 2nd, 2026

Apple TV Debuts 'The Sisters Grimm' Season 2 Trailer - Animation Magazine

Set one year after their parents vanish, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm investigate new mysteries in Ferryport Landing while trying to balance the search for their family with the magical threats of the town.

Let’s take a look at what our KIDS FIRST! Reporters have to say about it.

The Sisters Grimm Season 2
By Ashton P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Sisters Grimm Season 2 is a definitive classic when it comes to modern animated television series. The diligence taken to make each episode surprised me in ways I didn’t think of! Especially when it comes to the story, and even the art. It gives us a new look into the next generation of animation, especially in the coming-of-age category.

The storyline follows a girl who wants to find her lost parents. This is not just another six-episode mystery series for pre-teens. Sabrina Grimm (Ariel Winter) is an ambitious, determined, young twelve-year-old girl on a mission to find her parents who were taken not too long ago by the Scarlet Hand. Can she find them while balancing her anger as a young teenager or, will she crumble under the pressure.

The Sisters Grimm' Season 2 trailer teases new mysteries and fairy-tale adventures - HeyUGuysWhen Sabrina and her sister Daphne’s (Leah Newman) parents go missing they are taken in by their grandmother (Laraine Newman). This hits Sabrina Grimm hard and forces her to grow up faster than normal. Daphne, on the other hand, still gets to live out her innocence as a young child. Their grandmother, Relda, who raised their father, not only believes that the Grimm Sisters have amazing potential and determination to do anything. The character design for each and every role is excellent. Every supporting star feels like a main character and gets their own time under the spotlight. Daphne Grimm is seven years old and, when I heard that Leah Newman is 16-years-old I was astonished. Her voice acting is phenomenal. She brings innocence to the role through her voice. For a six-episode, season the pacing is amazing. The introductory episodes gives us a foundation to follow, even to the end in the action-packed episode six! I love the dynamic art that the show exhibits; the attention to detail and the colorful palette are great. The lack of background music in some episodes is completely acceptable due to the action-packed story and emotional moments the show loves to give us. This series is very relatable, and the presence of passion is evident, in every character of every episode.

This show’s lesson is to control your emotion; don’t let it control you. Remember to always put the people who love you first, even if you have to sacrifice something – it will always be worth it.

Sisters Grimm: Season 2 gets 5 out 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It is available on Apple TV+ on beginning October 2, 2026.

The Sisters Grimm: Season 2
By Nora, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

I LOVE The Sisters Grimm: Season 2! It’s so interesting; there is tons of drama between the family and each episode ends with a cliff hanger leaving me wanting more. All the different parts of the plot have interesting details and they work together perfectly.

Apple TV unveils first look at season two of animated series “The Sisters Grimm” - Apple TV PressThis season is nonstop action! The storyline is about Sabrina (Ariel Winter) and her sister Daphne (Leah Newman) attending a brand new school where people are getting murdered by something or someone. So Sabrina, Puck (Billy Harris), Jailbird Granny (Kimberly Brooks) and Mr. Canis (JB Blanc) spend time figuring out who’s been murdered. The story also follows Sabrina and Daphne trying to find their parents who were kidnapped in season 1.

The best thing about this season is the captivating story! My favorite part is when Sabrina’s best friend and her bullies all turn out to be monsters working for the villain. The betrayal between Sabrina and her best friend is extremely intriguing. Every detail brings shocking surprises such as when the bad guy turns out to be one of the school staff. I really like magical details such as Puck’s bedroom which is an actual jungle and his bed is so big with so many pillows – it looks super comfortable and made me want to curl up and snuggle in it. I love the inclusion of other popular characters; it definitely adds depth to the storyline. Another element that is exceptional is the introduction to each episode. The music and the images are outstanding and made me feel like the magical bedroom is a real place. These add so much interest to each episode, making the beginning more intense and capturing my attention immediately. Each episode ends with a cliff hanger, which is amusing and it piqued my interest so I couldn’t wait to start the next episode.

This season’s message is about how to keep your cool when others provoke you. It reminds us to never give up even if there is a force working against us. It also shows that, even as kids, you can accomplish big things if you put your mind to it!

The Sisters Grimm Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases on Apple TV on October 2, 2026.

 

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The Christmas Leprechaun * This Heartwarming Children’s Book Combines Christmas Magic, Irish Folklore And An Inspiring Message About Being Yourself

Thursday, October 1st, 2026

The Christmas Leprechaun is a heartwarming holiday tale about Finn, a kind-hearted leprechaun who dares to follow his dream of becoming an elf. While his family hides gold and plays tricks and only celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, Finn dreams of something more magical — Christmas. When he sets out for the North Pole, he meets a talking owl, kind-hearted gnomes, and skeptical elves. But with kindness in his heart and courage in his steps, Finn discovers that the true magic of Christmas isn’t about fitting in — it’s about sharing who you are. It’s a heartwarming holiday tale about belonging, bravery, and the joy of giving.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brooklyn S. comments, “The Christmas Leprechaun is a very interesting book with a well-rounded plot and beautifully detailed illustrations. Its eye-catching visuals and friendly main character make it very kid friendly.” Rhea S. adds, “The most appealing parts of The Christmas Leprechaun are certainly the illustrations and the concept of the story. It wonderfully combines Irish folklore with Christmas and that’s not something you see all the time. It includes a new, fresh take on a Christmas story and has some excellent positive messages about kindness, courage, and being yourself.” Adrianna R. wraps it up with, “I really enjoyed the magical holiday book, The Christmas Leprechaun! Written by Wizard Penfield, this heartwarming children’s book combines Christmas magic, Irish folklore and an inspiring message about being yourself.” See their full reviews below.

The Christmas Leprechaun
Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Christmas Leprechaun is a very interesting book with a well-rounded plot and beautifully detailed illustrations. Its eye-catching visuals and friendly main character make it very kid friendly. The story immediately captured my attention and held it to the very end. The writing style is great; I like that it tells the story from a very creative point of view. I really enjoyed reading this and I think many other kids will enjoy it too!

The storyline follows Finn, a kind and curious leprechaun, who dreams of doing more than just hiding gold and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. That’s right! So, he sets off on an adventure to the North Pole. While on his way, he meets several new friends and discovers the true magic of Christmas. Even while others doubt him, Finn proves that it’s worthwhile to adventure outside of normality.

The story flows at a great pace for kids, and the plot made me want to continue turning pages from start to finish. The characters and storyline are very well defined. The author’s style and word choices show professionalism in every way. Supporting the story, the illustrations deserve lots of attention. Beautifully created by Anastasia Dragunova, they have so much detail that the tiniest of things in the story are captured. This is one of the most important parts of a children’s picture book, and it is done very well. This is one of my favorite components of the book. The Christmas Leprechaun is very appealing and practical for children, and I can definitely see it as a fun nighttime read.

The book’s message is that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to the most magical adventures. Finn steps out of his comfort zone and goes against his friends’ advice, which leads to a satisfying, magical conclusion. Note that sometimes the characters are not nice to Finn; they tease or doubt him. Nothing gets physical or too negative but there is no consequence to their misbehavior.

I give The Christmas Leprechaun 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 8 plus adults. It is available now at online retailers.

The Christmas Leprechaun
By Rhea S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

https://youtu.be/g55IWjoKii0

The most appealing parts of The Christmas Leprechaun are certainly the illustrations and the concept of the story. It wonderfully combines Irish folklore with Christmas and that’s not something you see all the time. It includes a new, fresh take on a Christmas story and has some excellent positive messages about kindness, courage, and being yourself. A favorite part is when Finn meets Athena and she helps him realize that being different can actually be a strength. This short story is suitable for kids due to the magical elements, fun illustrations and the heartwarming message behind the story.

The storyline follows Finn, a leprechaun who is different from his family: he has a dream of being on Santa’s team on the North Pole. On his journey to fulfill his dreams, he encounters numerous obstacles along the way, learning that being different is not always bad.

This is a fantasy story that uses ideas about leprechauns, elves, Irish traditions, and Christmas, which are mostly used to establish the fantasy setting of the story. The story has a clear beginning, middle, and ending, and the plot makes sense. However, the middle is a little hard to follow because there are several different events and characters introduced quickly that don’t have much of a role in the overall story. The ending feels quite rushed when compared to the beginning, especially when Finn suddenly becomes accepted by the elves and joins Santa. The writing style is simple and descriptive, which works well for younger readers, although some of the character development lacks strength. For a children’s fantasy book, the information is appropriate and fits the story. I like how Finn models kindness, generosity, courage, and acceptance. He helps others even when he has very little himself and he eventually learns to accept what makes him different. Also, there is an owl who models compassion and wisdom as she encourages Finn when he feels as though he does not belong. However, there are some negative behaviors lacking consequences in the beginning of the story such as Finn’s brother Blarney teasing him for being different and not wanting to act like the other leprechauns. Finn faces several problems throughout his journey and has to decide whether he should continue when things become difficult. He questions whether he belongs at the North Pole, but the owl encourages him to trust himself. These problems are simple enough for young children to understand and it shows them that challenges can be solved by persevering and asking for help when needed.

The vocabulary and concepts are mostly appropriate for a young audience. The illustrations are one of the strongest aspects of the book. They strengthen the magic of the story, bringing a sense of vibrancy and color, especially during the scenes at the North Pole. The artwork is very appealing and matches the holiday and fantasy themes of the story. The illustrations also help keep the book visually interesting even when the plot slows down. The book has strong social and entertainment value. It teaches children about kindness, generosity, courage, and accepting people who are different from them. The story is also entertaining because it combines leprechauns, elves, Christmas, and magic into one story, providing a unique and fun story line for young readers.

The book’s message is that your differences are not something to be ashamed of. The story also shows that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to new friendships and experiences.

I give The Christmas Leprechaun 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now from online booksellers.

The Christmas Leprechau
By Adrianna R, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I really enjoyed the magical holiday book, The Christmas Leprechaun! Written by Wizard Penfield, this heartwarming children’s book combines Christmas magic, Irish folklore and an inspiring message about being yourself.

The story follows Finn, a kind hearted leprechaun who feels different from the other leprechauns around him. Instead of wanting to focus on mischief or greed, Finn wants to use his abilities for good and hopes to become an elf at Santa’s workshop. As he makes his way to the North Pole, he meets talking animals, gnomes, and skeptical elves who don’t immediately understand him. I like how Finn’s journey shows that sometimes other people may not understand your dreams, but that shouldn’t stop you from being yourself.

The Christmas setting makes the story feel extra magical. The idea of a leprechaun travelling all the way to the North Pole to become an elf is creative and fun, especially because it brings together two different kinds of holidays together. The colorful illustrations also help bring Finn’s adventure to life and make the book appealing for younger readers.  Finn’s journey is filled with challenges and important lessons about kindness as well as courage. One of my favorite things is the message, which reminds readers that being different can actually be a gift. I really like how the story connects this idea to the Christmas spirit, showing that kindness, generosity and compassion are more important than fitting in. Finn’s determination to find where he belongs makes his adventure especially meaningful and gives young readers an encouraging lesson about believing in themselves. Anyone who enjoys magical adventures will most likely enjoy this book

The story promotes a positive message about kindness, courage, compassion and embracing what makes you unique. Parents should know that the story includes some moments where Finn faces doubt from others, but these moments help reinforce the book’s positive message and are appropriate for younger readers.

The Christmas Leprechaun gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommended it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now from online retailers.

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Lotus Lagoon * Wonderful 2D Animation, Captivating Voice Acting, Culturally Significant Symbols, And Tidbits Of Wisdom

Monday, September 21st, 2026

A musical adventure series following brave Lian and her spunky red panda companion Buddy on a lush, remote island. Guided by Long, a wise dragon mentor, they observe and experiment to solve problems, with original songs woven into each episode.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sofia T. comments, “I appreciate and sincerely enjoyed the show Lotus Lagoon. The show not only has clean and captivating voice acting, culturally significant symbols, but also a feel-good lesson. That, plus it truly held my attention.” Julie O. adds, “Lotus Lagoon is a 2D animated series and the attention to detail and vibrant colors really stand out and make this series unique. The beautiful colors and the small details truly bring the story to life. One of my favorite things is how it teaches about the animals Lian and Buddy encounter as well as providing tidbits of wisdom that can be applied to different situations.” Ashish S. wraps it up with, “Lotus Lagoon is an incredible short film that I thoroughly enjoyed due to its animation, characters, writing, and music.” See their full reviews below.

Lotus Lagoon
By Sofia T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I appreciate and sincerely enjoyed the show Lotus Lagoon. The show not only has clean and captivating voice acting, culturally significant symbols, but also a feel-good lesson. That, plus it truly held my attention.

On a remote, lush island, a brave girl named Lian (Laura St. John) and her lively red panda, Buddy (Jennifer Mae Santos), solve problems through observation and experimentation. Guided by a wise dragon, Long (Craig Ross), their vibrant adventures are brought to life with original music in every episode.

I have great admiration for the voice acting of almost every character in Lotus Lagoon. Each voice is so distinct, which adds to the overall quality of the show. This can be shown through Craig Ross, the voice of Long, who adapts a speech pattern of drawn out words along with a British accent. This conveys his years of knowledge without an outright explanation or statement. Additionally Lotus Lagoon holds many references to Asian culture, which emphasizes the importance of cultural relativism. Towards the beginning of the episode Here we go Summertime, Lian refers to her dad as Baba. This term is often used in Chinese culture. This opens new doors to learn more about Chinese culture in an educational and respectful manner. Lastly, the Lotus Lagoon contains crucial life-lessons that encourage positive practices. In the episode Here we go Summertime, Lian and Buddy find a salamander named Pudge who is stuck under a rock. When they finally lift up the rock Pudge is too scared to come out. Buddy initially doesn’t want to assist as Pudge is very slimy. However, once he does help, he realizes the impact he has on Pudge and smiles knowing he did the right thing.

The show’s message is to always do the kind thing, even when it is hard.

Lotus Lagoon gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 8. This is a pilot for a TV series and does not have a release date at this time.

Lotus Lagoon: Here We Go Summertime
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Screenshot

I love the new series Lotus Lagoon! I was immediately drawn to the beautiful animation and fun music in this action packed adventure.

The storyline follows Lian (Laura St. John) who lives on a tropical island in the staff village of a resort hotel where her Baba (Bobby Gaglini) works. It is her first day of summer vacation and she is anxious to go on adventures with her friend Buddy (Jennifer Santos) who is a red panda that loves to get into mischief. While trying to avoid the hotel owner, Mrs. Baboza (Jennifer Santos) the two set out on an adventure where they help a new friend and learn some helpful wisdom from Long (Craig Ross) the dragon.

Lotus Lagoon is a 2D animated series and the attention to detail and vibrant colors really stand out and make this series unique. The beautiful colors and the small details truly bring the story to life.

One of my favorite things is how it teaches about the animals Lian and Buddy encounter as well as providing tidbits of wisdom that can be applied to different situations. The show is fast paced, has fun music, and a great group of characters. Mrs. Baboza is hilarious as the vain hotel owner and Buddy provides a lot of laughs when he is causing mischief. My favorite part of Lotus Lagoon is when the dragon, Long, teaches Lian and Buddy about salamanders.

The show’s message is that you should always help someone in need, and you never know when you might need them to help you. The show also focuses on the value of friendship, having fun, and treating everyone with respect.

I give Lotus Lagoon 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this series for ages 5 to 8. This is a pilot intended for TV or streaming and does not have a release date yet.

Lotus Lagoon
By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Lotus Lagoon is an incredible short film that I thoroughly enjoyed due to its animation, characters, writing, and music. I really enjoyed how the feel of the cartoon was reminiscent of the types of shows that I used to watch when I was younger, while still keeping the characters and the concept of the film fresh and original.

The storyline follows a girl named Lian and her panda companion Buddy as they go on adventures throughout an island. The duo finds a salamander named Pudge who is trapped under multiple rocks, and they must get their wise dragon mentor, Long, to assist them in rescuing him.

What really stands out to me about this film are the visual elements. All of the sets have an extremely vibrant and colorful nature to them, especially the backgrounds and nature scenes where the characters interact. Another really well done element is the writing. The story flows in a way that is both engaging for its intended audience as well as interesting for older viewers. The film throws in plenty of visual gags and jokes that even I found hilarious, like Long forcing Lian and Buddy to dance, or Buddy complaining about Pudge. At only 11 minutes long, the characters are quite well-developed. One can really become emotionally attached to them, even in such a short amount of time. My favorite part is the dynamic between Lian and Buddy. Their friendship is so fun to see play out on screen, and they are an extremely entertaining duo to anchor the program. Another great thing about this film is the background song during the play montage, as it is surprisingly catchy and helps to set the mood of the movie.

The film’s message revolves around friendship, helping others, and problem solving. Lian and Buddy need to put all of these skills to use to help Pudge escape the rocks. They learn about the importance of helping those in need, as well as how to pivot when they hit a roadblock.

I give Lotus Lagoon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This short film is a pilot for a series and does not have a release date yet

 

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Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story * A Brother’s Betrayal; True Crime

Friday, September 18th, 2026

At the height of his career, Dane Cook wasn’t just selling out arenas, he was redefining what a stand-up comedian could be. Then, in a shocking betrayal, the person he trusted most stole multi-millions of dollars, forever changing his life. Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story is a gripping documentary about fame, family, greed, and survival, revealing the extraordinary true story behind one of comedy’s biggest icons.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Valerie M. comments, “Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story is a gripping documentary with an amazing directorial vision and a compelling story, it’s a must watch for anyone who loves true crime.” Gavin S. adds, “The documentary shows both Dane’s success and the difficult experiences that he has gone through. It makes his story feel personal and meaningful. The film’s message serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest threats come from the people closest to us, but they still can’t take away our inner strength.” See their full reviews below.

Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 13

https://youtu.be/3pXj3Hs9Xeo

Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story is a gripping documentary with an amazing directorial vision and a compelling story, it’s a must watch for anyone who loves true crime.

The storyline follows Dane Cook, one of the most popular comedians of the 2000s, as he reveals the story of how his half-brother, Darryl Cook, tried to steal all of his money. We see Dane react to new evidence and documents as well as statements from Dane and Darryl’s friends and family.

Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story is an interesting watch. The editing has a very unique style, almost like a scrapbook or evidence log intertwined with interview shots combined with background music that sets the mood. It creates a setup using narration, bits from interviews, and visuals. The story kept me guessing even though I know how it is going to end—I still found that combining all the various aspects of the story created an amazing experience! My favorite part is the people. Each interviewee brings unique energy, flair, and personality, making them entertaining to watch. Even though they are interviewed separately, the family and friends often sound like they are having an argument. I was fascinated by their reactions to seeing new court documents and evidence, as well as learning surprising details about people they had previously misjudged.

Watching it all click into place on screen was interesting.  Although I really enjoyed this documentary, a few noticeable flaws hold it back. The opening scene and conclusion drag on longer than necessary, and a few jokes fall flat. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise great documentary that I highly recommend.

The film’s core message is clear: trust no one, not even family. As Dane Cook puts it, ‘Sign your own checks.’ Note that there is a lot of profanity, discussions of theft and a few mentions of violence.

I give Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and digital platforms on September 29, 2026.

Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story
By Gavin S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I enjoyed Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story. The documentary shows both Dane’s success and the difficult experiences that he has gone through. It makes his story feel personal and meaningful.

The storyline mainly focuses on what happened between Dane Cook and his half-brother, Darryl. As Dane’s career took off, he gave Darryl control over his finances and trusted him to manage an important part of his life. The film also looks at Dane’s childhood, his rise to fame, and Darryl’s personal life which adds context to the story.

The film gives us an overview of who Dane Cook is, looking at his early years, his interaction with his family, his love of comedy from an early age, and his relationship with his half-brother, Darryl, who betrays him. One of the strongest parts is seeing how much Dane trusted Darryl before that trust was broken. It makes his betrayal feel even more personal because Darryl is not just someone Dane works with, but someone who is part of his family. I enjoyed watching the old videos of Dane as a kid because they show how much he has always enjoyed comedy. His rise after Harmful If Swallowed is interesting to watch and we see how, as his career grows, his personal life becomes more difficult. His mother’s cancer and his father’s death boost his motivation to succeed. These personal stories work well because they show us who Dane is and how hurtful his difficulties with Darryl were. I also think showing scenes from Darryl’s life and his relationship with his wife helps us see Dane and the people in his life from different sides. Even though the documentary doesn’t delve deeply into Dane’s emotions, it makes us feel the betrayal in a very personal way.

The film’s message serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest threats come from the people closest to us, but they still can’t take away our inner strength. Be aware that there is a lot of profanity throughout the documentary, including plenty of F-bombs.

I give Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on VOD and leading digital platforms on September 29, 2026.

 

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Cookie Queens * A Heartfelt Look At Growing Up In Girl Scouting Shown From The Stories Of Four Girl Scouts

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

A celebration of girlhood and the complexities that come with it, Cookie Queens is a coming-of-age story about the joys, pressures, and tensions woven into one of America’s most cherished rituals: Girl Scout Cookie season.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Miral G. comments, “I love the film Cookie Queens because it tells the stories of four Girl Scouts and the ups and downs of running their cookie businesses. I like how it shows everything through their eyes as they grow throughout the process.” See her full review below.

Cookie Queens
By Miral G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

I love the film Cookie Queens because it tells the stories of four Girl Scouts and the ups and downs of running their cookie businesses. I like how it shows everything through their eyes as they grow throughout the process.

This documentary follows Ara, Olive, Nikki, and Shannon Elizabeth during an entire “cookie season” as they set goals, sell cookies, and learn more about themselves. These girls differ in age, cultural backgrounds, and locations, but they all share one common goal: fulfilling their dreams through selling Girl Scout cookies.

Olive, a Cadette from Charlotte, North Carolina, hopes to remain the top seller in her council. Nikki, a Brownie from Chino, California, dreams of following in her older sisters’ footsteps, earning a cookie trophy, and traveling to Europe with her troop. Shannon Elizabeth, a Brownie from El Paso, Texas, wants to sell enough cookies to attend Girl Scout camp for the first time. And Ara, a Daisy from San Diego, California, aims to sell 55 boxes of cookies during her first cookie season.

I like everything about this film, but my favorite thing is the performances of the four girls, especially Ara. She stands out and she stole my heart with her innocence and authenticity. Her reactions feel so genuine that I sometimes forgot she was performing at all. While selling cookies in her neighborhood, she meets someone with diabetes, just like her, who tells her that he can’t eat them. After cookie season ends, she sets out on a mission to create a sugar‑free cookie, and she succeeds. Her sense of humor, her determination to pull her wagon, and her creative ways of attracting customers are both admirable and adorable. I also enjoyed the film’s cinematography, especially the outdoor shots that show different settings and highlight the diversity of cities across the United States.

This documentary moved me deeply. As a Girl Scout myself, I relate to these girls and the struggles and joys they share. It presents a realistic and human side of Girl Scouts today and shows that Girl Scouting is more than selling cookies, it’s about discovering who you are and your place in the world.

The film’s message is about perseverance, because all the girls face challenges and big obstacles, yet they push through and reach their goals.

I give Cookie Queens 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on August 7, 2026.

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The End Of Oak Street * Have You Ever Imagined What It Would Be Like To Live In Ancient Carnivorous Dinosaur Times?

Friday, August 14th, 2026

After a mysterious cosmic event rips Oak Street from suburbia and transports their neighborhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family soon discovers that their very survival depends on them sticking together as they navigate their now unrecognizable surroundings.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Beatriz D. comments, “Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live in ancient carnivorous dinosaur times? Well the Platt family experienced exactly that in the film The End Of Oak Street. The special effects are absolutely phenomenal, yet realistic. I really enjoyed watching this film. I love the story and the actors’ ability to connect with each other. The CGI and special effects are quite incredible. I especially like when a giant dinosaur walks past the family’s window and you can only see a close-up of fur.” See her full review below.

The End Of Oak Street
By Beatriz D.,KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live in ancient carnivorous dinosaur times? Well the Platt family experienced exactly that in the film The End Of Oak Street. The special effects are absolutely phenomenal, yet realistic. Plus, there are funny parts that kept me engaged and connected with the characters. Before you watch this film make sure you bring someone to hold on to during the scenes where the audience all gets jump scared.

The storyline starts with a troubled family living in a classic suburban neighborhood. Everything looks perfectly normal until some strange things start occurring like an ancient plant appearing in someone’s backyard. Later, the family wakes up with their whole neighborhood planted in ancient dinosaur times. We follow their adventure as they attempt to survive while their whole neighborhood is being attacked by carnivorous dinosaurs.

The End of Oak Street Review: Loopier (and in a Way Better) 'Jurassic'I really enjoyed watching this film. I love the story and the actors’ ability to connect with each other.  The plot develops logically and makes perfect sense. The CGI and special effects are quite incredible. I especially like when a giant dinosaur walks past the family’s window and you can only see a close-up of fur. Another part that is absolutely amazing is when the family attempts to escape their neighborhood and ends up at the edge of the cliff as if their whole neighborhood has just been cut out of the land and placed in the past. This scene is absolutely unforgettable. It is quite hard to picture my favorite part of the film, but I would pick a part at the very beginning when the family’s grumpy neighbor, Mel (P. J. Byrne) walks up angrily to the mom, Denise (Anne Hathaway), and yells at her about her dog.  She firmly replies that if he ever points a gun at her dog she will burn his house down. This shows how much the family loves their dog, Starbuck (Buzz and Brisket). Denise (Anne Hathaway) is my favorite character because she shows her emotional pain through the screen, which gives the film an emotional touch. Anne Hathaway connects to the other cast members so well, making them seem like they are actually a family.

End of Oak Street Box Office Opening Targets Spider-Man: Brand New DayThe film’s message is to always be thankful for what you have. It begins with Denise wondering if this is what she really wanted for her life and, when the tragedy happens she becomes more thankful than ever. Be forewarned that there is bloody, gory violence, and a little sexual behavior.

I give The End Of Oak Street 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this film for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters August 14, 2026.

 

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Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi * Amazing Plot, Terrific Writing, Outstanding Visuals

Sunday, August 9th, 2026

In this new series, Lah Kara continues to train in the ways of the Jedi under Margrave Juro. Kara goes on an epic journey of self-discovery as she and Juro’s small fellowship of Jedis-in-training embark on a quest to save her father and stop a mysterious Sith leader from unleashing darkness upon the galaxy.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Ashish S. comments, “I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the animation is stunning. I have never really been too exposed to the world of anime prior to viewing this, so I was really blown away by the style. The visuals really shine in the fight scenes of the show. I also love the color of the lightsabers and the backgrounds.” Ari C. adds, “I absolutely love Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi because of its amazing plot and terrific writing. The plot is fantastic; it fully immersed me in the amazing storyline. Every time an episode ended, I was dying to see what would happen next.”  See their full reviews below.

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi
By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Lah Zhima in a scene from Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi is a captivating and thrilling adventure set in the Star Wars universe. I really enjoyed its unique story structure, cool worldbuilding, and characters.

This series follows the jedi, Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn), as she trains under Margrave Juro (Andrew Kishino). They face a major threat in the form of General Nawaam (Young Mazino) who wants to eradicate the order. At the same time, Lah Kara discovers more and more about her father, Lah Zhima (Simu Liu), and tries to reunite with him.

I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the animation is stunning. I have never really been too exposed to the world of anime prior to viewing this, so I was really blown away by the style.

A scene from Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The visuals really shine in the fight scenes of the show. I also love the color of the lightsabers and the backgrounds. Another thing that I like is the unique story structure. Not every episode is the same–some are more concerned with setting up the world of the series; some are more action-based; and some are based around getting to know the characters’ past. The writers beautifully weave every story together so that I felt invested with the series as a whole. On that note, the story was a little tough to follow at times, with all of the lore and backstory injected in between plots. This made most of the characters somewhat confusing at first, as it’s only after a couple episodes that I really started to understand the role of each person and who they are. My favorite part is Lah Kara; she is one of the very well-written characters within the series, and her character is both relatable and significant. Additionally, Kimmiko Glenn, who voices her, is very expressive and brings life to the role. This series is watchable, but not the best from the Star Wars franchise as a whole.

Lah Zhima in a scene from Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The series’ message revolves around the theme of determination. Lah Kara is very brave and eager to go on this journey, but both her past and present create obstacles for her. Despite this, she desires to resolve her issues, which makes her even stronger and makes her character arc even more interesting.

I give Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch the series on Disney Plus and Hulu beginning Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13

(L-R) 99-99 and Ethan in a scene from Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

I absolutely love Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi because of its amazing plot and terrific writing. Also, the beautiful animation, wonderful voice acting, and epic fight scenes are very notable.

This series takes place after the events that took place in Star Wars: Visions and continues the story of Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn) and the rest of the “master-less Jedi,” including Juro (Andrew Kishino) and Homen (Patrick Seitz), as they fight to gather allies to rebuild the Jedi order and stop the malevolent Nawaam (Young Mazino) and his evil empire. This series adds new characters like Nawaam, the main antagonist of the show, and keeps some original characters like Gramps (JP Karliak), one of my favorites. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about the characters and their past.

The plot of this series is fantastic; it fully immersed me in the amazing storyline.

(L-R) Homen, Kawana, Margrave Juro, and Lah Kara in a scene from Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Every time an episode ended, I was dying to see what would happen next. I must commend Mitsuyasu Sakai for writing an absolute masterpiece, with terrific characters that make it that much more compelling. Watching the characters develop is amazing and the way the characters’ pasts unfold throughout the story is perfect. I haven’t watched much anime, but I felt the beauty of the art in this series must be unique. The lightsabers, the way everyone’s hair moves with the wind, the absolute attention to detail that went into all of this is impressive.

The voice actors are so good that it sometimes feels as if the characters are actually speaking to you. The fighting scenes are awesome; seeing the different fighting styles and the way the characters clash with each other is amazing. Honestly, putting lightsabers and anime together is pure genius.

Lah Kara in a scene from Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The fast pace of anime and the bright flashiness of a lightsaber go together like peanut butter and jelly. My favorite part is the final battle between Nawaam and Kara, because it is both an epic fight, and it’s a perfect end to one of my favorite stories in all of Star Wars.

The show’s message is that our emotions make us who we are and we must accept them instead of suppress them. Note that this show does have strong violent scenes and depictions of death that some viewers may find disturbing, as well as some mild profanity.

I give Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find it now on Disney Plus and Hulu.

 

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The Dink * A Hilarious, Action-Packed Movie That Uses Humor To Deal With Heavy Issues Like Self-Identity, Accepting Changes, And Difficult Relationships

Friday, July 24th, 2026

Washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck’s vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, taking away his ability to play tennis, he resorts to the unthinkable in the name of rehab. He not only tries pickleball, but, thanks in part to his enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he finds himself actually enjoying it. Torn between two worlds, Dusty is forced to finally face the ghosts of his past athletic failures, including his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick (Andy Roddick). Ultimately, Dusty is drawn into a desperate battle for the future of the club, his father’s affection and his very identity.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Julie O. comments, “The Dink Is A Hilarious, Action-Packed Movie That Uses Humor To Deal With Heavy Issues Like Self-Identity, Accepting Changes, And Difficult Relationships with parents. I laughed throughout the entire film and found myself constantly rooting for Dusty.” See her full review below

The Dink
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Dink is a hilarious, action-packed movie that uses humor to deal with heavy issues like self-identity, accepting changes, and difficult relationships with parents. I laughed throughout the entire film and found myself constantly rooting for Dusty.

Dusty, aka “The Hammer” (Jake Johnson) grew up as a tennis prodigy. Encouraged by his coach, who is also his father (Ed Harris), Dusty suffers an accident preventing him from playing tennis. After his accident, Dusty becomes a pretty bitter person. Now, as a 40-year-old who still works for his dad, Dusty finds himself having to make a difficult choice and accept new challenges if he wants to make his dad proud. PJ (Aaron Chen) is Dusty’s best friend and number one fan who provides comic relief in every scene. On his journey, Dusty also forges a new friendship with Candace (Mary Steenburgen) who challenges Dusty to try new things.

I really enjoy how the story centers on one character, Dusty, and how he is managing his relationships with family, friends, and himself while using the rivalry between tennis and pickleball as a subplot. The conflict between the two sports is hilarious. I love that the film shows how everyone is good at something, regardless of age and perceived ability. I also like the pacing of the film and how it primarily focuses on the main character over a short period of his life. Most of the scenes are set at the tennis club or the pickleball courts.  My favorite part is all of the celebrity cameos and how Dusty gets his new nickname.

The film’s message is that it is never too late to create the version of yourself that you want to be. The film also focuses on the importance of being open-minded and willing to try new things. Parents should be advised that the film contains profanity and some sexual references.

I give The Dink 4 out 5 stars and recommend the film for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Dink releases on Apple TV July 24, 2026.

 

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Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher * Follows An Unexpected Internet Legend As It Explores The Wild Word Of Competitive Tetris

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Thirteen-year-old Willis Gibson’s life changes overnight when he becomes the first to beat Tetris. It explores grief, community, and the rise of an unexpected internet icon.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashton P. comments, “Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher is one of the best movies I’ve ever watched. It wouldn’t be possible without the story of Willis Gibson or the game Tetris itself. This documentary explores themes of grief, community and the wild world of competitive Tetris as it follows the unexpected Internet legend.” See his full review below.

Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher
By Ashton P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher is one of the best movies I’ve ever watched. It wouldn’t be possible without the story of Willis Gibson or the game Tetris itself.

The storyline is about “child verses computer,” a tale as old as 1984. The film follows 13-year-old Willis Gibson, known as Blue Scuti who becomes the first person in history to beat Tetris, the game created by Alexey Pajitnov that sold thirty-five million copies! It took someone 40 years to beat it and changed Willis Gibson’s life overnight. This documentary explores themes of grief, community and the wild world of competitive Tetris as it follows the unexpected Internet legend.

As a young child, Willis Gibson loved to memorize presidents, was amazed by trains, infatuated with space, and intrigued by puzzles. But all of those interests did not compare to Willis’s love for Tetris. In 2023 Willis won the Classic Tetris World Championship (CTWC) Kansas City Regional. Then in 2024 Willis won the CTWC Desert Regional to punch his ticket to Pasadena. And then, right then, Willis’s father lost his battle with heart disease just weeks before the historic December run. That didn’t stop Blue Scut; a few days after his father’s death Willis beat Tetris. The only way to “beat” Tetris is if the game crashes at a certain point and Willis was the first to ever do it! He cleared a single line on Level 157, causing the game’s 34-year-old code to malfunction and freeze entirely. Multiple news stations, including Fox, CNN, CBS, and NBC interviewed Willis and brought him fame overnight. After going to Modretro Tetris Championship, Willis was invited to the CTWC Paris Regional. In the finale, Willis lost to DanV in heartbreaking fashion, but he was invited to Pasadena, California for CTWC in 2024. In the qualifying round, Willis secured the one seed and beat Rhubarb in round 32. In Day 2, Willis beat his best friend, CoalBucket, in the first match of the day. In the quarter finals, he beat Tristop in game one but lost three consecutive games afterwards. In the end, Willis came so close to winning CTWC and beating Tetris in the same year.

The film’s message is to always persevere through tough times and never give up on your dreams. No matter what your situation is, it will always work out in the end.

I give Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It is available on Amazon Prime through Wonder Project so go check it out now!

 

 

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Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu * The Film’s Breathtaking Cinematography, Naturalistic Color Grading And Well-Executed Stunts, Create A Visual Spectacle

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ilana O. comments, “The film’s breathtaking cinematography, naturalistic color grading and well-executed stunts, create a visual spectacle. Most of all, the father-son dynamic between the Mandalorian and Grogu is explored further.” Ashish S. adds, “Of all the great things about the movie, the visuals and cinematography absolutely have to be mentioned. From the backgrounds and sets when the characters are outdoors to the visuals of the sky when Din and Grogu blast off in their ship, everything is truly breathtaking.” See their full reviews below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu
By Ilana O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18 

(L-R) Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo by Nicola Goode. © 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.

The Mandalorian and Grogu presents a continuation of the hit Star Wars show, The Mandalorian and takes us on an immersive, action-packed journey across multiple biomes! The film’s breathtaking cinematography, naturalistic color grading and well-executed stunts, create a visual spectacle. Most of all, the father-son dynamic between the Mandalorian and Grogu is explored further. Although the movie is mostly characterized as a fun adventure, there are some areas to the story that lack cinematic scale.

In the film, the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal), a bounty hunter who works with the New Republic, is tasked  to locate Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen-White) and bring him back to his family. He is accompanied by his apprentice, Grogu, as they encounter a crime syndicate leader, and a rival bounty hunter that attempts to derail their mission. Despite this, Mandalorian must navigate the consequences of his decisions he makes during the rescue mission.

(L-R) Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver) in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo by Justin Lubin. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.

The main cast are Mandalorian, Grogu, Rotta the Hutt, Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver), Janu Coin (Jonny Coyne) and Hugo (Martin Scorsese). Grogu shines in every scene through his expressive mannerisms. Although he is not played by an actor, the team of five puppeteers that controls his movements along with animatronic technology, create a very convincing performance. His presence not only adds moments of lighthearted humor, but complements Pedro Pascal’s performance as Mandalorian. The contrast between Grogu’s softness and Mandalorian’s stoic nature is effectively balanced. Martin Scorsese’s voice acting performance as Hugo, an Ardennian fry cook, also adds humor. Despite being in very few scenes, he delivers a memorable performance through his distinctive voice and natural interactions with Mandalorian. More so, the newer environments featured, such as the dark crime cities, swamp marshes and the tundra, display depth due to the natural color-grading and cinematography — which avoids heavy reliance on green screens. Lateef Crowder and Brendan Wayne, who both split the stunt choreography for Mandalorian, are great at incorporating elements of martial arts, which make Mandalorian appear more grounded and human.

Grogu in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.

To seasoned fans of the franchise, the story itself may feel limited in cinematic scope or underwhelming, due to its quick resolution and lower stakes—which pale in comparison to the show. However, its isolated adventure and straightforward plot ensures that even those who have not seen the show can still be invested in the emotional stakes of the film.

The film’s message explores the dynamics of a chosen family vs biological family and overcoming generational trauma. Be aware, there are instances of death and violence.

The Mandalorian and Grogu gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theatres beginning on May 22, 2026.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu
By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

(L-R) Grogu and The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is an exciting action packed adventure while combining humor and heart that feels like the perfect summer film. While the plot feels a bit disjointed, its stunning visuals and cinematography combined with the development of the characters was enough to win me over.

The storyline follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), otherwise known as the “Mandalorian” and his adoptive son Grogu. Under orders from Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver), Mandalorian must track down Rotta The Hutt (Jeremy Allen White) and rescue him. Things aren’t how they seem however, and Grogu must step in to save the day.

Of all the great things about the movie, the visuals and cinematography absolutely have to be mentioned. From the backgrounds and sets when the characters are outdoors to the visuals of the sky when Din and Grogu blast off in their ship, everything is truly breathtaking.

The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo by Francois Duhamel. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.

I especially enjoyed the beginning scene where the characters are fighting their primary battle in a snowy landscape and the utilization of special effects when the Mandalorian is fighting with his weapons. One negative thing about the film is its broken plot – it doesn’t have one central story and the main plot is split into two parts. The first part of the film focuses on Rotta The Hutt; while the second part focuses on Grogu and his role in saving other characters. It almost feels like two separate stories that don’t really intertwine, leading to a sense of isolation for the viewer. My favorite part is the character Grogu due to his adorable visuals, levity and humor.

The film’s message revolves around leaning on others and the role of friendship and trust. This is encapsulated through the relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu, and how they depend on each other during their individual times of need, as well as their relationship with Rotta The Hutt. Be forewarned that there are moments of intense, though not graphic, violence throughout this film, and some mild profanity.

I give Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on Friday, May 22, 2026.

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