KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

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.

A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Academy Award-winning Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) — natural sworn enemies of The Valley — who suddenly swap bodies and must team up (while walking in each other’s feathers and fur) to survive the wildest adventure of their lives.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Drake G. comments, “I really enjoy the movie Swapped. The characters are beautifully drawn and engaging. It is a fresh take on the swapping concept and a very imaginative way for characters from two different worlds to understand where each other comes from, or to “walk a mile in each other’s shoes.” Junior R. adds, “Whoa, Swapped is super weird in the BEST way possible—I love it! I seriously didn’t expect to like it this much, but the animal body-swapping makes everything totally chaotic and hilarious. It’s hysterical because the characters act so ridiculously in each other’s bodies, and the animation looks awesome the whole time. It even has some emotional parts that kind of snuck up on me. Swapped is wild, funny, and actually has some heart.” Ari C. wraps it up with, “This film is amazing. The voice acting is terrific — Michal B. Jordan captures the emotions and complexities of his character wonderfully; it almost feels as if he’s truly just a small creature trying to right his wrongs.” See their full reviews below.

Swapped
By Drake G., KIDS First Film Critic, age 13

SWAPPED – A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Academy Award-winning Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) cr: Skydance Animation/Netflix ©2026 Skydance Animation

I really enjoy the movie Swapped. The characters are beautifully drawn and engaging. It is a fresh take on the swapping concept and a very imaginative way for characters from two different worlds to understand where each other comes from, or to “walk a mile in each other’s shoes.”

The story follows a woodland creature, Ollie (Michael B. Jordan), who attempts to befriend a beautiful and colorful bird, Ivy (Juno Temple). As a kind gesture, he offers her some of the food that he and his family enjoy. Soon after, his father shares that the food source is running low and that they will not likely survive. Ollie and Ivy swap bodies, and they begin an adventure that helps them uncover secrets of the forest and bring the animals together.

I love the storyline and message of Swapped. In the village, each of the animals is isolated and congregates in separate groups.

SWAPPED – A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Academy Award-winning Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) cr: Skydance Animation/Netflix ©2026 Skydance Animation

However, as Ollie and Ivy navigate their quest to find a way to return to their bodies, they learn that they need each other. While these creatures would likely have conflict in the real world, together they uncover and demonstrate that they are stronger together. There is an emphasis on the importance of not judging a character by the type of animal it is, but instead taking a moment to “walk in their shoes” and learn about who they are. In addition to the talented actors who play the main characters, Tracy Morgan plays Boogle, a seemingly endearing and kind fish who initially befriends Ollie and Ivy and gains their trust. Tracy Morgan is extremely versatile as he transitions from a playful fish to a more sinister role. I especially appreciate the honest dialogue when Ivy pointedly asks Ollie whether he does not trust her, and because of earlier events, he admits that he does not. I like how the characters experience opportunities to grow and develop.

The film’s message is to avoid rushing to judge and to consider partnering with others instead of allowing biases or past experiences to shape future relationships. Throughout the story, there is some mild violence, including a few chase scenes that could potentially be upsetting to younger children.

I give Swapped 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Swapped is available for streaming on Netflix beginning May 1, 2026.

Swapped
By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

POOKOO – When two natural sworn enemies of The Valley, a small woodland creature and a majestic bird, magically trade places… Cr: Skydance Animation/Netflix © 2025

Whoa, Swapped is super weird in the BEST way possible—I love it! I seriously didn’t expect to like it this much, but the animal body-swapping makes everything totally chaotic and hilarious. It’s hysterical because the characters act so ridiculously in each other’s bodies, and the animation looks awesome the whole time. It even has some emotional parts that kind of snuck up on me. Swapped is wild, funny, and actually has some heart.

Swapped is about a tiny woodland creature named Ollie (Michael B. Jordan), who is a Pookoo, and a majestic bird named Ivy (Juno Temple), who is a Javan, and they accidentally switch bodies. The problem is…they’re basically enemies. Now they have to survive in the valley while stuck in each other’s bodies. As they try to switch back, they go on a crazy adventure and start to understand each other.

The animation is, honestly, so cool—it’s super colorful and looks almost like a nature documentary, but it’s way more exciting and exotic. The characters are really beautiful too.

Even though they’re mystical creatures like Pookoos and Javans, they have so much detail that they feel real. The funniest part is how Ollie and Ivy still act like themselves after switching bodies—so, watching them struggle is hilarious. Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple make the perfect voices for these two characters.

SWAPPED – A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Academy Award-winning Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) cr: Skydance Animation/Netflix ©2026 Skydance Animation

The valley has awesome settings like sky, water, and even some intense fire scenes. There’s also a fish named Boogle (Tracy Morgan), who adds mystery and humor, and you will just have to watch the film to understand him. My favorite part is when Ollie tries flying for the first time—it’s a total mess but also kind of inspiring.

The film’s message is about understanding others and not judging too quickly. It shows that even enemies can learn from each other. It’s positive without feeling preachy and it makes you want to be kinder. There are a few intense moments and risky situations, but nothing too scary. Swapped hits all of the emotions while leaving you on the edge of your seat.

I give Swapped 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Swapped on Netflix starting May 1, 2026.

Swapped
By Ari C. KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 13

SWAPPED – A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Academy Award-winning Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) cr: Skydance Animation/Netflix ©2026 Skydance Animation

I love Swapped. It is wonderful from every angle, but what stands out to me the most is the fantastic voice acting, the terrific animation, the entrancing storyline, and the amazing morals.

This story follows a woodland creature named Ollie (Michael B. Jordan) who blames himself for his civilization’s downfall, and a bird named Ivy (Juno Temple) who is seen as annoying and controlling, when she’s just trying to be a good big sister. When a freak accident happens forcing them to walk in each other’s shoes, they must find a magical bud to return to their homes. As they embark on a journey through “The Valley,” they make new friends like Boogle, a large fish (Cedric The Entertainer), and new enemies like the fire wolf (Cedric The Entertainer), the main antagonist of the film.

This film is amazing. The voice acting is terrific — Michael B. Jordan captures the emotions and complexities of his character wonderfully; it almost feels as if he’s truly just a small creature trying to right his wrongs.

SWAPPED – A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) Cr: Skydance Animation/NETFLIX ©2026 Skydance Animation

Juno Temple expertly portrays a big sister trying to do right. And Cedric The Entertainer perfectly voices both of his roles, sounding like an innocent fish looking for a friend, and then capturing the cruelty of the fire wolf. The animation is fantastic. I watched in complete awe of the bright colors and abstract art style. Thom Roberts, the lead animator of this film, pours his soul into its animation. The entire animation department has really made a masterpiece with this movie. The storyline had me looping; I was excited, scared, happy and even cried. The script is awesome with twists and turns that had me spinning. I would think I knew what was going to happen, but it turned out I had no idea. The morals of the story are amazing — they really stick with me, and I believe they’ll resonate with others as well. My favorite part is when all the animals come together. This part gave me a deep sense of hope that one day humanity will join hands like that.

The film’s message is that sometimes we must put aside our differences for the greater good, and it also reminds us that together we can get past any obstacle.

I give Swapped 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can find it on Netflix beginning May 1, 2026.

When a minotaur raised by humans starts dreaming of his mythical past, he sets out on a wild adventure — with help from his brother and friends — to understand who he really is. A thrilling mix of folklore, mystery and adventure about a young minotaur – half boy, half bull – found and raised in the human world. With the help of his fiercely loyal human brother, he recruits a bold group of friends to uncover the mystery of his minotaur past and fulfill his destiny, all while battling dark forces determined to see him fail. The animated series features voice performances from rising stars Ely Solan, Billy Jenkins, Luciana Akpobaro and Billie Boullet, alongside Michael Sheen, Brian Cox, Paul Kaye and T’Nia Miller.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashton P. comments, “I truly enjoyed My Brother The Minotaur, from its Irish twist, amazing story, and touches of Greek mythology. The series genuinely surprised me. When I first watched My Brother The Minotaur, I thought it was going to be the average animated Apple TV show. But instead, it turned out to be a true gem.” See his full review below.

My Brother The Minotaur
By Ashton P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I truly enjoyed My Brother The Minotaur, from its Irish twist, amazing story, and touches of Greek mythology. The series genuinely surprised me. When I first watched My Brother The Minotaur, I thought it was going to be the average animated Apple TV show. But instead, it turned out to be a true gem.

The storyline follows Lorcan (Ely Solan), a teenage minotaur who is experiencing problems growing up. These problems consist of lashing out and being hypnotized into a trance.  And, no matter what, Lorcan and his little brother Charlie (Billy Jenkins) decide that they’re going on an adventure. The goals of this adventure is to figure out what’s occurring with the island, defeat the rival enemies, Wesley (Michael Sheen) and Wesley Jr. (Elliot Grihault), and identify what’s bothering Lorcan.  In addition, Lorcan is trying to find his long lost, believed to be deceased, minotaur parents.

Lorcan and the island are experiencing problems from a shapeshifting mythical creature to the uncovered ruins that turn out to be a labyrinth. It’s up to Lorcan, Charlie, Harper (Luciana Akpobaro), and Dana (Billie Boullet), to uncover the island’s secrets, history, and Lorcan’s destiny. This series speaks to young teenagers by not being too colorful. Many animated series suffer from having too much happening on the screen, but this one focuses on making jokes at the right time and playing it safe with the artwork. Sometimes that’s exactly what a show needs to go from great to remarkable.

The art and animation are what carries this series beyond mediocrity. There are so many times where the viewer can pause an episode and appreciate the calm and grounded style of the artwork.

I love how Charlie’s character is designed – his youthful innocence paired with his detective skills made me smile. The way he loves his brother is so heartwarming. Additionally, Dana and Harper have great chemistry and this ultimately helps Lorcan and Charlie more than they realize.

The show’s lesson is that growing up can be very challenging and letting others help us isn’t a death wish. In life sometimes being a real adult is realizing that teamwork makes the dreamwork.

I give My Brother The Minotaur 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It is available on Apple TV+ beginning April 24, 2026. So go check it now!

A Great Awakening tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between the Reverend George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. With the colonies on the brink of collapse, the Reverend George Whitefield ignites the first Great Awakening, uniting an entire generation with his thundering and faithful sermons and proclamations of liberty. In a miraculous turn of events, one of Whitefield’s closest friends and greatest promoters becomes none other than Benjamin Franklin. With the nation’s freedom hanging in the balance, the founders discover true liberty cannot only be written into law – it must be awakened in the hearts of the people.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adele B. comments, “A Great Awakening is an extraordinary movie that takes you on an unanticipated, yet entertaining journey through history. With incredible storytelling and well composed visuals, I was in awe as it unfolds… This film shines in its visual aspects and definitely kept my attention. The lighting is spectacular and made me feel like I was experiencing and seeing history with new eyes.” See her full review below.

A Great Awakening
By Adele B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

A Great Awakening is an extraordinary movie that takes you on an unanticipated, yet entertaining journey through history. With incredible storytelling and well composed visuals, I was in awe as it unfolds.

This insightful film tells the story of Benjamin Franklin (John Paul Sneed) and George Whitefield’s (Jonathan Blair) unexpected 30-year-long friendship. It details the up’s and down’s of both of their lives, how they continuously were intertwined, and the important impact they left on each other. And most significantly, the lasting legacy their trail-blazing approach left on American history when they ignited an awakening of its people.

This film shines in its visual aspects and definitely kept my attention. The lighting is spectacular and made me feel like I was experiencing and seeing history with new eyes. The realistic costumes reflect the late 1700s style accurately. The transitions between scenes are very well put together and are satisfying to watch. The movie really comes to life as the sets look accurate to the time period. When I was watching it, I was completely invested! The cast’s performance is truly amazing and definitely makes this movie breathtaking. George Whitfield, played by Jonathan Blair, is one of the most enjoyable to watch. The way he expresses his character’s emotions is effortless and very believable. The relationship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield unfolds with care and attention. They go from not knowing each other and being wary of each other to becoming best friends for many years. I love the way we see how they influence each other to be better and make a lasting impact, and how Benjamin Franklin learned from Whitefield and contributed to history in his own way.

The film’s message is that if you persevere you can overcome anything life throws at you. Don’t let others decide your limits and do what you can to help others despite push back and negative feedback.

I give A Great Awakening 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters April 3, 2026.

Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy is reimagined in a bold, modern adaptation set within London’s elite South Asian community. When Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) returns for his father’s funeral, he is stunned to discover his uncle Claudius is marrying his newly widowed mother.

Visited by his father’s ghost, Hamlet learns his brutal murder was at the hands of Claudius – and spirals into a quest for vengeance that exposes the rot at the heart of the family’s empire and threatens his own sanity.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “What if you could step inside William Shakespeare’s creative mind and feel every emotion that shaped Hamlet, his most iconic and famous tragedy? This film draws you into the story in a haunting and unforgettable way through its protagonist, Hamlet, while introducing this timeless story, originally performed in the 1600s, to a new generation.” See her full review below.

Hamlet
By Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

What if you could step inside William Shakespeare’s creative mind and feel every emotion that shaped Hamlet, his most iconic and famous tragedy? This film draws you into the story in a haunting and unforgettable way through its protagonist, Hamlet, while introducing this timeless story, originally performed in the 1600s, to a new generation.

This visually striking film follows Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) who is returning home after the unexpected death of his father, and finds that his mother, Queen Gertrude (Sheeba Chaddha), is preparing to marry his uncle Claudius (Art Malik). While struggling with his grief, Hamlet meets the ghost of his father, who reveals that his death wasn’t actually an accident, but he was murdered by Claudius. As he tries to discover the truth, he starts questioning who he can trust, and he begins to plot his revenge.

I highly recommend this film! The classic story is reimagined within a South Asian family living in modern-day London, which makes it feel fresh and culturally resonant. Every scene feels alive, with engaging performances that make it impossible to look away for even a second. Riz Ahmed is the perfect actor to play Hamlet, as he has the ability to portray the character’s complexity. He shows both his grief after losing his father and his suspicion and growing revenge against Claudius in an impactful way through his subtle body language and chilling dialogue delivery. Additionally, Sheeba Chaddha’s gentle portrayal of Gertrude captures her vulnerability and weakness, so it contrasts nicely with Hamlet’s intensity. Art Malik is also well-suited for Claudius, as he brings an authoritative presence on the outside, but extremely tense on the inside, which makes his performance convincing and natural. I especially love how the film incorporates many lines from the original play, like the famous line “To be, or not to be, that is the question” – they are woven beautifully into the story.

Even though the film is set in modern times, these classic lines feel natural and meaningful without feeling out of place. The film also captures the business of London at night, using the loud sounds of traffic and the city, which creates a strong contrast with the timeless, poetic tone of Shakespeare’s language.

The film’s message is that when someone is consumed by grief and betrayal, they can lose control of their thoughts and actions, leading to serious consequences. It’s a reminder that if powerful emotions aren’t controlled, they can affect not only one person, but everyone around them.

I give Hamlet 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters on April 10, 2026.

In London, two dads (Josh Duhamel & Michael Socha) set their sights on the last open spot at an ultra-posh preschool. What begins as a simple application snowballs into a wildly escalating rivalry packed with big-hearted laughs, outrageous one‐upmanship, and surprising consequences. As schemes spiral and families get pulled into the madness, both fathers discover what they’re really willing to do for their kids–and what it means to be a parent.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Preschool captures exactly how stressful the preschool application process can feel for parents. The plot is constantly amusing, with twists and turns at every moment, and as you start to understand more of the story, it just gets funnier. Josh Duhamel both directs and stars in the film, and somehow manages to pull off both roles without missing a beat.” See his full review below.

Preschool
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Preschool captures exactly how stressful the preschool application process can feel for parents. The plot is constantly amusing, with twists and turns at every moment, and as you start to understand more of the story, it just gets funnier. Josh Duhamel both directs and stars in the film, and somehow manages to pull off both roles without missing a beat.

The story centers on two families competing to get their kids into the top preschool in the area, with only one spot remaining. Alan Williams (Josh Duhamel) and his wife Lauren (Charity Wakefield) are convinced their daughter deserves that spot, but so are Brian Young (Michael Socha) and his wife Sarah (Antonia Thomas). Both families want this preschool badly, which leads to some hilarious hijinks including a broken finger, a wrestling fail, and so much more.

The main message of Preschool is that both dads are so focused on winning the preschool spot that they completely lose sight of their actual kids. In one scene, Alan leaves his daughter inside an indoor skydiving machine — she is clearly calling for his help, but he is too distracted talking to Brian to notice. The physical comedy lands well throughout, especially in the final fight scene where a window gets broken and someone gets clotheslined. Michael Socha brings wild energy as Brian, and James Cosmo as Brian’s father adds grit and a grounded dose of reality that keeps things from feeling too over the top.

The music perfectly fits the film’s childlike and humorous tone — it feels playful and a little chaotic, just like the dads themselves. The locations are also a highlight, with each family’s home and neighborhood painting a clear picture of who they are and who they want to be seen as. Alan’s world looks polished and put-together, while Brian’s has a rougher, more working-class feel, and that contrast adds a lot to the comedy.

The film’s message is about not losing sight of your parenting goals by over-focusing on things like securing the coveted preschool slot. It is such a natural part of parenting to worry about your child’s future, but worrying about it as early as preschool creates unnecessary anxiety – the film definitely mines that anxiety for lots of laughs. Be aware that the film includes themes of anger and there are a few scenes where the dads come to blows, but the film consistently finds a way to keep even those moments funny.

I give Preschool 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. The film is available on VOD starting March 17, 2025.

A 19-year-old animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Avani M. comments, “Hoppers is an exciting and colorful movie that really made me smile. It has fun characters, bright animation, and music that make every scene feel lively. I like how the story is adventurous but also teaches important lessons about kindness, trust, and paying attention to the world around you.” Kennedy P. adds, “From the very first scene, Hoppers jumps straight into the kind of fun, heart, and adventure that Pixar does best. I was instantly pulled in by the humor, the colorful world, and the lovable characters. Before I knew it, I was fully invested in their journey. What I love most is how the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, making it entertaining for kids while still meaningful for adults.” See their full reviews and our talent interviews below.

Hoppers
By Avani M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Hoppers is an exciting and colorful movie that really made me smile. It has fun characters, bright animation, and music that make every scene feel lively. I like how the story is adventurous but also teaches important lessons about kindness, trust, and paying attention to the world around you.

The storyline follows a girl named Mabel (Piper Curda) trying to save her local glade filled with peaceful animals. She would go there with her grandma whenever she wanted to find some peace in her life. The Mayor of Beaverton (Jon Hamm) has plans to destroy the glade with new construction. With the help of her teacher, Mabel uses technology to hop into a beaver‘s body and teams up with the animals and mammal King George (Bobby Moynihan) to save her land.

(L-R): King George, Mabel Beaver, and Ellen Bear in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The animation in Hoppers is bright, lively and full of motion. Every scene feels like it’s bursting with color and energy. The characters move so smoothly that I easily smiled along with them, especially during the funniest moments. The voice actors’ performances stand out and really make this film shine. Piper Curda, as Mabel, shows her passion for nature through her voice so well. You can hear the excitement and the energy in her voice when she’s happy and feel the desperation when her animals are hurt. Bobby Moynihan, as King George, has a parental tone when he teaches Mabel the ways of the pond and when he teaches her lessons about friendship, family, and trust. Jon Hamm, as the Mayor of Beaverton, also delivers a great performance; I particularly like how he shows how sometimes people try to be there for others, but hurt other things in the process.

Insect Queen in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Meryl Streep’s presence is felt even in a small body as the Insect Queen. Though she is small, she is formidable. The music adds so much joy to the story, with upbeat melodies that fit perfectly with the action and softer tunes that make the emotional parts feel warm and touching. The music works together with the animation to bring the world of Hoppers to life in a way that’s fun for both kids and adults.

The film’s message is about being still, watching, and listening; it shows that everyone and everything is connected, and how paying attention to the little things can help you understand the world around you. It also reminds us that everyone has good in them, even when they make mistakes.

A scene from Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

We see characters making choices that aren’t always perfect, but by looking for the good in others, they learn kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Finally, trust is shown like a dam – sometimes it might leak or get broken, but it can always be repaired when people work together to fix it.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages to 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on March 6, 2026.

Hoppers
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, Age 11

Mabel in Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

From the very first scene, Hoppers jumps straight into the kind of fun, heart, and adventure that Pixar does best. I was instantly pulled in by the humor, the colorful world, and the lovable characters. Before I knew it, I was fully invested in their journey. What I love most is how the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, making it entertaining for kids while still meaningful for adults.

In Disney/Pixar’s all-new animated comedy adventure, Hoppers, animal lover Mabel gets the chance to use groundbreaking technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate directly with animals. As she uncovers incredible mysteries of the animal world, she befriends the charismatic beaver King George and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face an imminent human threat: smooth-talking local mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm).

(L-R): King George and Mabel Beaver in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Disney/Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Visually, Hoppers is stunning. The animation is vibrant, detailed, and bursting with life – every frame feels thoughtfully crafted. The character designs are expressive and full of personality, making their emotions feel real and relatable. The voice cast brings incredible energy and heart to the film, perfectly matching both the humor and emotional beats. Bobby Moynihan voices King George, the leader of the pond, and his voice is perfect for the role. Piper Curda shines as Mabel, a passionate animal lover with so much heart, while Dave Franco is hilarious as Titus, a demanding and spoiled character who transforms into the Insect King. The music and sound design elevate key moments throughout the film, making the action exciting and the quieter scenes especially touching.

(L-R): Mabel and Grandma Tanaka in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Hoppers delivers a powerful message about empathy, teamwork, and embracing differences. It reminds us that everyone has a voice and a purpose, even if they do not fit the mold or feel confident at first. It encourages viewers to be brave, to listen to others, and to believe that working together can lead to positive change, making Hoppers not just a fun movie, but a meaningful one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  You can watch Hoppers in theaters March 6, 2026.

Tiana S. reports from Netflix’s new show, Star Search at a live screening at the Tudum Theater inside Netflix House Philadelphia – the live series premiere screening of Star Search on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026!

For many, Star Search may bring back memories of the original series hosted by Ed McMahon (1983–1995) or the early 2000s relaunch. This event celebrates the next rendition of the fan-favorite show, reimagined for a new generation with judges Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen.

Star Search will premiere live on January 20, 2026. Episodes will air live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.

One of the biggest updates to the Star Search format is live fan voting on Netflix.

For the first time ever, viewers can participate in real time and help determine who advances.

“The live voting feature is a total game-changer,” says Anderson.

“Knowing that fans from all over the world can cast their votes in real time adds a whole new layer of excitement and participation to the mix. It’s like we’re all part of the show and get to be one of the judges.”

For step-by-step instructions, visit Tudum’s Star Search How to Vote hub. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/features/star-search-how-to-vote-netflix

The series comes from Jesse Collins Entertainment — the team behind Rhythm + Flow, the Primetime Emmy Awards, the American Music Awards, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and Hollywood Squares. Executive producers include Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas.

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie is a holiday film on Disney+ where the Jonas Brothers must overcome sibling rivalry and a series of chaotic obstacles to make it from a concert in London to New York for Christmas. The plot features an unlikely Santa Claus (played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson) who complicates their journey, forcing the brothers to confront their issues and remember what’s important. The story includes new music, cameos from their partners and family, and humorous, self-referential moments about their career.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Juliana S. comments, “A Very Jonas Christmas is easily one of the cutest Christmas movies to come out in a while! This film delivers a heartfelt message of the importance of family and how one’s relationship with their loved ones impacts everything in life.

Plus, it includes an amazing new lineup of Jonas Brother’s songs!” See her full review below.

A Very Jonas Christmas
By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

A Very Jonas Christmas is easily one of the cutest Christmas movies to come out in a while! This film delivers a heartfelt message of the importance of family and how one’s relationship with their loved ones impacts everything in life. Plus, it includes an amazing new lineup of Jonas Brother’s songs!

The film follows the Jonas Brothers (Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas), who are wrapping up their World Tour in London. When Santa (Jessie Tyler Ferguson) works a little holiday magic, the brothers end up stuck in Europe. As they try to find a way to get home to their families, the brothers realize that their broken brotherly bond might be the real reason they’re trapped. The story becomes a heartwarming and chaotic journey to reunite, filled with funny setbacks that can only be solved with love.

This is an inspiring film that families can enjoy with lots of great performances. One performance that stands out to me is from Jessie Tyler Ferguson, who plays Santa, the cause of the Jonas Brothers getting stuck in Europe. Ferguson uses his comedic timing to really nail the message of the movie in the most fun way. He balances quick comebacks with a sincere and warm memo to guide the brothers. Ferguson captures the magic that comes from Santa and adds a personal spin to the character. His performance not only draws attention to, but highlights the importance of family and brotherhood.

Another person who catches my attention is Andrea Martin, as the lovable Uber driver, Deb, who assists the Jonas Brothers in getting home for the holidays.

Martin mixes facial expressions with comedic timing to create the perfect character, who made me laugh out loud! Her joy and energy are infectious, and it is hard not to smile when she comes on screen. Martin easily becomes a fan favorite, adding the true Christmas spirit to the film.

The film’s message is that family matters most, and showing a little bit of love to one’s family can usually patch past mistakes.

I give A Very Jonas Christmas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It can be found on Disney+ and Hulu beginning November 14, 2025.

Spanning three decades, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Merrily We Roll Along charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends — writer Mary and lyricist & playwright Charley. Originally produced on Broadway in 1981, and then becoming an inventive cult-classic ahead of its time, Merrily We Roll Along features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Julie O. comments, “I absolutely love Merrily We Roll Along. It is a musical with incredible acting and beautiful songs. This is one of those great stories that stayed with me long after I watched it… This film has several powerful messages about the importance of being a good friend, being true to oneself, and how our choices affect our future.” Drake G. adds, “I love the movie Merrily We Roll Along. It is packed with genuinely amazing scenes that left me wanting more.  The movie has a huge theme of being a musical which kind of reminds me of Hamilton – a musical of immense importance and emotion.” See their full reviews below.

Merrily We Roll Along
By Julie O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The storyline follows three friends who meet in college and we follow their life from 1957 to 1976. Each friend is successful in their own way and each one makes decisions that affect their friendships differently.

The main character is Frank Shepard (Jonathan Groff) who is a composer. His best friend Charley Kringas (Daniel Radcliffe) is a lyricist and a playwright. Mary Flynn (Lindsay Mendez) is a writer and the friend who tries to hold the group’s friendship together throughout the years. Each scene explores an important event in their lives.

This is a filmed version of a stage production so the camera angles are adjusted so they don’t show too much of the stage.

I like how the sets are quickly changed with minimal distraction. I also really like how costumes are used to help tell each character’s story. For example, Charley, the character who remains true to himself the entire time has the same costume for every scene, except one. Frank switches from a t-shirt when he is younger to a long sleeved shirt when he is older, but it is the same color and style. I really enjoyed each of the songs because they help the story move along and are very catchy.

This is a movie I will want to watch again because the story is so beautiful. I especially love how it shows how complex and fragile friendships can be.

This film has several powerful messages about the importance of being a good friend, being true to oneself, and how our choices affect our future. Be aware that it does contain some references to drinking, smoking, drugs, and mild profanity.

I give Merrily We Roll Along 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in select theaters starting December 5, 2025.

Merrily We Roll Alon
By Drake G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love the movie Merrily We Roll Along. It is packed with genuinely amazing scenes that left me wanting more.  The movie has a huge theme of being a musical which kind of reminds me of Hamilton – a musical of immense importance and emotion.

The story begins with a musical ballad. Next we see the characters at a party and learn that they are working on a movie. It is unveiled that the producer, Frank, is cheating on his wife with the star of his movie. The film spans three decades, and explores the turbulent relationship between Frank Shepherd (Jonathan Groff), a talented composer who abandons his friends and songwriting career to become a Hollywood producer. Like the play on which it is based, the show’s story moves in reverse chronology.

The most striking thing about this filmed adaptation of the Broadway play is the acting. We really see that the actors have a great devotion to their roles. Daniel Radcliffe shows how his character is really interested in his character because he shows real humility and melancholy while talking to Mary about how he hasn’t seen Frank and he is just about to give up. Lindsay Mendez’s portrayal of Mary is immaculate. She gives believable performances and has a good singing voice. However, the most impressive commitment to his role is Jonathan Groff’s portrayal of Frank. He portrays a workaholic man who invests his time into being a producer and doesn’t spend any time with his friends.

The film’s message is about friendship and forgiveness. Throughout the film Frank is constantly leaving his friends but they keep forgiving him. Be aware that there are some scenes of alcohol consumption and use of profanity.

I give Merrily We Roll Along 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters worldwide on December 5, 2025.