KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

Things are definitely going to be different in the Charles household, when Upton’s brother, Arthur, comes to live with the family. Like Upton, Arthur is a Bichon Frise (that’s BEE-shon free-ZEY) a little fluffy white dog. Both Watson, Upton’s feline assistant, and Upton are a little apprehensive until the Chief of Police calls to enlist the help of the entire Charles family. Arthur proves to everyone that he too is a talented canine sleuth. Join the expanded Charles family in Double Trouble.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Emma O. comments, “Double Trouble is a great mystery book! Dog detectives bring an imaginative element that makes this book fun to read. A missing person case is always intriguing and the multiple characters in the book offer lots of humor.” Gavin S. adds, “What a joy it was to dive back into the whimsical world of Upton and his furry friends in Double Trouble! This sequel offers a delightful blend of mystery and heart, making it an engaging read for both young audiences and adults alike.” Clara T. adds, “I really like the book Double Trouble, especially because of its personification. The dog, Upton, is very smart and is part of the K9 force. I love how Upton is curious and always looking around for clues, which makes him different from other dogs.” KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer, Julie S. wraps it up with, “I have read several of the previous Upton Charles books and, even as an adult reader, find them fun and engaging. The language in Upton Charles: Double Trouble is just right for young readers; Upton is a delight. I love reading his thoughts. The problem-solving of the mystery makes our brains work, and I love the cute illustrations at the chapter headings.” Their full reviews are below. Enjoy.

Upton Charles Dog Detective:  Double Trouble
By Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Upton Charles Dog Detective:  I really enjoyed Alex, who always says he’s hungry. The characters are fun, and creative — from police officers, cats, dogs, and a kid who loves to eat.

Double Trouble is an entertaining read. Written by D. G. Stern and illustrations by Ginger Mark, it’s a mystery sleuth to solve the missing person from the perspective of a dog. Detective Upton Charles, a Bichon Frise, and his best friend, Watson the cat are members of the Charles family. They have solved previous mysteries written by Stern. The story follows a detective dog, Upton Charles and his cat best friend, Watson, who are members of the Charles family. Routine is disrupted when a third dog, Arthur, is adopted into the household. Upton and Watson are resistant to this new change. When a missing person case emerges on Moon Island, Arthur proves his worth as a detective and as a family member.

As the mystery grows and answers become harder to find, the book is very intriguing. This book in part of series and I wish I had read other books to know the background of the characters’ relationships. As a stand-alone mystery, the plot is easy to follow. The book is told from the dog’s perspective, which is fun because we don’t get to hear dog’s thoughts very often. The vocabulary is well suited for the target age and the book’s cover, showing a dog, Upton, also has good kid appeal. The art work on the title page of each chapter, provides a hint of what is next to come in the chapter. The book sparks thought and curiosity. My mind was trying to solve the mystery while reading it. I did not expect the plot twist at the end, which is something else that makes this book great for the target age group. When the family is investing in the abandoned boat, I was creating theories about what happened. The police involvement supports problem solving and working together.  The book keeps you hooked, trying to get you into solving the mystery yourself! Each chapter provides new clues that build the anticipation and mystery. It’s a great mystery book for those who are younger because it shows perseverance, problem solving and many positive traits. The book is imaginative and incredibly well written.

The book’s message is about problem solving and perseverance — to never give up when times get hard.

I give Upton Charles Dog Detective Double Trouble 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available now wherever books are sold online and at select retailers.

Double Trouble
By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

What a joy it was to dive back into the whimsical world of Upton and his furry friends in Double Trouble! This sequel offers a delightful blend of mystery and heart, making it an engaging read for both young audiences and adults alike.

In Double Trouble, the Charles household is turned upside down when Upton’s brother, Arthur, a fluffy Bichon Frise, comes to live with them. Initially met with skepticism by Upton and Watson, Arthur soon proves his worth when the Chief of Police enlists the entire family’s help to solve a puzzling case. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with twists and surprises that showcase their unique talents while deepening their bonds as a family.

What I truly enjoy about this book is the vibrant character development and the humor that permeates the narrative. Stern masterfully captures the distinct personalities of Upton, Arthur, and Watson, making readers genuinely invested in their journey. The playful sibling rivalry between Upton and Arthur highlights themes of acceptance, trust, and teamwork. As Upton navigates his feelings of jealousy, we witness a heartfelt transformation that underscores familial bonds. The witty dialogue and engaging interactions make each character relatable and endearing. Arthur’s charming antics bring out a softer side of Upton, while Watson’s loyal support adds depth to their dynamic. The humor, ranging from light-hearted banter to situational comedy, creates an enjoyable atmosphere. The plot is cleverly constructed, filled with unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Additionally, the heartwarming moments among the Charles family emphasize that every member has something valuable to contribute, reinforcing the idea that love and understanding can flourish even amidst change.

The book’s message is that you can never judge a book by its cover.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12. This book is available now at online retailers and select bookstores. Be sure to check it out.

Double Trouble
By Clara T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I really like the book Double Trouble, especially because of its personification. The dog, Upton, is very smart and is part of the K9 force. I love how Upton is curious and always looking around for clues, which makes him different from other dogs.

The story follows Upton, our star detective, who is a very fun and curious dog. He is solving a mystery, but this adventure is different from others because his new brother joins him. Throughout the story they try to solve this “impossible” mystery. In the end, when he, his family and friends solve this mystery, they are triumphant.

Upton is a Bichon Frise that loves to explore. We see this characteristic when he is on an adventure and is always looking for new discoveries. In this book, Upton has two siblings, a dog named Arthur and a cat named Watson. He lives with a few humans, including his mom, his dad Hank, his sister Veronica, and his brother Alex. All the characters are kind and adventurous (just like Upton). Upton also has some personification and is so real that he sounds more like a human instead of a dog. There is some good onomatopoeia used in the story that shows us which animal is talking. For example, “Meow” and “Yip.” Kudos to the writer, D.G. Stern and illustrator, Ginger Marks for a well-constructed and entertaining story.

The film’s message is to always keep trying and never give up. Upton and his family have a hard time solving the mystery and find what they think is a dead end, but they keep trying and eventually solve the mystery.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found wherever books are sold.

Upton Charles: Double Trouble
By Julie S., KID FIRST! Adult Reviewer

I have read several of the previous Upton Charles books and, even as an adult reader, find them fun and engaging. The language in Upton Charles: Double Trouble is just right for young readers; Upton is a delight. I love reading his thoughts. The problem-solving of the mystery makes our brains work, and I love the cute illustrations at the chapter headings.

This story is told by the great Bichon Frise detective, Upton Charles, with assistance from his feline friend, Watson. It begins at a time when things seem to have reached a new calm in his household until, quite unexpectedly, a new dog joins the family. A walk on the beach reveals a possible problem when an abandoned sailboard is spotted on a nearby island and suddenly, everyone jumps into action trying to figure out what is going on.

I was not surprised that the new dog, Upton’s brother, Arthur, turns out to have natural “detective” instincts, just like Upton and, as they join the police chief investigating the stranded sailboat, he proves his skills. Bit by bit, the mystery unravels and the reader begins to make presumptions about what happened. I like how the clues are reiterated once a few have been collected, as a way to help the reader engage their deductive reasoning. I also like that there’s a lot of knowledge to be gained about boats, boat parts and how boats operate. If you’ve never been in the boating community, this story definitely teaches a thing or two about how things work. The dialogue between the family members, Upton, Watson and the new dog, Arthur, allows us an inside look at who is thinking or saying what. It makes me wonder how much the author listens to the dogs in his universe. I like how certain words, like wake, which might be unfamiliar to the reader, are explained. Another plus is how a few lessons are intertwined into the story about environmental awareness, such as the police chief’s disgust at finding plastic bottles in the sand and commenting on how long they take to disintegrate. There are a few typos such as: Chief O’Brien gives s ‘thumbs’ up (the a is missing). Also, there are some punctuation errors such as: type in the hospitals number (missing an apostrophe). But, for the most part, this is well written and definitely age appropriate.

The story reminds us of how to collect clues when solving any mystery we run into as they progress step by step in solving the mystery of the missing sailor.

I give Upton Charles: Double Trouble 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It can be found online where books are sold and in select bookstores.

In ancient China after a clash with the humans, dragons are banished from the kingdom. Many years later, innocent and freedom-yearning orphan, Ping, is looking after the last two dragons when she discovers that one has sadly died, and the other is guarding a precious and rare dragon egg. As palace guards arrive, the remaining dragon, Danzi disappears, and before Ping has the opportunity to explain what has happened, she is mistaken for an accomplice and must runaway herself. Danzi and Ping escape from the palace together and must return the dragon egg to the ocean to save all dragons from extinction! On this wild and dangerous adventure, Ping finds a way to unlock her power and discovers she is a true Dragonkeeper.  Dragonkeeper comes from animation studio Ilion Animation Studios (Wonder Park, Planet 51) and the visual direction of the legendary Sergio Pablos (Rio, Despicable Me) & Borja Montoro (Zootopia).

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ariel K. comments, “I really enjoyed this film. It has lots of humor – there are all sorts of humorous scenes like my favorite, where the mouse tries helping. He marches up to the big fight against something 2,000,000 times his size.” See his full review below.

Dragonkeeper
By Ariel K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like the movie Dragonkeeper because it is funny and heartfelt.

The storyline is about a slave girl called Ping (Mayalinee Griffiths), who dreams about meeting dragons. Her dream comes true, but one of the magical creatures dies and she goes on a quest to save the dragons and hatch the last imperial dragons’ egg. Joining her is a dragon (Bill Nighy) as her protector and a funny “very helpful” mouse. She soon finds out that she has mystical powers and learns to use them to stop bad guys who want to steal the egg and use its powers for evil.

I really enjoyed this film. It’s an animated film with special effects. It also has lots of humor – there are all sorts of humorous scenes like my favorite, where the mouse tries helping. He marches up to the big fight against something 2,000,000 times his size. Another fun scene is when he rolls the egg away from the bad guys. The movie is also sad and heartfelt because one of the dragons dies.

The visual effects are great and really stand out. For example when one of the dragons heals Ping’s wound with the power of the egg as shown in the trailer. I do have to admit that some parts of the movie are a little childish. For example, there is a scene about 30 seconds long of two kids blowing raspberries at each other.

The film’s message is “you can do whatever you want; only you decide your destiny.”

I give Dragonkeeper 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available on digital in the US now and opens in theaters in UK & Ireland on September 27, 2024. I hope you enjoy it.

Recently accepted to our film festival, Butterfly Tale is an animated feature film for the whole family set along the diverse, picturesque, and ever-changing backdrop of the great Monarch butterfly migration. A heartwarming tale of a gutsy and loveable yet inept, one-winged butterfly, named Patrick who stows away in a milkweed trailer in order to be part of the journey of a lifetime. With his best friend, a goofy caterpillar named Marty, and Jennifer, a butterfly who is afraid of heights, Patrick will become an unlikely hero. But first he must face his fear, embrace his uniqueness and triumph over adversity while battling changing weather patterns, humans and three evil birds bent on revenge.

It is a tale of adventure, self-realization and heroism told with humor whose message is that our differences are less important than the bonds we share, and it is in adversity that our true character shines through. From Canada. Director Biography – Sophie Roy; Writer: Heidi Foss and Lienne Sawatsky; Producer: Marie-Claude Beauchamp & Emely Christians; Cast: Tatiana Maslany & Mena Massoud

Juror comments: Butterfly Tale is an epic and sweet tale indeed! This animated film about butterfly migration is as uplifting as it is revelatory! Scored with professional music that is a compilation of original songs and chamber music underscore, kids will be tapping their feet and wiping their eyes.

Butterfly Tale is an animated story about three butterflies who, despite special challenges, attempt to fly with their ‘flock’ of butterflies to Mexico for their annual migration. The characters are adorable physically and emotionally! I believe both adults and children will love this beautiful film.

The story line begins with a joyful young butterfly who has a full size wing and a mini-wing. This challenge makes Patrick unable to fly like the other butterflies, and his anger at this, “It’s unfair!” does not change the dangers; he is vulnerable and unsafe. I love the way that his disability is handled by the writer who creates a sympathetic mother and caterpillar friend, Marty contrasted with bratty young butterfly boys who make fun of Patrick.

As the story unfolds, Patrick and Marty sneak their way into the food trailer that is pulled by Jennifer, a butterfly who is afraid of heights. Through thick and thin, these friends help each other and support each other’s fears and feelings of inadequacy. It is this vulnerability and courage that make the story line relatable, emotional and sentimental.

The animation for this film is nuanced and gorgeous. Flying high overhead and in between flowers and desert canyons, the point of view (POV) of Monarch butterflies never looked so amazing. Each wing is intricately designed and fluttering in unison, which is a real treat for viewers! The animated characters have lavender faces which give a nod to diversity not only in form, but in color. The caterpillar, Marty, with his natural costume of many yellow legs and a body that rolls up like a bug is a big part of the comic relief – well done!

The backgrounds for the many scenes in the travelers’ journey range from the colorful waters of the tropics, to the dusty golds and oranges of the desert. The less attractive backgrounds are highways, sprawling subdivisions and parking lots which are fairly depicted, and comparatively nauseating. This is not meant to disparage humans, but perhaps give viewers a moment to consider their development templates in favor of more eco-friendly gardens and wildlife corridors. The Canadian Academy ought to nominate Butterfly Tale music for an award. From start to finish, composer Martin Roy uses multicultural rhythms and melodies to support the emotions in the film. An example from the beginning is snapping fingers and African-sounding strings that merge into violins and bass. The tender songs are performed by Shawn Mendes, Johnny Orlando and Coeur de Pirate who are sure to break the hearts of teen and tween kids with their silky innocence and bold young voices. I mean that in a delicious way. The music is not overplayed – something I do not like. The power of the visuals stands head to toe with this magical score.

The entire film is one visual effect after another. It is a masterpiece. Character development happens mostly to four characters; Patrick (Mena Massoud), his mother (Stephanie Breton), Jennifer (Tatiana Maslany), and Marty (Lucinda Davis). Patrick begins as a rebellious young butterfly who can’t seem to find his place in the butterfly clan because of his inept wing. His relationship with his mother goes from being resentful of her protective nature, disallowing him to come on the migration and insisting he stay home to mind the milkweed, to tables turning when he realizes he may have lost her during a terrible tornado, feeling guilty, but in the end, his mother and Patrick revel in being reunited and his overcoming his flight issue through perseverance and support from his friends. His mother also realizes she could have been more trusting of him and less of a worrier in hindsight. Jennifer, the butterfly who insists on pulling the food trailer with the boys in it who cannot fly, comes to terms with her embarrassment of fearing heights. She takes a leap of faith thanks to her pals who insist she can fly through the canyons although it is her first migration too and she has the nerve to ‘just do it!’

Marty’s transformation happens not only inside himself, wishing he could be a butterfly instead of a caterpillar and through his loyalty to his pals and theirs to him, but also at the end he becomes a beautiful butterfly and he wins the girl that he loves! The producers, director, funders, and animators of this film have created a tender story for children and adults and turned it into a feel-good story with very positive morals – love each other; stick together; make a plan; do your best. A special tip of the hat to the composer and musicians who carry the film to the top of the mountain!The music is what touched my heart most deeply. Many of the songs may become popular and the underscore is elegant and written for the film.

The film’s message is about personal choices and maintaining the confidence to see your dreams through to the end. Believe in yourself and others! It also provides environmental education, artistic excellence and outstanding animation.

I give Butterfly Tale 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. People of all ages will enjoy this film because it is so well designed; the characters are so appealing and the music rocks. Having said that, it is for the tenderhearted and, if one is looking for grit and violent thrills, this may not be your jam. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

A 25-yr-old influencer struggles to cling on to her status but is running out of tricks. Will she have to separate her online persona from her authentic self?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic SaniyaRain F. comments, “Under The Influencer is one of the most optimistic films I’ve ever seen! You get a taste of what it’s like behind the scenes in a social media influencer’s life, including all the struggles and accomplishments, too.” Avalon N. adds, “Under The Influencer is an amazing tale of social media and self-identity. The topics are very relatable and modern to teens as well as others.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “Under the Influencer is an uplifting and satisfying film with a very important message. Romance is blended with working and friendship elements, which gives it a little bit of everything. The acting and writing deliver an important message, despite some slower patches in the film.” See their full reviews below.

Under the Influencer
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Under The Influencer is one of the most optimistic films I’ve ever seen! You get a taste of what it’s like behind the scenes in a social media influencer’s life, including all the struggles and accomplishments, too. Not everything turns out as planned and life gets in the way, which makes for a great film for those on a journey to finding themself.

We follow Tori (Taylor Scorse) as her YouTube account following begins slowly plummeting but that’s all she eats, sleeps, and breathes. During this time she is not only desperately trying to find ways to fix it, but is also trying to heal from a messy Internet break up . Throughout this time Tori  is coming to terms with the fact that her personal life and her social media life might need to cross paths, but she is not comfortable with making that happen. She enjoys learning new things about herself but struggles to grasp the fact that her content is taking over her life, and not in a good way. Tori hits complete rock bottom, and that’s when she starts to make a breakthrough. She lets go of some people and has new experiences with others that affect her for the better. As for locations, from the sunsets to the mansions the settings were great. The acting was pretty spot on as well and some of the characters make their mark when it comes to learning the life lessons. Overall this film is great and watching it unravel will definitely prompt emotions in audiences.

Under The Influencer is relatable and shows realistic challenges for not just influencers but all people, too. When you see what the true meaning behind this film is it really touches the heart. Tori starts to see how social media is crushing the real her behind the mask she puts on. And yet she is not completely alone, as her best friend and employee Sara (Chandler Young) helps her through her journey of showing who she really is. Tori never really stays low when she gets knocked down; she just keeps learning and doing what’s best for her.

The film’s message is to not be afraid to show the world the real you. You never know what is going to happen or change in your life. So learn from the mistakes you make to improve yourself.

I give Under the Influencer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Under The Influencer is available now on VOD!

Under he Influencer
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 15

Under The Influencer is an amazing tale of social media and self-identity. The topics are very relatable and modern to teens as well as others.

The plot of this film centers around a girl named Tori who has a large following on her YouTube channel. No matter what she does though, the channel gets a large amount of hateful comments on it for no reason. As the film progresses she begins to resent the life she’s built and the tension continues as the plot develops..

One of the most exquisite parts of this film is simply how relatable it is today. The presence of social media and the hate that spirals from it is not uncommon. This sort of tension is what a lot of people face now with the influence of the internet growing as rapidly as it has. It helps the film’s relatability to teens and other influencers.

Another spectacular part of the film that is very interesting to see is the way they portray YouTube channels as a type of business or enterprise. Rather than just one person filming videos in their basement they showed a team of people working to plan everything out perfectly and keep the image of the influencer intact. It’s one of the reasons the fans of the fictional channel in the film thought everything was so fake. It just didn’t seem genuine. Going off of that another really important part of the movie is the way the fans react when the content is fake vs genuine. People like to see the real and unfiltered side of people on YouTube and other social media platforms rather than just the scripted highlights of others’ lives. It makes the whole thing a lot more relatable.

The film’s message is to just be yourself and never change or destroy yourself for others, because that’s never going to get anyone anywhere.

I give Under The Influencer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film is available now on DVD and VOD.

Under the Influencer
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Under the Influencer is an uplifting and satisfying film with a very important message. Romance is blended with working and friendship elements, which gives it a little bit of everything. The acting and writing deliver an important message, despite some slower patches in the film.

Under the Influencer follows Tori (Taylor Joree Scorse) as she starts off as a very successful influencer. Her views and popularity start to decline significantly, and she can’t figure out why. She realizes that, not only has she lost the approval and support of fans, but she’s also lost herself. She put all of her effort and focus into her social media persona. When she can no longer rely on fame and positivity, she takes off on a journey to determine who she really is when she’s not in front of a camera. She has to figure out what she, not the girl on the camera, enjoys.

The highlight of this film is how the message is incorporated in a way that not only emphasizes it, but also keeps it entertaining and related to the storyline and the protagonist. Taylor Joree Scorse places such a strong emphasis on this message through her acting. She lets her emotions shine through; demonstrating how being lost and not knowing who she is affects her.  She uses her facial expressions and body language to accentuate the theme, plus, her dialogue allows the message to shine through. There are lines and moments when her inner struggle is so clear — she doesn’t know who to be, and the things she says or doesn’t say really show the impact this has on her. The ending wraps up the film so nicely, tying the new romantic element into the message, and leaving viewers with a positive feeling. While this part of the film is very enjoyable, there are definitely some weaker aspects. There are a few stretches that seem unnecessarily long and get a bit boring. There are some very important scenes and moments within these stretches, but there’s a bit too much extraneous stuff that takes away from the stronger, more important parts of the film.

The film’s message is that finding yourself is the most important thing in life. It’s easy to get lost in pretending to be someone else, especially as a social media influencer who’s constantly trying to please other people. This theme makes the film uplifting, encouraging people to find parts of themselves they either didn’t know they had or wanted to hide before.

I give Under the Influencer 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. You can watch Under the Influencer on VOD now.

With Cobra Kai eliminated from the Valley, our senseis and students must decide if and how they will compete in the Sekai Taikai — the world championships of karate.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “Cobra Kai: Season 6 is the suspenseful conclusion of this well-made action-packed series. I really like the pacing and energy of the characters, along with their incredible acting. The direction, especially in the fighting scenes, left me on the edge of my seat.” See her full review below.

Cobra Kai: Season 6
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Cobra Kai: Season 6 is the suspenseful conclusion of this well-made action-packed series. I really like the pacing and energy of the characters, along with their incredible acting. The direction, especially in the fighting scenes, left me on the edge of my seat. Be ready for jaw-dropping plot twists.

This last season of Cobra Kai brings a new obstacle to the group—the prestigious world karate championship, known as the Sekai Taikai. All the previous preparation and fights lead up to this moment. 

The main characters are Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), Robby (Tanner Buchanan), Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Sam (Mary Mouser), Eli (Jacob Bertrand) and Tory (Peyton List). The chemistry between all of the characters is unmatchable. They get along so well, and even when they don’t, the actors are incredible at illustrating their salty attitude. There are new relationships between characters, including some merciful friendships. Who would have ever thought? Some generational rivalries are broken, as well.

I applaud the director, Sherwin Shilati, for capturing many different points of views due to his unique directing style. It separates the series from others because of this, and gives an overall unique feel. Every detail in this season is executed meticulously. For example, the sound effects of fighting seem realistic. The background music always determines the tone and mood of the scenes. The shaky camerawork of the fights matches their energy. Also, in the middle combat, Miguel punches in slow motion and it adds a fun effect.

Next, I am shocked by the plot twists this season. They did not disappoint for the finale of the show! My favorite parts are the fighting scenes. They are made exceptionally well and provide an adrenaline rush. For instance, when Kenny and his brother fight Miguel and his friend group, it’s so thrilling and captivating. I love the anticipation, as well.

The message of this season is all about teamwork and friendship. As this series comes to an end, the group learns to work together because they are stronger as a team. Another huge theme is forgiving. A special moment occurs when Hawk says, “It’s been a long road, but we’re finally all on the same side.”

Without giving away too much, some old rivalries don’t take the opportunity for revenge. There is cursing in the series, so be aware.

Cobra Kai: Season 6 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Cobra Kai: Season 6 part 1 releases on Netflix July 18, 2024. 

A woman named Sam finds herself trapped in New York City during the early stages of an invasion by alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing. After the events and revelations of ‘A Quiet Place’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Part 2’ it is time to go back to ‘Day One’. Following Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) as she’s on a group trip in New York City, everything is going fine, until the invasion that sends the world into silence begins. Can the city stay quiet and can Sam and Eric (Joseph Quin), a new unlikely friend, make it somewhere safe? But no matter what happens, don’t make a sound and you might just find out what happens in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One.’

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “A Quiet Place: Day One captivated me with its intense atmosphere, brilliant acting, and compelling storyline. The fear of making even the slightest noise keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie. This movie is intense and contains scenes of violence and horror. The jump scares and frightening moments may be too intense for younger viewers. There is also bad language.” See her full review below.

A Quiet Place: Day One
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

A Quiet Place: Day One captivated me with its intense atmosphere, brilliant acting, and compelling storyline. The fear of making even the slightest noise keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie.

It takes us back to the origins of the alien invasion that devastated New York City. We follow Samira, a terminally ill cancer patient (Lupita Nyong’o) and Eric (Joseph Quinn), an English law student, as they navigate through the chaos trying to find safety. Alongside them is the returning character, Henri (Djimon Hounsou). The survivors quickly learn that the mysterious creatures are drawn to sound, making silence their only way to survive.

The film is the third installment in the A Quiet Place film series based on the book by Michael Sarnoski and conceived with John Krasinski. The cast delivers outstanding performances, with Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn bringing depth and emotion to their roles. Nyong’o’s portrayal of Sam showcases a blend of strength and vulnerability that is truly captivating. The return of Djimon Hounsou as Henri adds continuity and familiarity for fans of the original series. The special effects, particularly the depiction of the creatures and the desolate New York City, are top-notch and enhance the film’s eerie ambiance. One of my favorite parts of the film is the scene where Sam and Eric must silently navigate through a subway station filled with creatures. The tension and suspense in this scene is amazing, making it a standout moment. The direction by Michael Sarnoski, along with the use of lighting and sound, creates an immersive experience that pulls you into the characters’ terrifying predicament.

The message of A Quiet Place: Day One is clear: by sticking together and supporting each other, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This theme is portrayed through the characters’ relationships and their determination to survive despite the odds. This movie is intense and contains scenes of violence and horror. The jump scares and frightening moments may be too intense for younger viewers. There is also bad language.

I give A Quiet Place: Day One 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults who enjoy thrilling and suspenseful films. You can catch this film in theaters beginning June 28, 2024.

With Tokyo under siege from rising monster attacks, baseball star Ken Sato reluctantly returns home to take on the mantle of Ultraman. But the titanic superhero meets his match when he reluctantly adopts a 35-foot-tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju. Sato must rise above his ego to balance work and parenthood while protecting the baby from forces bent on exploiting her for their own dark plans. In partnership with Netflix, Tsuburaya Productions, and Industrial Light & Magic, Ultraman: Rising is written by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, directed by Shannon Tindle, and co-directed by John Aoshima.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan M. comments, “As an Ultraman fan and someone who likes science fiction animation movies, I loved Ultraman Rising. The animation by the Sunrise team is really great – sometimes I forgot I was watching an animation.” Avani M. adds, “Ultraman: Rising has a heartwarming storyline about the importance of family with amazing animation and special effects. What makes the animation extraordinary are all the intricate details of the characters which make them look so real.” See their full reviews and Ryan’s interviews with cast and directors below.

Ultraman Rising
By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

As an Ultraman fan and someone who likes science fiction animation movies, I loved Ultraman Rising.

The storyline follows a baseball player named Ken Sato (Christopher Sean) who left Japan for the United States with his mother when he was young and became a famous baseball player. Now he needs to return to Tokyo to take over the role of Ultraman because his dad (Gedde Watanabe) asks him to come and take a bigger role in his life. He lives with a robot named Mina (Tamlyn Tomita) who helps him in his tasks.  One day, while fighting Ken finds a Kaiju egg and knows that he needs to learn to care for the baby Kaiju and learn the importance of family.  A man named Dr. Onda (Keone Young) wants to destroy all the kaijus, he wants to take revenge because his family died in a kaiju attack.

The animation by the Sunrise team is really great – sometimes I forgot I was watching an animation. The actors’ voices match the characters quite well. Director and writer, Shannon Tindle and co-director, John Aoshima, even including something from the original series – at the beginning it shows the kaiju from the first episode of Ultraman. They also incorporated some very funny scenes and lines, like the baby kaiju going wild! I really love the baby’s incidents – they are so funny.

Don’t leave your seat too soon at the end or you will miss an important part of the story.  I want to mention that I noticed that there are some flashing lights in some scenes, so people sensitive to stroboscopic flashes may be affected.

The film’s message is that family is the most important thing in your life. Also, you can’t deny anything you don’t like. Ken tried to find solutions, but they all weren’t good enough.

I give Ultraman Rising 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults and Ultraman fans. This film begins streaming on Netflix June 14, 2024.

Ultraman: Rising
By Avani M., KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Ultraman: Rising is a phenomenal animated action movie. I love the amazing animation, great special effects and awesome storyline.

The storyline is a take on the Japanese Ultraman story; it follows Ken Sato (Christopher Sean) and his challenges of becoming Ultraman. He has to find the balance between his passion for baseball and being the superhero protecting Japan from Kaiju — Godzilla-like creatures that torment the city. One day as he is fighting a Gigantron, he secures an egg, which hatches into a baby Kaiju. Ken, with his computer assistant, Mina (Tamlyn Tomita) and his dad (Gedde Watanabe) takes care of her and names her Emi. Soon, a strong familial bond forms and Ken now has to be a parent, professional baseball player and Ultraman.

Ultraman: Rising has a heartwarming storyline about the importance of family with amazing animation and special effects. What makes the animation extraordinary are all the intricate details of the characters which make them look so real. The settings are beautiful and the special effects are out of this world. The explosions when Ken falls into water are so wonderful. The voice-acting is truly incredible. Christopher Sean, who voices Ken Sato, is outstanding – his voice clearly projects Ken’s struggles as he juggles being a superhero and a baseball player. Ultraman also has to balance his duties of protecting the city from the Kaiju while protecting them from the Kaiju Defense Force, set to eliminate all the Kaiju. Gedde Watanabe is a perfect fit for the role of Professor Sato, Ken’s dad. He shows his sadness when Ken dismisses him and is eager to restore his relationship with his son. Tamlyn Tomita, who voices Mina, is very funny as the knowledgeable computer, always ready to diagnose what might be wrong with Emi. Emi is also very adorable and funny as the baby Kaiju. The villain in the movie, Dr. Onda (Keone Young) shows his anguish as he tries to kill all the Kaiju in revenge for killing his family.

The film’s message reminds us that family will always be there for you, no matter what. It’s also a reminder to find the balance between what our passions are and what our duties are. Ken’s conflict is between his passion of being a full time baseball player and his duty of being Ultraman. At first, it is hard to do both and he wants to stop being Ultraman, but he regains his confidence and begins saving lives again.

I give Ultraman: Rising 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 plus adults. It is available on Netflix on June 14, 2024.

For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign is an emotionally gripping documentary illustrating the power of love and determination in the face of adversity. The film follows the life of Brian Wallach and his wife Sandra in the aftermath of his ALS diagnosis at age 37. Exemplifying bravery, inspiration and hope, Brian and Sandra, continue to fight against a broken system for their own future, while seeking to build a brighter one for countless others.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tia O. comments, “The mood, editing, and celebrity cameos make this an excellent film to watch. I was very pleased to see celebrities such as Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan, and countless others share their positive encounters with Brain and Sandra and the different ways in which they all support their campaign.” See her full review below.

For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign
By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

I had a pleasant time viewing For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign. The mood, editing, and celebrity cameos make this an excellent film to watch.

This documentary follows Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, a couple from Chicago, who meet and fall in love while working during Obama’s 2008 campaign. Shortly after starting their family; news of Brian’s ALS diagnosis turned this family’s world upside down. However, Brian and Sandra were not going to let ALS stand in their way. This film follows the mass ALS movement sparked by Brian and Sandra, and how this couple’s journey gave a voice to the millions of people suffering with the disease and how they also brought attention to the US’s broken healthcare system.

I love the uplifting mood this documentary takes – the music and editing perfectly captivate the success and struggles that both Brain and Sandra faced while fighting for ALS. One scene that really stuck with me is when Brian and Sandra were preparing a speech that they were going to give to the government urging them to make the drugs that could help the symptoms associated with ALS accessible for all. The music by Emily Rice really adds in creating a suspenseful, yet captivating moment. As for the editing, supervising editor Miranda Yousef makes us feel immersed in this film with its very smooth transitions, transitions between interviews, personal video recordings, and animated info graphics. Lastly, I was very pleased to see celebrities such as Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan, and countless others share their positive encounters with Brain and Sandra and the different ways in which they all support their campaign.

The film’s message is that when you encounter a problem, no matter how hopeless you may feel, there is always a solution that can often end up helping others along the way. This message is explored throughout the film and, even when discussing their trials and tribulations, this messaging remains true. The only thing to note is that there are some cuss words that are used.

I give For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign 4 out of 5 starts and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on Prime Video on May 28, 2024. If you’re looking for a new documentary to watch I definitely recommend you check this one out!  

Harriet (Lucy Boynton) finds art imitating life when she discovers certain songs can transport her back in time — literally. While she relives the past through romantic memories of her former boyfriend (David Corenswet), her time traveling collides with a burgeoning new love interest in the present (Justin H. Min). As she takes her journey through the hypnotic connection between music and memory, she wonders — even if she could change the past, should she?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “The Greatest Hits is an emotional comedy, drama, and fantasy film that highlights the impact of music. The cute yet sentimental storyline is unique, and I especially love how this film uses music as a metaphor to depict grief, and the stages people go through processing it.” See her full review below.  

The Greatest Hits 
By Zoë C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The Greatest Hits is an emotional comedy, drama, and fantasy film that highlights the impact of music. The cute yet sentimental storyline is unique, and I especially love how this film uses music as a metaphor to depict grief, and the stages people go through processing it. 

The film introduces Harriet (Lucy Boynton) who loses her boyfriend in a car accident. The tragedy leaves Harriet with trauma and also the ability to go back in time. When she hears a song that’s connected with a memory, the ability to time travel is triggered, and Harriet goes back to that time. Harriet tries to bring Max back, and faces many life-challenge obstacles that don’t allow her to recover from his death. Two years later, Harriet remembers the accident like it happened yesterday—she visits a support group where she meets David (Justin H. Min). And so Harriet must “face the music” and make some very tough decisions.

This film is authentic, heartbreaking, and very relatable. I love the soundtrack and connected with it so much as I constantly listen to music, and I love how music symbolizes different stages of life.  Throughout the film, Harriet is desperately looking for ways to bring Max back. While this makes Harriet relatable, I also found this to be the film’s biggest flaw. That being said I did find the plot to be very cute and romantic.

The story is about overcoming grief, and I like how the film represents what that means to Harriet. However, the acting and script aren’t as strong as I wished. Lucy Boynton does deliver a very good performance as she shows how grief can harshly impact one’s life. And I liked Austin Crute’s performance as Harriet’s best friend—their chemistry is refreshing as he supports Harriet through her grieving process. Finally, I enjoy the aesthetic of this film—the warm cinematography is pleasing to the eye.

The message of this film is that sometimes we need to let go of the past to move forward with the present. 

I give The Greatest Hits 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  The Greatest Hits debuts in limited release in theaters on April 5, 2024 and on Hulu April 23, 2024.

An evil doctor (Weird Al Yankovic) wants to steal the world’s best soccer players’ talents, skills, and abilities. He targets Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Megan Rapinoe (both playing themselves) and turns them into horrifying “mutant” monster versions of themselves. But with the help of some children soccer players, “Weird Al” will have to overcome their team of heroes that relies on hard work and practice instead of a magic serum.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gavin S. comments, “The Soccer Football Movie is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and thrilling action sequences. From start to finish, the film captivated me with its engaging storyline and charming characters. It’s a joyride that kept me hooked throughout.” See his full review below.

The Soccer Football Movie
By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Soccer Football Movie is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and thrilling action sequences. From start to finish, the film captivated me with its engaging storyline and charming characters. It’s a joyride that kept me hooked throughout.

In this animated adventure, a group of plucky kids, known as the Creature Catchers, embarks on an exciting journey to witness their soccer heroes, Zlatan and Megan Rapinoe (voiced by themselves) in action. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they discover that the players have been mutated by a strange slimy slug concocted by the eccentric Weird Al (voiced by Weird Al Yankovic). Now the creature catchers must team up with superstars to thwart a monstrous creature created by the nefarious slime.

This movie is a true gem! The clever humor, stellar voice acting, and stunning animation make it a joyride from start to finish. The jokes had me laughing out loud, and the voice acting by the remarkable cast brings the characters to life in a way that is both entertaining and endearing. The animation is top notch, with vibrant visuals that capture the excitement of the soccer matches, and the chaos of the creature’s rampage. Moreover, the underlying message of unity and camaraderie adds depth to the storyline, making it a film that resonates long after the credits roll.

Watching the creature catchers and the soccer stars come together to overcome obstacles and defeat the common enemy is not only thrilling, but also uplifting. The Soccer Football Movie is a winner for both soccer fans and animation lovers.

The film’s message is that teamwork makes the dream work and that, with support, anything can get done.

I give The Soccer Football Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12; this film is available on most streaming platforms now, be sure to check it out.