KIDS FIRST! News

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryker N. comments, “I absolutely LOVE the film Zootopia 2! All the favorite characters from Zootopia, and then some, are back with comical displays of friendship vs foe. And for the Flash (Raymond S. Persi) fans, he does not disappoint!” Elsy S. adds, “I love the movie Zootopia 2 because of its action-packed intensity, emotional layers, and how it talks about making difficult decisions.” Luna C. wraps it up with, “I was thrilled to dive back into the magical creature world of Zootopia 2, this time exploring the Marsh Market, a vibrant realm dedicated to water animals. I enjoyed seeing Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) step away from his criminal past and absolutely love the new mayor in town. The plot is filled with perfectly balanced twists, a few jump scares, and just the right amount of justice.” See their full reviews and Ari’s interview with directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard and producer Yvett Merino below.

Zootopia 2
By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I absolutely LOVE the film Zootopia 2! All the favorite characters from Zootopia, and then some, are back with comical displays of friendship vs foe. And for the Flash (Raymond S. Persi) fans, he does not disappoint!

The story picks up where Zootopia left off with Fox/Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Carrots/Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) being teamed up for their first assignment. But this is no ordinary assignment and, as usual, this team cannot stay away from getting involved in a real crime case. The two take on various battles to ultimately help Gary De’ Snake (Ke Huy Quan) recover the loss of reptiles from Zootopia. Bellwether (Jenny Slate) corruptly tries to keep Zootopia a land of predator vs prey, but Nick and Judy bamboozle her in a way that is unexpected to save Zootopia. A suspenseful plot twist centering around antagonist Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) and his family brings the story full circle as a reminder that villains never win.

Disney has outdone itself with the animation as it even surpasses the animation of Zootopia. The vibrant colors and attention to detail absolutely nail all the weather scenes. Plus, the funny scenes are endless. My favorite ones involve a recording carrot pen that is used several times for amusing blackmail tactics between Nick and Judy. Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) returns as one of my most liked characters because of his integrity in helping Nick and Judy by giving them tips along the way.  LaMarche’s voice fits Mr. Big’s character perfectly. Shakira brings the vocals again for another stunning performance as Gazelle.

It fascinates me how many big-name celebrities are in this film with minor roles. The character name puns are hilarious.

For example: Bartender Slick Di’Giguani is played by Nick DiGiovanni, Zeke AKA That Dik-Dik Stuck in that Tuba is played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michael J. The Fox by Michael J. Fox, and Ed Shearin is played by none other than Ed Sheeran, to name a few.

This film’s message is about how when everyone works together, despite their differences, everyone wins. The importance of friendship and how to maintain relationships are also common themes throughout the film. Note that there are some violent scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Zootopia 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on November 26, 2025.

Zootopia 2
By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love the movie Zootopia 2 because of its action-packed intensity, emotional layers, and how it talks about making difficult decisions.

The story takes place in the famous Zootopia, and follows Judy and Nick (Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman) as they work to expose the cunning Lynxleys and save an innocent snake (Ke Huy Quan) from being captured. They infiltrate a gala, and Judy meets a kind Lynxley named Pawbert (Andy Samberg), but they see that the snake has stolen the journal celebrating weather walls, supposedly invented by the Lynxleys, and become the police’s number one target. In the end, Nick goes to jail, but escapes, and Pawbert betrays them, trying to kill Judy and Nick, but they find the original patent for the weather walls, and snakes are welcomed back into Zootopia.

The story really demonstrates how one must look beyond what is obvious, and find what is hidden, even if it means sacrificing how you thought the world was. My favorite character is Nick Wilde, because of his obvious care for Judy, and his rational thought patterns. The voice talent is spot on. There are several main characters that weren’t in the first, as well as the return of many characters we have come to love, such as Chief Bogo, Gazelle, Dawn Bellweather, and Clawhouser (Idris Elba, Shakira, Jennifer Slate, Nate Torrence). The new characters are also very intriguing–Gary, Nibbles, Pawbert Lynxley, and Milton Lynxley (Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, and David Strathairn).

My favorite part is when Judy and Nick reveal a lot of emotional trauma between themselves in a very sweet way.

The film’s message is about learning to look beyond what is obvious to find what is hidden, physically, mentally and emotionally. Be forewarned that there are some extremely violent scenes, betrayal, and fear.

Zootopia 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It will be released in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Zootopia 2
By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I was thrilled to dive back into the magical creature world of Zootopia 2, this time exploring the Marsh Market, a vibrant realm dedicated to water animals. I enjoyed seeing Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) step away from his criminal past and absolutely love the new mayor in town. The plot is filled with perfectly balanced twists, a few jump scares, and just the right amount of justice.

This sequel to the beloved Disney animated film picks up only a week after the first movie ends. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde are navigating their new partnership and trying to prove they’re more than a one-hit duo. Once again, they uncover a long-buried secret within Zootopia, and the discovery sends them into brand-new territories as they work to make their city better for all creatures.

 

I love seeing familiar faces like Flash (Raymond S. Persi) and meeting new characters such as the helpful Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), who drives much of the plot, and the hilarious and heroic Mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton). One of my favorite moments is when Judy and Nick discover the Reptile Ravine. The homes feel truly reptilian, with scale-like textures and long, curved shapes. It feels like a lost world we didn’t get to see in the first movie–because it was buried under the snow! The villainous Lynxly family does not disappoint, and I was excited to see Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate), who remains delightfully evil and even escapes from prison… which definitely feels like a hint at Zootopia 3!

 

The film’s message centers around the need to prove you belong. Whether it’s Judy and Nick proving their partnership, or Gary De’Snake showing that snakes aren’t the bad guys, the message of accepting others for who they are shines throughout the film.

Zootopia 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 26, 2025.

 

After challenging the Wizard’s totalitarian regime in Oz, Elphaba must grapple with her identity as the “Wicked Witch of the West”. Meanwhile, the Wizard has given Glinda the title “Glinda the Good” and a public status as the nation’s defender against Elphaba. The two witches must make decisions that seal their fates in this second musical installment.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, “Wicked: For Good is a heartbreaking but beautiful portrait of friendship, sacrifice and corruption. The story is supported by fantabulous vocals, swankified design elements and performances with a caliber of depth rarely revealed by its two lead artists.” Katherine S. adds, “Everyone “rejoicify!” The second half of Wicked is here! Wicked: For Good is the perfect ending to Elphaba and Glinda’s story with its incredible display of friendship, wickedly good singing, and breathtaking visuals, while also exploring deeper themes.” Madeleine H.K. wraps it up with, “The performances in this film are outstanding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give emotional, deeply committed portrayals of their characters, and their chemistry makes the story’s themes of friendship, honesty, and forgiveness feel totally real. Their voices are stunning, especially in the iconic songs that Wicked fans already love.” See their full reviews below.

Wicked: For Good
By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Wicked: For Good is a heartbreaking but beautiful portrait of friendship, sacrifice and corruption. The story is supported by fantabulous vocals, swankified design elements and performances with a caliber of depth rarely revealed by its two lead artists. It also features a thrillifying plot twist unique to this adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s beloved novel.

The storyline picks up where Wicked left off, following Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as they navigate the ostracism Elphaba and the animals of Oz are faced with. Elphaba’s dawning challenges are concurrent with her sister’s (Marissa Bode) newfound political popularity, Glinda’s rise to fame and the renovation of Oz, including the construction of the classic yellow brick road. Glinda and Elphaba must weather great tribulations, both personal and shared, to preserve their bond.

Wicked: For Good makes a powerful and timeless statement about society. The descent of Oz as its citizens rush to pin the blame on one another is representative of the fatal flaw–desire, whether for wealth or glory, control or love–that makes humans so vulnerable to manipulation. Glinda and Elphaba symbolize two different kinds of oppression–one forced into compliance and the other silenced, exiled entirely for fear of Oz’s delicate balance breaking. The near demise of their friendship is a call for unity, strengthened in its intensity by the cinematic features and the actors’ work. Grande and Erivo both undergo a truly astounding metamorphosis from the first installment of Wicked; they allow us to witness moments of agony, desperation and aching vulnerability that transcend their already-moving previous performances. The inclusion of a young Glinda (Scarlett Spears) draws further compassion. The vocal pieces, featuring both new tunes and familiar favorites, left me awestruck.

Finally, the set design and special effects are breathtaking–Jon M. Chu has fashioned a whole ozmopolitan world for Glinda and Elphaba’s story to unfold in.

Wicked: For Good is a perfectly-timed reminder that no one person is responsible for the downfall of society; everyone has to contribute for all citizens to receive the support they need. Every voice must be heard; it is only when power is used wisely that acceptance can thrive and progress is made. It also highlights the resilience that true friendship takes to maintain.

I give Wicked: For Good 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on November 21, 2025.

Wicked: For Good
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Everyone “rejoicify!” The second half of Wicked is here! Wicked: For Good is the perfect ending to Elphaba and Glinda’s story with its incredible display of friendship, wickedly good singing, and breathtaking visuals, while also exploring deeper themes.

Following the same plot as the musical of the same name, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now a fugitive, has become known as the “Wicked Witch of the West,” while Glinda (Ariana Grande) takes on the role of “Glinda the Good,” but the lines between good and wicked are more blurred than ever. We see both grappling with this all while Oz is growing increasingly divided. Can Elphaba expose the Wizard’s lies and clear her name, or will she go down in history as the wickedest witch in Oz?

I’ll preface this by saying that I liked part one of Wicked a bit better, yet I still enjoyed this movie quite a lot. The pacing feels a little off in the beginning, but it all comes together beautifully by the end and gives a powerful closing to the story. Like the first movie, people of all ages will enjoy Wicked: For Good. It keeps younger audiences engaged with its vivid, magical settings of Oz, and it moves older audiences through its extremely authentic portrayal of friendship and exploration of complex messages.  Everyone will leave the theater humming the catchy music, of course. This movie has one of the strongest displays of acting I’ve seen in a long time. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Ethan Slater as Boq have strong performances and it’s interesting to see what motivates them and how much they’ve changed throughout the franchise.

But the most compelling performances that really sticks out to me are from the two leading ladies. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have formed a close friendship in real life, and this makes their portrayal of frenemies even more powerful.

Watching them reminded me of being with my own friends, so it was a great reminder to be thankful for close friends as we enter Thanksgiving break. Both actors stand out individually in their solos, and their voices blend beautifully in their duets, which gave me goosebumps more than a few times. There are even two new songs, “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble,” though my favorite performances were “Wonderful” and “For Good.”

Wicked: For Good explores many deep themes like the power of close friendship, doing what’s right even when it’s hard, and how propaganda can shape reality, allowing those in control to decide who the good and evil are. Parents should be advised that there are a few intense scenes as well as a bit of romance.

I give Wicked: For Good 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Fans of the musical and the first film will love this movie, and so will non-fans. It comes out in theaters on November 21, 2025.

Wicked: For Good
By Madeleine H.K., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 13

I loved Wicked: For Good!  It makes an epic and heartwarming conclusion to the two-part cinematic event that swept the world last year. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this final chapter brings even more emotion, spectacle, and character depth to the untold story of the witches of Oz. This film is powerful, inspiring, and visually breathtaking from beginning to end.

The story picks up with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) living completely separate lives after choices that divided them. Elphaba, now seen as the Wicked Witch of the West, hides in the forest while fighting for the rights of Oz’s Animals. Glinda has become the glittering face of “goodness” in Emerald City, where she enjoys popularity but also feels the growing weight of her responsibilities—and her regrets. While Glinda prepares for a massive royal wedding to Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), she is haunted by the loss of her friendship with Elphaba.

When she tries to reunite Elphaba with The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), the attempt only pushes them further apart, setting off consequences that affect everyone around them, including Boq (Ethan Slater) and Nessarose (Marissa Bode). Everything intensifies when a girl from Kansas arrives and changes the fate of Oz forever.

The performances in this film are outstanding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give emotional, deeply committed portrayals of their characters, and their chemistry makes the story’s themes of friendship, honesty, and forgiveness feel totally real. Their voices are stunning, especially in the iconic songs that Wicked fans already love.

The supporting cast—Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and many others—add humor, heart, and dramatic tension. The visual design is spectacular. From the shimmering Emerald City to the darker edges of the Ozian forest, every scene feels magical and larger-than-life.

The music by Stephen Schwartz and John Powell elevates the entire movie, blending classic melodies with new emotional layers. My favorite part is how this film focuses on the bond between Elphaba and Glinda. Their relationship becomes the emotional center of the story, and watching them confront their fears, mistakes, and love for one another is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

The film delivers a powerful message about understanding, empathy, and how one friendship can change a whole world—for good.

I give Wicked: For Good 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults. Wicked: For Good opens in theaters November 21, 2025

A social media influencer threatens global devastation, forcing Hawkeye and The Avengers to expand their ranks. The heroes discover that fighting viral threats requires more than just their usual superhero skills.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a hilarious and action-packed return to the LEGO Marvel Universe. This two-episode adventure perfectly blends humor, chaos, and superhero fun, while including tons of clever nods to the original Marvel comics.” Zoey F. adds, “LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a good film for younger kids. Though it is quite different from the original Marvel Movies as well as other LEGO movies, it is a worthwhile watch.” Ari C. wraps it up with, “This series is hilarious – Not only does it have humorous scenes, but the entire storyline itself is ridiculous. It had me cracking up and completely invested in it. I am a huge Marvel fan, and I love how LEGO adds a comedic twist to this series.” See their full reviews below.

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tail
By Jackson N., age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a hilarious and action-packed return to the LEGO Marvel Universe. This two-episode adventure perfectly blends humor, chaos, and superhero fun, while including tons of clever nods to the original Marvel comics. It’s an awesome way to keep the Halloween excitement going a little longer, especially with its mix of spooky magic and silly moments.

The story follows Hawkeye (Chris Cox), who finds himself in a strange new situation after the Avengers mysteriously vanish. With his teammates gone, Hawkeye ends up leading a group of leftover heroes on a mission to stop a social media-obsessed villain who turns cats into a full-blown crisis. As if fighting evil wasn’t hard enough, now he has to deal with literal cat chaos! Along the way, he learns what it really means to be part of a team—even when things get weird—but can he put a stop to this CAT-tastrophe?

The animation in LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails looks great and feels sharper and more colorful than ever. The LEGO characters move smoothly, and their expressions are full of energy, which makes every joke land perfectly. The backgrounds, like Doctor Strange’s magical world and the city streets packed with cats, are filled with fun details that made me want to pause and look closer. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Chris Cox giving Hawkeye just the right mix of confidence and sarcasm. What really stands out, though, is the music— something that’s not common in many LEGO series. The custom soundtrack adds a lot to the action scenes and makes everything feel more epic. This installment also has a ton of surprises for Marvel fans. Seeing Spider-Man, the Thing, and Wolverine all pop up in LEGO form is really exciting. One of the funniest moments happens when Sabretooth gets thrown through a wall while a group of heroes plays Go Fish in the background—it’s random and ridiculous in the best way. The humor works for both kids and adults, balancing silly puns with clever jokes about the Marvel universe. This is absolutely the best series to introduce kids to Marvel fandom.

The show’s message is that teamwork is the key to success. It also shows how friendship and trust help people overcome even the strangest situations. Parents should know there’s some mild cartoon fighting, but it’s all in good fun and totally age-appropriate.

I give LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can stream the show in full on Disney+ beginning November 14, 2025.

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails is a good film for younger kids. Though it is quite different from the original Marvel Movies as well as other LEGO movies, it is a worthwhile watch.

The storyline follows Hawkeye and The Avengers facing their wildest threat yet – social media. To save the world, The Avengers have to recruit a new team to fight their new rival – cats! Specifically, these magic cats are controlled by the evil influencer, Meryet (Alia Shawkat), who is also in control of The Avengers. She devises an evil plan of world domination all for likes and views on her channel.

From a huge fight scene, recorded by an aspiring cat influencer, Meryet, the Avengers save the day, but not without the help of Hawkeye (Troy Baker). It seems that fighting comes easy to him, but nothing could prepare him for his biggest rival to be cats. Let’s talk about the humor in this film because a big part of Marvel Movies is the humor.

Though this film definitely has some good lines, it is a lot more toned down than The Avengers. I like the irony that Hawkeye hates cats while having to work with a team of cat superheroes in episode 2. The film does keep the lightheartedness of the jokes that are so well loved in the original Marvel films, but a lot of the humor is geared for a younger audience.

Viewers, like me, who are attached to the original Avengers’ movies, might have a hard time adjusting to different voice actors and aged-down humor. The animation of action scenes is beautiful in the LEGO style, but I missed Marvel’s well-delivered jokes. I was expecting something similar to LEGO Batman but got an extremely watered-down version of that. Despite that, the characters are fun, and it is interesting to see different interpretations of their voices. As a long time Marvel fan, I enjoyed seeing new characters like Meryet and Tigra (Cat Taber). These characters have the potential for a bigger presence in future movies and TV shows.

The film’s message is about how being famous or popular does not define how good of a person you are. Hawkeye gains fame and then loses it to all the cats. He feels irrelevant and questions why he even tries when no one likes him. But he remembers why he is an Avenger and that he does good things regardless of his fame. We are also reminded how a lust for fame can corrupt someone. Meryet starts out as an innocent aspiring influencer, but becomes power hungry and doesn’t stop until she gets what she wants. This is a very important and powerful theme for a kids’ movie.

I give LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is available on Disney+ starting November 14, 2025.

Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails                                                                                                                By Ari C., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13

I absolutely love Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails. It is comedic, has a great storyline and amazing voice acting. It teaches an important lesson as well.

This series follows Hawkeye (Chris Cox) who has recently experienced a surge in fame and little does he know that fame will soon disappear. Suddenly nobody cares about superheroes; instead everyone is obsessed with cat videos. Hawkeye despises cats and is maybe a little jealous of them. He is able to see that something fishy is happening and it turns out that all the cats are being controlled by an evil influencer. Hawkeye must put together a team of cat themed superheroes to save the world.

This series is hilarious –it had me laughing throughout the episodes. Not only does it have humorous scenes, but the entire storyline itself is ridiculous. It had me cracking up and completely invested in it. I am a huge Marvel fan, and I love how LEGO adds a comedic twist to this series. It is so fun seeing the Avengers get defeated by cats – that had me laughing up a storm. I find it amusing how Hawkeye puts together a team of cat themed superheroes to defeat an army of evil cats. Even if you look past the comedy, it still has a great plot. I was completely enthralled by the action and the plot.  The voice acting is fantastic. Chris Cox perfectly captures the pitch and tone of Hawkeyes’ voice throughout the series.  There is a fine line between doing something for fame and doing it because it is the right thing to do, and it is easy to mistake one for the other. This show reminds us to watch that line and choose to do things for the right reasons. My favorite part is the ending when Santa comes in and beats up a bunch of bad guys.

The film’s message is that fame doesn’t define you, but your actions do. Note that there is some violence but nothing bloody or gory.

I give Lego Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18 plus adults. You can find it on Disney Plus beginning November 14, 2025.

Sarah’s Oil is inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted and whose faith is proven right. As greedy oil sharks close in, Sarah turns to her family, friends, and some Texas wildcatters to maintain control of her oil-rich land, eventually becoming among the nation’s first female African American millionaires-at eleven years old.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, “I like Sarah’s Oil because its amazing storyline and messages, great acting and outstanding cinematography… The entire cast is convincing, but Naya Desir-Johnson especially stands out, because her performance feels so real – her emotions jump right off the screen.” Tia O. adds, “Sarah’s Oil is a dramatic time period piece. The acting is well done and the plot is very interesting – one I was unaware of… The film’s message focuses on trusting in your faith and having the strength to persevere through tough times.” Julie S. wraps it up with, “I was truly unaware of this incredible narrative before viewing the film, and it is inspiring in multiple ways—from its strong faith-based core to the sheer strength of an 11-year-old girl standing up for her rights during a tumultuous era.” See their full reviews and Ari’s interview with Naya Desir-Johnson below.

Sarah’s Oil
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like Sarah’s Oil because its amazing storyline and messages, great acting and outstanding cinematography.

The storyline follows a young African American girl, Sarah (Naya Desir-Johnson), who is determined to find oil on her land. Not only does she find oil, but unfortunately, she finds enemies too. She must not only deal with greedy crooks in the oil business, but she must also deal with great loss. This movie takes place in Oklahoma, in 1931, a time when racism and persecution were pretty predominant towards people of color.

The entire cast is convincing, but Naya Desir-Johnson especially stands out, because her performance feels so real – her emotions jump right off the screen.

Mel Rodriguez’s portrayal of Mace perfectly captures the dramatic flair that the script calls for.

Kenric Green, as Sarah’s father Joe portrays a loving father figure wonderfully; he emanates paternal instincts.

Kudos to Johnny Derango, the director of photography, and the entire cinematography department. All the shots are so perfectly framed; I felt as if I was right there observing all that was going on.

The character development and the pace of the film are spot on. As I am half Black myself, I resonated with the messages of equal rights in this film. Hats off to Cyrus Nowrasteh for bringing this story to our attention and to the producers and crew for their sensitive delivery.

I love the settings of the various scenes as they really match the mood of the story. Plus, the background music is well selected for the times and the topic.

 

This movie teaches great lessons about equality and persistence that are important for everyone to learn. My favorite part is when oil rains down on Sarah because it reminds me of when I get to play in the rain and we see how her faith has delivered the oil she predicted was on her land.

The film’s messages are to treat everyone equally and never back down from what’s right.  Take note that there is some profanity, lots of violence, and a murder.

I give Sarah’s Oil 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on November 7, 2025.

Sarah’s Oil
By Tia O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Sarah’s Oil is a dramatic time period piece. The acting is well done and the plot is very interesting – one I was unaware of. But I wanted more historical information from it.

Sarah’s Oil is a dramatic film set in the early 1900s which follows the real life story of Sarah Rector (Naya Desir-Johnson). After inheriting a massive plot of land, due to birthright as a Black grandchild of Creek Indians, she believes that there is a large bank of oil underneath her land. After following her gut instincts and persevering through hardships, eleven-year-old Sarah turns out to be right about her hunch and becomes America’s first African-American millionaire.

I found the story very interesting. I had never heard of Sarah Rector’s story before watching this movie, and the film left me wanting to learn more about her life. The acting from both Naya Desir-Johnson and Zachary Levi really elevates the film.

Both actors take on thick Southern accents and manage to maintain them throughout the entire movie, staying fully in character even during the most intense scenes while still maintaining great chemistry.

Their characters, Sarah and Bert, originally meet inside of a cafe and end up crossing paths again shortly after. During this meeting, Sarah asks Bert to help her lead the journey in extracting all that oil. Eventually the two grow very close, with Bert acting as a business mentor for Sarah. While the plot is captivating, there are a few issues that broke the illusion of the 1900s setting. For instance, many people treat Sarah unusually kindly for that time period. While there is an attempt to showcase the racism that she and her family faced, it feels inadequate.

The film’s message focuses on trusting in your faith and having the strength to persevere through tough times. It is an inspiring message, reminding us that nothing good comes easy and that hard work always pays off. Note that there is some minor violence and profanity used.

I give Sarah’s Oil 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 7, 2025.

Sarah’s Oil
By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

Sarah’s Oil brings to life the inspiring story of Sarah Rector, a real-life figure whose determination and faith propelled her into history.

I was truly unaware of this incredible narrative before viewing the film, and it is inspiring in multiple ways—from its strong faith-based core to the sheer strength of an 11-year-old girl standing up for her rights during a tumultuous era.

The story follows Sarah Rector, a young African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s. As a Black grandchild of Creek Indians, she was allotted 160 acres of land under the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887. While the land appeared barren, Sarah firmly believed there was oil beneath the surface. At a time when oil wildcatters were rampant in Oklahoma and Texas, Sarah had to fiercely fight for what was rightfully hers. She eventually succeeded, becoming the first female African American millionaire at the age of eleven.

Kudos to Cyrus Nowrasteh for co-producing, co-writing, and directing this essential piece of history. The cast is wonderful, especially Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah and Zachary Levi as Bert.

The film opens powerfully with Sarah accepting the deed and immediately expressing her faith-filled conviction about the land’s potential. She finds an unlikely ally and protector in the local wildcatter, Bert (Zachary Levi). Levi excels as the scoundrel with a good heart—unreliable at times, but ultimately redeeming himself as he supports Sarah against the local oil company, led by Garret Dillahunt.

The performance of Naya Desir-Johnson stands out, flawlessly balancing Sarah’s deep faith and innocence while demonstrating a fierce refusal to take flak from anyone.

The pervasive racism of the era is evident, though it is handled sensitively for a broader audience.

Sarah’s Oil is an enjoyable and profoundly moving experience. Its message about faith, family, and legacy is an uplifting one that will surely brighten your day at the movies. With a powerful true story and exceptional performances, it earns a high recommendation.

I give Sarah’s Oil 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 7, 2025.

Doctor Noize’s latest song and music video is all about how to write a song! Watch the pure joy kids get from learning about song structure featuring the world’s coolest orchestras. The music, lyrics and orchestration by Doctor Noize Recording are performed by Doctor Noize, Anton Schwartz, the Colorado Children’s Chorale and the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The single is off of his upcoming retrospective album Positive Energy! 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song is shared alongside a purely warm fuzzy nostalgia music video by acclaimed director Sidney Cullinan and features footage from 15+ years of Doctor Noize shows and recordings. Doctor Noize confides, “This video is like a big love letter to the people I have had the privilege of recording and performing for and with.”

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ilana O. comments, “1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song is an educational and engaging music video that breaks down the basic fundamentals of music theory to a simpler level. The video has great production value due to the featured collaborations and rich layers of instrumentation that allow for the song to be lighthearted and upbeat!” Zoe C. adds, “I especially love how Dr. Noise invites children into the music through the large choruses. While his voice guides the verses, the children’s voices unite in the choruses highlighting the collaboration and creativity coming together.” KIDS FIRST! Music Critic, John Wood, adds, “On the surface this is a children’s song — bright, bouncy, fun for car-rides. But peel back the confetti and you’ll discover it’s far more: a sly, joyous tutorial in how songs are built, disguised in the kind of melody that has kids tapping their feet and adults nodding along with satisfaction.” See their full reviews below.

Doctor Noize – 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song A Song
By Ilana O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song is an educational and engaging music video that breaks down the basic fundamentals of music theory to a simpler level. The video has great production value due to the featured collaborations and rich layers of instrumentation that allow for the song to be lighthearted and upbeat!

Although the target audience may not all be musically-inclined, the song acts as a gateway to inspire a new generation of young, aspiring artists who don’t know where to begin. It reviews integral aspects of music theory, such as the bridge, chorus, verse, and similar. Due to its repetitive nature, and easy-to-remember lyrics, it acts as an effective tool for young ones to grasp what comprises the music they listen to. Besides this, the video features nostalgic clips that fans may recognize from Doctor Noize’s earlier music career, to the present.

Doctor Noize, who is the lead singer, delivers an amusing, pitch-perfect performance while infusing educational value into the music.

His collaboration with the Colorado Children’s Chorale and the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra are what make his music feel complete, as it contributes to the climax of the song. At the beginning, the song starts off bare, and then as it progresses, there is more buildup in the instrumentation and vocals from the choir. The saxophone, which is the most soloistic, adds elements of jazz, creating variety among the range of sounds that are heard. From a technical standpoint, the video execution is also well done, as it contains a unique element of contrasting effects, based on the way it was edited.

 

In other words, the structure of the video constantly alternates between Doctor Noize’s past and present career, portraying juxtaposition. Whenever clips from his past performances are shown, they are followed by clips from the present-day that depict him reflecting upon the glory days of the past while singing in an empty theatre. To older viewers who grew up with his music, this subtle nuance is what makes it far from being a simple song about music theory. Instead, it is more like a love-letter to the fans.

The song conveys the message of how music is universal in a sense. This is seen through the clips that alternate between different performance venues, containing young audience members from all over becoming united with his tunes. Also, it proves that if you understand the structure of what makes up a song, the listening experience is more fulfilling.

I give 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song 4.0 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 A Song is available on all major music platforms now.

1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song
By Zoë C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song, written by Doctor Noize, cleverly teaches children how to write a song by turning the process into music itself. It’s an immersive and educational, yet incredibly fun track that celebrates the beauty and joy of songwriting and what it means to compose a song.

Doctor Noize breaks down the structure of songwriting, describing when verses and choruses appear by crafting a song around this formula.

What makes this song stand out is its warmth and creativity. The orchestral arrangement, paired with a chorus of children’s voices, creates a sense of inclusivity and excitement. As someone who has written songs before, I found this approach not only adorable but also inspiring. It gives young listeners a chance to see how songwriting works while feeling like they’re part of the process.

I especially love how Dr. Noise invites children into the music through the large choruses. While his voice guides the verses, the children’s voices unite in the choruses highlighting the collaboration and creativity coming together.

The simplicity of the chords and the clarity of the message make it both accessible and empowering. It leaves a blank canvas for kids to fill with their own stories and melodies, encouraging imagination and self-expression. The tone of the song is joyful and uplifting, filled with an energy that makes learning feel effortless. Even though it’s written for children, there’s a sophistication in how Dr. Noise blends education with entertainment. The melody sticks in your head, but so does the message: anyone can create music if they’re willing to try.

All this makes 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song a charming and meaningful piece that transforms music education into a joyful, creative experience. It’s a perfect introduction to songwriting for young listeners, and a reminder that music is something everyone can create. That message, presented with such positivity, can inspire not just children but anyone who’s ever doubted their creativity.

I give 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available now on streaming music platforms so check it out.

1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song
By John Wood, KIDS FIRST! Music Critic

1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song showcases a clinic in bringing together a variety of disciplines to accomplish an artist retrospective wrapped up in a teachable song moment. When you are given practical tools to write your own songs, I would imagine follow up workshops would be a blast.

On the surface this is a children’s song — bright, bouncy, fun for car-rides. But peel back the confetti and you’ll discover it’s far more: a sly, joyous tutorial in how songs are built, disguised in the kind of melody that has kids tapping their feet and adults nodding along with satisfaction.

What sets this apart? First, the scale — Doctor Noize doesn’t shy away from orchestral ambition: the participation of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the Colorado Children’s Chorale and jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz add texture, depth and a genuine “big stage” feel. Trust me, when you hear the swell of the strings and then the children’s chorus jump in—you realize this isn’t kids’ music cut from the usual cloth.

Yet, Doctor Noize balances it with approachability. The concept is smart, but inclusive: counting one through seven becomes a map of song-sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.). Kids pick up the rhythm; parents pick up the structure, and everyone leaves humming something they didn’t know they’d learned. It’s sneak-syllabus: art plus edutainment without the scare-quotes. This seasoned artist definitely knows his audience and leads the proceedings like a pied piper maestro.

Production-wise this is crisp, exuberant, and lively. You hear the energy of the children’s voices, the richness of the orchestra, and just enough jazz flourishes to keep it fresh. The key change? The hook? The moment when everything clicks? It’s there, and it’s satisfying. The structure is sound, no pun intended, because he outlines from 1 to 7 the structure of writing a song.

And then there’s the birthday release angle: dropping such a song on the artist’s own birthday (October 30) gives it a little extra sparkle — like a party you’re invited to whether you know it or not.

If I were to pick a minor note — in the sea of children’s music, ambitious cross-genre pieces still run the risk of “too big” for little ears — so my guess is the song’s success will lean heavily on how the arrangements support repetition and accessibility. But in this case, Doctor Noize seems more than up for the job.

Verdict: “1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song” isn’t just another counting tune — it’s a milestone in kids’ music; it’s intelligent, fun, and fully produced. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to press replay in the car, let the chorus buzz through the house, and maybe, just maybe, you find yourself tapping along, picking up something you didn’t know you were learning. I highly recommend this. It is a music video retrospective of the artist’s career through music and song.

I give 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 A Song 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12.