KIDS FIRST! News

Dear Friends,

KIDS FIRST! celebrates its 35th birthday! And our celebration continues. Go Here to Donate and Enter the Sweepstakes: https://go.rallyup.com/kidsfirst-portugal2027

 Your support over the past three decades has made all the difference—and today, a simple gesture from you helps us keep providing trusted guidance for the media your family loves.

Our Story Began at Tsankawi– In 1991, five founders gathered at the Tsankawi Prehistoric Sites. Standing among ancient rock art and cliff dwellings, Peggy Charren—founder of Action for Children’s Television—remarked that ancient storytellers didn’t have to worry about the content of media. Their stories were true to their lives, carved straight into the rock walls for future generations.

Inspired by that truth, the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media and its signature program, KIDS FIRST!, were born. At the time, major media outlets were trying to convince Congress that The Flintstones taught history and The Jetsons taught the future to satisfy educational television mandates. It was a massive stretch. Shortly after, an influx of hyper-violent video games and media left families with few places to turn for honest guidance.

Guided by leading child development specialists, media educators, and librarians, KIDS FIRST!  created a rigorous evaluation system. We trained adult and youth reviewers to work side-by-side evaluating, rating, and recommending media worth your family’s precious time.

That effort evolved into our flagship KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program—empowering youth ages 9 to 18 to deliver honest, peer-to-peer reviews of the latest movies, TV shows, and digital content.

Impact by the Numbers (Last Year Alone)

• 500+ films, TV shows, and digital media projects evaluated
• 200+ cast and crew members interviewed
• 1,000+ video reviews published across YouTube and social media

All of this is offered to the public 100% free of charge—made possible solely through the generosity of supporters like you.

Celebrate 35 Years With Us: Donate & Enter Our Sweepstakes!

Every day, more families reach out to us because they are tired of content that relies on hostility, drama, and a talking-down tone. To celebrate 35 years of championing quality media, we invite you to make a special anniversary gift of $35, $350, or $3,500.

As a token of our gratitude, every donation enters you into our Fundraising Sweepstakes!

• Grand Prize: A trip to Portugal to spend an afternoon with Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop!
• Plus: Dozens of other incredible prizes.

Go Here to Donate and Enter the Sweepstakes: https://go.rallyup.com/kidsfirst-portugal2027

Since 1991, our mission has been to empower kids to become critical viewers, make quality entertainment easily accessible, and inspire young filmmakers. That promise has never mattered more than it does today.

Thank you for serving kids and families with the care, respect, and humanity they deserve.

With gratitude,

The KIDS FIRST! Team

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families. Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but-hapless weredog Raww and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal, the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kennedy P. comments, “What if the greatest adventure of your life came with the heartbreaking price of forgetting the people you love most? That’s the premise of Forgotten Island, and it completely pulled me in.” Taysha F. adds, “I really like its strong story about friendship and memories, the creative animation, and the way music is part of the adventure. This film kept me entertained from the beginning to the very end.” Tanaysha F. wraps it up with, “It starts with a big surprise that I was NOT expecting, and it had me laughing hysterically in the theater. I knew right then that this was going to be my kind of movie.” See their full reviews below.

Forgotten Island
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

(from center left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

What if the greatest adventure of your life came with the heartbreaking price of forgetting the people you love most? That’s the premise of Forgotten Island, and it completely pulled me in. I love how this film combines adventure, magic, friendship, family, and Filipino culture into a beautiful story that is both exciting and emotional. It reminds me just how precious our memories are and how the people we share them with are such an important part of who we are.

This is an animated fantasy adventure film by DreamWorks Animation set in the 1990s in the Philippines. Recent high school graduates, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) are about to go their separate ways when Raissa leaves for college in America.

(from left) Raissa (Liza Soberano), Raww (Dave Franco) and Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

While celebrating their last night together, they discover a mysterious portal to Nakali, a hidden island filled with the magical and mythological creatures from the stories of their childhood. But Nakali comes with a dangerous secret – the island slowly feeds on the memories of those inside. Jo and Raissa soon discover that the price of returning home is losing the memories of their entire friendship, forcing them to race against time to escape before they forget each other forever.

Forgotten Island features an incredible voice cast, including H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa, whose friendship is the centerpiece of this emotional adventure. I loved watching these two women navigate their friendship, their fears, and the possibility of growing apart as they enter a new chapter of their lives. The film also brings Filipino culture and mythology to life through its characters and magical creatures.

(from left) Jo (H.E.R.), Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Zippy the Potion Fairy (Tania Gunadi) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The animation is absolutely beautiful! I love the colorful visuals and the anime inspired style, which gives the film a unique and vibrant look. Every part of Nakali feels imaginative and is filled with details that make you want to explore this magical world along with Jo and Raissa. I also love that this is a story families can experience together, with plenty of heart, humor, adventure, and a message that stays with you long after the movie ends.

The film is a beautiful reminder that memories are one of the greatest gifts we have. Life changes; people grow up; and sometimes the people we love take different paths; but the memories we make together stay with us forever. The film reminds us that friendship takes effort, that family and culture help shape who we are, and that the bonds we create with the people we love are worth fighting for.

I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters September 25, 2026.

Forgotten Island
By Taysha F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Forgotten Island is an extremely entertaining and hilarious movie! I really like its strong story about friendship and memories, the creative animation, and the way music is part of the adventure. This film kept me entertained from the beginning to the very end.

The storyline follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). Jo grows up hearing stories from her grandmother Lola (Dolly de Leon) about a mysterious island called Nakali and its magical creatures, even though most people don’t believe the stories are real. As Jo and Raissa get older and prepare to go in different directions, they unexpectedly find themselves on Nakali and have to work together to find their way home before they lose the memories of their friendship.

Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

This film is hilarious and entertaining from the beginning to the end, and I already plan to see it again with my friends. There are so many things that stand out to me in this movie. I really like the friendship between Jo and Raissa because Jo finally finds someone who shares her interests and understands things that other people think are strange. My favorite character is the weredog, Raww (Dave Franco), because he is really funny, and my favorite part is when he finally learns how to control his powers. I also love the animation. The way the lighting reflects off Jo and Raissa’s hair is very unique, and the colorful effects are very impressive. The creatures on Nakali are unusual and add to making the movie so unique. I especially think the Merman walking around on land is funny. The music also stands out because it isn’t just playing in the background; the characters actually use music to solve problems during their adventure. The music choices fit the scenes really well. I was disappointed in the villain, the Dreaded Manananggal (Lea Salonga), which falls short. We learn a little about them, but I still wanted to know more about the villain’s past and what shapes its character.

(from left) Raissa (Liza Soberano), Raww (Dave Franco) and Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The film’s message is about friendship and the importance of memories. Memories aren’t just about the things we remember, they help shape who we are and connect us to the people we love. We are also reminded that friendships have their ups and downs, but those things don’t destroy the bond between true friends. Note that there are some scary-looking creatures, serious action and dangerous situations may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on September 25, 2026.

Forgotten Island
By Tanaysha F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

(from left) Little Raissa (Kayla Teruel) and Little Jo (Kailey Crawford) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

I really like Forgotten Island. It is exciting, full of surprises, and absolutely hilarious! It starts with a big surprise that I was NOT expecting, and it had me laughing hysterically in the theater. I knew right then that this was going to be my kind of movie.

The storyline follows Jo (H.E.R.) and her best friend Raissa (Liza Soberano). Jo’s grandmother (Dolly de Leon) told her about the island of Nakali and the creatures that live there. Other kids don’t believe Jo’s stories about Nakali except Raissa (actor). They become best friends and stumble across a mysterious portal that takes them to Nakali, but they discover that the price for leaving is to love the memories of their entire friendship. They have to work together to try to find their way home before they forget each other forever.

(from left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

This movie had me laughing from the very beginning, took me on a crazy adventure in the middle, and gave me something to think about. There is always something happening in this film and that kept my attention. My favorite characters are the protagonist, Jo and Raww, the wolf-dog (Dave Franco). Jo is different and is fearless. Raww is hilarious; he has some of the funniest moments in the movie. One of my favorite scenes is when Jo and Raissa are kids and the car starts rolling down the hill while they are inside. One of them is laughing while the other one is screaming. That scene is hilarious because it shows their two different personalities as they react completely differently to the same crazy situation.  I really like the ending of this film because everything finally comes together.

Things that happened earlier in the movie start to make more sense. Memories are such an important part of the story.

Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The ending makes the message stronger because friendship is at the center of the movie from the beginning all the way to the end.

The film’s message is about friendship and the value of memories. Best friends aren’t always going to agree, but that doesn’t mean their friendship has to end. Don’t let one bad moment destroy years of good memories.

I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It opens in cinemas on September 25, 2026.

Heart of the Beast is an upcoming American survival thriller film directed by David Ayer, starring Brad Pitt and J.K. Simmons. The movie marks a reunion between Pitt and director David Ayer for the first time since their 2014 World War II epic, Fury.

After surviving a plane crash, a former Special Forces soldier finds himself trapped in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness with his combat dog. Together, they battle the elements and other animals in a harsh landscape that would likely kill any other man or dog.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Valeria M. comments, “I found Heart of the Beast underwhelming. Despite its attempts to tell a meaningful story, the plot is riddled with frustrating inconsistencies, and Brad Pitt’s performance simply isn’t believable.”

See her full review below.

Heart of The Beast
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and Odin in Heart of the Beast from Paramount Pictures.

I found Heart of the Beast underwhelming. Despite its attempts to tell a meaningful story, the plot is riddled with frustrating inconsistencies, and Brad Pitt’s performance simply isn’t believable.

The storyline follows James Belmont (Brad Pitt), a retired special forces operative traveling through Alaska with his retired army K-9, Odin, or Odey. After flying through a harsh lightning storm, James suffers a heart attack, loses consciousness and crashes into the frozen terrain. Stranded in the woods, he and Odin have to navigate nearly 60 miles through brutal Alaskan wilderness to reach the nearest road for help.

Odin is the true star of the film – delivering a far more expressive performance than his human companion. The one saving grace of the film is its beautiful cinematography by Mauro Fiore, filled with sweeping vistas of rich greens and cool blues.

Sadly, the visual beauty is undermined by meaningless plot twists and pseudo-mystery. The first part of the film is primarily a montage of James and Odin moving through the woods, intercut with moments of life-altering injuries that James casually walks off. Billed as a survival thriller, the film pushes the suspension of disbelief way too far. On top of that, James just does things that make absolutely no logical sense — like getting dry clothes from a water-logged trunk. The pacing doesn’t help it; the opening drags on leaving moments of tension few and far between and frustratingly fleeting. Most disappointing is that we never learn about the key details of James’s life until the final scene – and by then, it’s too late.

Brad Pitt plays James Belmont in Heart of the Beast from Paramount Pictures.

His heartbreaking story and meaningful message are lost beneath an endless loop of YouTube-style camping and nature videos. This movie is not horrible, it’s just vacuous. It failed to give me any reason to care for the characters or their story.

The film’s message is that the bond between a dog and its owner is unbreakable. Note that there is some profanity, various injuries, bloody images and death.

I give Heart of The Beast 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 through 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on September 25, 2026.

Heart of the Beast
By Harper B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Heart of the Beast is an intense film that brings a flood of emotions. It’s an action adventure film that gave me an experience like never before.

The story follows a retired special forces soldier, James (Brad Pitt), and a retired special forces K-9, Oden, who set off on a camping adventure in Alaska. Oden and James have an unmistakable bond and are the only family they have. When a storm arrives at their camp site, James decides to fly out on his plane. They crash in the middle of the woods, approximately 58 miles from a road, and have to figure out how to survive together.

This film intertwines survival skills and lifelong friendships. The scenery and cinematography stand out, especially when they are flying the sea plane around the mountainous area. The film was shot on the South Island of New Zealand, which looks a lot like Alaska. Brad Pitt gives a notable performance as James and his relationship with Oden is very believable. The plot is paced well and makes sense. The background music fits the storyline, especially the song “Stand by Me” by Stephen Wilson,which beautifully wraps up the plot.  My favorite part of the film is when James and Oden are playing in the field. This scene shows how the relationship between them thrives and cannot be separated. There are many flashbacks and they give us an inside view of their former life in the military.

The film’s message is that when you fall, you can still get back up. We see James climbing up a hill and falling repeatedly, which symbolizes how you can fall down and still get up and make it to your goal. Please note, this film is very violent, gory, and intense.

I give Heart of the Beast 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on September 25, 2026.

Shaun The Sheep: The Beast Of Mossy Bottom sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm looking forward to Halloween – until the clumsy Farmer trashes the Flock’s beloved pumpkin patch! When Shaun turns MAD SCIENTIST to fix the problem, things rapidly spiral out of control… With The Farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, all the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure. From Aardman, the Academy Award ® -winning animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, Shaun The Sheep: The Beast Of Mossy Bottom continues its 50-year legacy of hand-crafted claymation with instantly lovable characters and hysterical down-home charm. In theatres on September 18, 2026.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “If you’re looking for a hilarious Halloween cartoon, the new movie Shawn the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom, should definitely be considered! It’s a sweet movie that your whole family can snuggle together with a bowl of popcorn and watch, share some laughs, and create unforgettable memories.” See her full review and talent interviews below.

Shaun the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom
By Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

If you’re looking for a hilarious Halloween cartoon, the new movie Shawn the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom, should definitely be considered! It’s a sweet movie that your whole family can snuggle together with a bowl of popcorn and watch, share some laughs, and create unforgettable memories.

The storyline follows some clever sheep in a fictional town who are growing their own pumpkins for Halloween, until a hated vet’s visit accidentally destroys them.

In an attempt to fix the mess, an especially smart sheep named Shaun decides to brew his own mixture to help the pumpkins grow quickly, which turns out to be extremely dangerous. However, the shy farmer accidentally takes it, hoping to grow his hair for a date with the vet. The potion turns him into a giant, hairy Bigfoot monster that is now on the loose, scaring the townsfolk and appearing to be a monster trying to terrorize the town.

I love this movie since it is totally different from the ones I usually see, as it has no words. The stop-action style animation is eye-catching, and I especially love how the sheep’s mouths jut out from the side of their heads, giving them a lopsided, cute smile. The farmer’s dog is such a funny character because he is portrayed as a real human, doing things like raking leaves or drinking a mug of coffee. The music is also very catchy, especially the song that plays when Bigfoot climbs the hill. Another song that sticks with me is the harmony the sheep sang and played by the dock as a distraction for Shaun to sneak onto the boat.

Ultimately, the film serves as a powerful reminder to always stay cautious. It highlights how tempting situations can often hide hidden dangers and stresses the importance of paying attention to avoid making costlier mistakes down the road.

I rate Shaun the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It releases in theaters on September 18, 2026.

Practical Magic 2 returns to a world steeped in moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic, as the Owens sisters must confront the dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all in a must-see cinematic event of fun, magic and mayhem.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery.” See her full review below.

Practical Magic 2
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery. What I love most is that, even with all the supernatural elements, the heart of the story is really about family and the powerful bond between the Owens women. There is something so special about watching them come together, especially when one of their own needs them most.

Set 25 years after the first film, this one follows Sally’s daughter, Kylie (Joey King), as she experiences the same curse the Owens women have always faced when falling in love. Determined to break the spell, Kylie recruits her sister, Antonia (Maisie Williams), her mom, her aunt, and her great-aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Bridget “Jet” (Dianne Wiest) to help her discover the source of the curse. Together, the Owens women embark on a magical journey to uncover the truth and hopefully put an end to the curse once and for all.

The cast brings so much heart and personality to the film. Joey King is wonderful as Kylie, and I loved watching her character discover what it means to be part of the Owens family and carry on their magical legacy. Maisie Williams brings a great energy to Antonia, and seeing the sisters navigate their relationship while facing this challenge together was one of my favorite parts. Of course, seeing Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return as Frances and Jet adds that wonderful connection to the original film. The sets and locations also help make the movie feel so magical. From the beautiful Owens’ home to the locations surrounding their story, everything feels like it belongs in this enchanted world. The production design creates that cozy, mysterious, witchy atmosphere that fans of the original will recognize and love. If you loved the magic, sisterhood, and unforgettable charm of the original Practical Magic, you will want to see the sequel!

Practical Magic 2 is a story about love, family, sisterhood, and breaking the patterns that have been passed down through generations. It reminds us that we don’t have to let fear or the past determine our future. Sometimes the people who love us most are the ones who help us find the courage to break free and become who we are meant to be.

Practical Magic 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters September 10, 2026.