KIDS FIRST! News

Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts! Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii and medic Peso Penguin, along with the other Octonauts as they explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats – above and below the waves! On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they embark on not one, not two, but 12 rescue missions! From attempting to dive deep into the abyssal zone to encountering a school of toothy barracudas to Barnacles seeking guidance from a mysterious sea turtle. It’s time to sound the Octo-alert! KIDS FIRST! Juror Eli B. comments, “This show helps children look at the world around them and realize that there are other forms of life that may need our help.” KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella L. adds, “The writing is intelligent and the amount of information supplied to the audience is plentiful. The show makes learning a fun, yet understandable experience for young kids.” See their full reviews below.

Octonauts: 12 Rescue Missions
By Eli B., KIDS FIRST! Juror

This is a great DVD! The collection not only features a new sea creature every episode, but includes facts about the ocean in general. This show helps children look at the world around them and realize that there are other forms of life that may need our help.

The songs are fun and catchy. The characters present many facts about interesting sea life, problems facing our environment and marine life and offer ways in which we can do our part to spread the word and be proactive about positive change. Show this to children to boost their interest in marine life, sea creatures, pollution, global warming, endangered underwater species and much more.

The option to choose individual episodes gives you the control to present as much or as little info as you like. Hopefully, kids will use fun and informative media to learn about important issues that we face today and use it to be the change our future depends on.

This DVD includes a collection of twelve episodes that teaches lessons about teamwork, diversity, rules, seal life and protecting the planet. It has a main menu that includes Play All Episodes, Play episodes individually and Creature Reports which is an in depth look at the creatures and main songs from individual episodes. The DVD has great visual appeal! The cover is colorful and has a shiny, raised surface. The characters are fun and cute with unique personalities. The production quality is clear, concise and really fun to watch. There are catchy and informative songs that help you retain the information from the episode and will surely stick in your head for the day! The characters’ voices are calm and your child is never prompted to yell, scream or shout out answers. In fact, the characters don’t talk directly to you. They speak to each other about teamwork, determination, learning and helping other creatures and the environment.

The characters are great social models for children. They show diversity in behaviors and personalities and also use teamwork to solve problems together. The interactions are done respectfully and characters with certain stronger skills step in and help out those who could use guidance and support.

There are important issues approached in each episode, such as pollution, but they’re presented in a way that children are comfortable moving forward with questions and exploring. This show debuted on TV in 2010, so it has perfected its structure and style. It has a clear beginning and end that is easy for children to understand. Each episode averages between 10 to 14 minutes, so it is perfect for short viewings and discussion afterwards. The only unappealing factor in this collection is that there is no female character that actually lead adventures. All the proactive protagonists are male. The two female characters, Tweak and Dashi are generally left behind on the base while the three main male characters take an active role. Unfortunately, it’s missed opportunities via media such as this that could encourage girls to pursue an interest in science.

Children will enjoy this because of the relatable characters, fun songs, information about sea creatures and grand adventures! I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 10. 

Octonauts: 12 Rescue Missions
By Ella L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, 13

Octonauts: 12 Rescue Missions is an entertaining educational film for young kids. The writing is intelligent and the amount of information supplied to the audience is plentiful. The show makes learning a fun, yet understandable experience for young kids. For the most part, this film succeeds in doing exactly that! However, I have some issues with the pace of the show.

Octonauts: 12 Rescue Mission is about a group of aquatic animal explorers named Kwazii, Captain Barnacles, Peso, Professor Inklings, Dr. Shellington, Tweak, Dashi and Turnip the Vegimal. Throughout the film, the Octonauts excavate the ocean, visit locations such as the Mariana Trench and see animals such as barracudas and harbor seals. This DVD is a collection of episodes from their TV show Octonauts.

One thing I really admire about this show is its colorful animation. The quality of the art really draws you in. I was also impressed with the humor that is written into the script. They make certain jokes that kids will find funny and the voice actors execute these quite well.

The DVD educates its viewers on topics such as urchins, yeti crabs, kelp forests and lion’s mane jellyfish. It tells us where these animals live, what they prey on and who their predators are. It also touches on survival mechanisms such as camouflage. All of these are important for kids to know, even at such a young age. I have an issue with the pace of the show. It feels too fast for me and I had a difficult time keeping up with the information presented.

Overall, this is an entertaining DVD for kids. The animation is aesthetically pleasing and the voice acting is very well done. I rate this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. This DVD is cinematically stimulating and chocked full of educational information. It comes out on DVD  May 9, 2017 so, be sure to check it out.

This collection features two episodes: Overloaded where the Autobots must split their forces to battle two different, but both dangerous, Decepticons. While Optimus takes his team to the Artic Circle to face off against Polarclaw, Bumblee and his team must battle against Overload, an ancient Decepticon who has a grudge against Optimus. Second episode is Decepticon Island where the Autobot teams are reunited, but all is not well as they discover that Steeljaw is leading a Decepticon guerilla army. Though outnumbered, the Autobots will have to defeat Steeljaw’s army if they want to keep the world safe. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen comments, “This movie has great animations! The battle scenes are very detailed and it is pleasing to see that there are diverse types of conflict. In this film, the conflict isn’t always good vs. bad.” Arjun N. adds, “Transformers Robots in Disguise is a great double-feature package. The animation and voice acting are really good. Transformers fans will rejoice at this movie.” See their full reviews below.

Transformers Robots In Disguise Collection: Overloaded & Deception Island
By Jolleen Mejia, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

This movie has great animations! The battle scenes are very detailed and it is pleasing to see that there are diverse types of conflict. In this film, the conflict isn’t always good vs. bad. Sometimes it is conflict within the team itself. The plotline is awesome as well. It really held my interest.

This is a film where the autobots (Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Strongarm, Sideswipe, Fixit) fight against the Decepticons. The goal of the Decepticons is to take over Earth and inhabit the planet for themselves. The autobots protect the humans and try to prevent any damage that the Decepticons might make.

Bumblebee (Will Friedle) is the leader of the autobots. Will Friedle’s voice sounds strong and makes you think that he knows what he’s doing. Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) is the mentor of Bumblebee and was the leader before Bumblebee. Peter Cullen’s voice sounds old, making Optimus Prime seem wise and experienced. The casting director really found great voice talent for these roles!

The animation is spot on. All the movements are easy to follow, the quality of the movie is great and the backdrops are nicely done as well. Everything is very detailed and looks quite realistic. My favorite part is when the whole autobot team works together and comes up with a strategy to defeat the polar bear Decepticon. It is amazing to see them planning and then actually following through with their plan until it works out in the end. I loved seeing the autobots accomplish something together.

The message of this film is to stay strong, focused and remember that teamwork is important. Bumblebee and Optimus prime fight over something so small, but it almost tears apart their friendship. It almost costs the lives of their comrades. But they stay focused, work together and are successful in their mission. The autobots are very moral characters who fight for the greater good. The film tries to influence people to be like the autobots and teaches people how to react in times of trouble.

This film is well thought out. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for the ages 5 to 12. It has a positive message that everyone should hear. I recommend that parents watch it with together with their child. This is available on DVD May 30, 2017 so, go check it out.

Transformers Robots In Disguise Collection: Overloaded & Deception Island
By Arjun Nair, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Transformers Robots in Disguise is a great double-feature package. The animation and voice acting are really good. Transformers fans will rejoice at this movie.

The double-feature follows two stories. In the first one, “Overloaded,” Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) is powered down and splits the team in two with Bumblebee in defense of the junkyard. Bumblebee (Will Friedle) runs into Overload (Dave Fennoy), a Decepticon, while the rest of the team runs into Polarclaw. In the second one, “Decepticon Island,” Bumblebee, in lead of the team, discovers information which leads to Decepticon Island where the Mini-Bots are held captive. The team attempt to free the Mini-Bots. However, the plan fails when Steeljaw (Troy Baker) captures the team.

Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime steals the show with a voice of iron. His portrayal of leadership works well, too and he is my favorite character. Will Friedle as Bumblebee presents an immature attitude to Optimus especially when he disagrees with Optimus. Dave Fennoy as Overload is funny with his finesse of theater. Troy Baker as Steeljaw is deceptive with his use of tricks to climb the power ladder of the Decepticon. Darren Criss as Sideswipe displays a constant, competitive banter with Strongarm, who is another Autobot. Constance Zimmer as Strongarm portrays her banter with Sideswipe quite well.  Khary Payton as Grimlock, a Dinobot transformer, provides excellent comedic relief. Mitchell Whitfield as Fixit,  is a Mini-Bot who expresses his care to his fellow captured Mini-Bots.

From the emotions portrayed in the characters’ faces to the fluid action, the animation by Amrish Sharma is impressive. His handling of the characters’ emotions between Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in the second feature, “Decepticon Island,” is an example. My favorite scene is when Steeljaw corners the Autobots due to his impressive character introduction. My only problem with this double-feature is the lack of introduction of the characters and the lack of history about the different types of robotic characters.

The movie’s message is all about the importance of teamwork. Despite Optimus Prime’s weakness, the team works together to complete the mission with tremendous success. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12 because the action scenes between the two robot factions appeal to the younger audiences. This DVD collection releases on May 30th, so check it out if you want to see some impressive animation.

Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
By Clayton Pickard, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and has the most other-worldly visual effects of any recent movie. The CGI is the most mesmerizing piece of treasure throughout the film.

Johnny Depp again stars as Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa.  It also stars the terrific Javier Bardem as the new villain, Captain Salazar. Brenton Thwaites plays Henry Turner and Kaya Scodelario plays Carina Smyth.  Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley have cameos as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, respectively. Full disclosure: I am a huge Johnny Depp fan and I have loved the Pirates of the Caribbean movies since I was 5 years old.

At the beginning of the film, Captain Jack Sparrow is presumed dead.  He resurfaces in a most humorous way.  Captain Salazar is Jack Sparrow’s oldest nemesis.  He takes revenge on Sparrow by unleashing the vicious ghost pirates of Devil’s Triangle.  The ghost pirates are hell-bent on killing Sparrow and destroy multiple pirate ships in the process. The only way to break the curse is to find and destroy the Trident of Poseidon. Along the way, we learn the background of Will Turner’s son, Henry Turner.  He’s looking for Sparrow and also trying to find the Trident in order to save his father who is trapped in Davy Jones Locker. Carina Smyth is a young astronomer who is also searching for the Trident.  What ensues is a humorous, action packed adventure on the high seas.

The special effects and CGI are astoundingly lifelike. The most stunning visual effects in the film are the CGI animated ghost sharks, which are sent to hunt down Jack Sparrow. The movements of the ghost pirates and sharks are hyper-realistic. Out of all the Pirates of The Caribbean films, this one utilizes the most mythological elements. Johnny Depp again aces his performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. His interpretation of Jack Sparrow is one of the most entertaining and memorable characters in recent film history. The inimitable Geoffrey Rush is again terrific as Captain Barbossa and Javier Bardem, an acclaimed actor from art house and independent films, is riveting as the vicious Captain Salazar.

One flaw of the film is how Keira Knightley suddenly appears for one minute during the movie. It’s the one false note because it seems gratuitous. However, it doesn’t distract from the impact and excitement of the film. Compared to other movie sequels, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales flows surprisingly well and moves along at an exciting pace. The film is appropriate for 10 to18 year olds.   I give Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales 5 out of 5 stars.  It opens May 26, 2017 in theaters nationwide so be sure to check it out.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
By Arjun Nair, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is the fifth movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise which impressed me due to its plot. The special effects are full of wonder and the fabulous direction adds charm.

The movie is about Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), who is in pursuit by Captain Salazar (Javiar Bardem). He wants payback for when Jack left Captain Salazar to rot in the Devil’s Triangle, where he became cursed. Jack’s way out is to find the Trident of Poseidon. Meanwhile, Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) also wants the Trident to remove the curse on his father, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom). Henry follows Jack’s crew to the Trident. The crew is filled out by Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario). On top of that, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) is forced by Salazar to track Jack.

Johnny Depp is impressive in his charisma as Jack Sparrow, a funny yet intelligent pirate and he is always my favorite. Javiar Bardem as Captain Salazar excellently presents his pain from his cursed life. Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner represents determination in his quest to save his father. Orlando Bloom as Will Turner appears as a protective father. Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth is feisty in the struggles faced by women who believed in science. Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa nicely displays his efforts to rescue his crew from Captain Salazar’s cursed army.

The directors (Joachim Ronnining, Espen Sandberg) stage the movie in exceptionally scenic locales. The close up shots impressed me, especially the detail of the cursed sharks around the island. My favorite scene is when Jack is trialed to execution. Inventive ways of dark comedy make the scene quite funny. My only problem with the film is that the story only begins to unfold after the first hour. Until then, it is mostly exposition to preface the plot.  However, the characters keep the movie entertaining.

The movie’s message is that “where there is determination, there is a way.” Despite being told not to search for the Trident by his father, Henry pursues this adventurous expedition in spite of lots of complications. He also teams up with Carina and Jack Sparrow and the crew’s teamwork pays off. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18 because of its intense action. The movie releases in theaters on May 26th, so check it out if you want a Caribbean treat.

A 17-year-old girl named Madeline Whittier has a rare disease that causes her to have to stay indoors 24/7 with her filtered air. Her whole life is basically books, her mom, and Carla(her nurse). One day, a moving truck pulls in next door. There she sees Olly. Olly Bright is Maddy’s new neighbor. They get to know each other through emails. The more they get to know each other, the more they fall in love. Olly starts to make Maddy realize that she isn’t really living. This starts the adventures of Maddy’s new life. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, “I fell in love with this exquisite film in the first 5 minutes!  I love how it follows the life of Maddy, a girl who has never left her house her entire life and her take on the world as she knows it.” Ella L. comments, “Everything, Everything is a beyond incredible movie that captivated me from start to finish. The acting is fantastic, it is directed well and the screenwriting is phenomenal.” Imani B. G. adds, “I have nothing but positive things to say about this affectionate and sensational picture. The film incorporates the use of strong chemistry with its talented actors to tell a story about understanding, acceptance, life and love.” See their full reviews below.

Everything, Everything
By Morgan B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

I fell in love with this exquisite film in the first 5 minutes!  I love how it follows the life of Maddy, a girl who has never left her house her entire life and her take on the world as she knows it. The romance, comedy, drama and mystery all come together and make a perfect film filled with a roller coaster ride of emotions. I found myself crying, laughing, falling in love and questioning things and the way I know them. I credit the director Stella Meghie and the writer of the book, Nicola Yoon, that this film is based on. The fact that a women director was given the reigns is a bonus.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to never leave your house or what it would be like to have a disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency – also known as “bubble baby disease”? With this disease, you are allergic to the whole world and you can’t go outside or be with anybody you don’t know very well because anything and everything can make you sick or kill you. This disease is the one that the protagonist, Maddy (Amandla Stenberg) has. Maddy is taken care of by Pauline (Anika Noni Rose), her mom and also a nurse named Carla (Ana De La Reguera).

Things change when she sees a very cute new boy, her new neighbor Nick Robinson (Olly Bright) through her window. They have an instant connection. The problem is that, because Maddy has this disease, they can’t meet, so the adventure begins between them and their bond grows stronger and stronger. I cannot give away the ending but it is a shocking surprise.

The acting is low key and believable. Teenagers do quirky things without thinking of the consequences. It is trial by error and Maddy and Olly take drastic measures to be together.

The scenes that stood out to me are when a crazy astronaut appears throughout the film. They are both symbolic and humorous. The cinematography of their island adventure is beautiful and perfect for a summer movie. I love how the wardrobe department added vibrant colors to the island scenes since most of their other outfits are pale, white and black.

I recommend this to ages 10 to 18 who will love all the romance, comedy, drama and mystery. On the other hand, they will also love the fantastic actors and the tiny bits of animation. Teenagers and kids who feel like they are trapped and need some help to find their way through life, this is the film for you to see in theaters. I give this terrific film 5 out of 5 astronauts floating in space. This romantic movie is in theaters now, so check it out in a theater near you.  The book Everything Everything is available as well. It is on the best sellers list so check it out and read it. I know I will read it and can’t wait to get started.

Everything, Everything
By Ella L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 13

Everything, Everything is a beyond incredible movie that captivated me from start to finish. The acting is fantastic, it is directed well and the screenwriting is phenomenal. I laughed, I cried and I felt all sorts of emotions. The time I spent in the theatre was time well spent.

Everything, Everything is about an 8-year-old girl named Maddy (Amandla Stenberg) who suffers from SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency). This means she is allergic to pretty much everything and has to stay in her house for her whole life. Maddy can only really talk to her mom (Anika Noni Rose) and her nurse Carla (Ana de la Reguera). She manages to cope with this until she falls in love with Olly (Nick Robinson), the boy next-door, and everything changes.

Although this film is not comedic at all, there are several times when I laughed, such as the whole part with the Bundt cake. Olly’s character is very funny and the actor plays him well. Maddy and Olly’s romance feels genuine and, although it isn’t perfect, I felt very emotionally connected to their relationship.

One thing I noticed is that the film’s music is upbeat and happy. It makes the experience more magical and enjoyable. I also found the scenery breathtakingly beautiful. Maddy’s house is amazing as well as the Hawaiian landscape, from the forest of trees to the sandy beach. The scene transitions are smooth and well organized.

I love how the scenes are set up. For example, when Maddy and Olly are texting, instead of seeing the texts on Maddy’s phone, we see the characters talking face-to-face. I found the script to be very well written. Listening to Maddy’s innermost thoughts was captivating as was much of the dialogue between characters.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars because it is an incredible cinematic experience. I recommend it to ages 12 to 18 due to the mature themes and some suggestive content. This is an absolutely riveting film. No review can aptly describe the movie’s flawlessness and beauty. The only way to fully understand that is to go check it out for yourself when it comes out in theatres on May 19. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Everything, Everything
By Imani Baptiste-Green, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

I have nothing but positive things to say about this affectionate and sensational picture. The film incorporates the use of strong chemistry with its talented actors to tell a story about understanding, acceptance, life and love. Everything, Everything is a dramatic, romantic film that the teenage and young adult audience will definitely enjoy.

Maddy (Amadla Stenberg) is an imaginative and creative 18-year-old girl who has an illness which prohibits her from going outside. A new boy, Olly (Nick Robinson) moves to town and the two instantly share feelings for one another. He won’t let anything keep them from being together. Maddy and Olly develop an online relationship which progresses throughout the film, leading to them risking everything to be together, even if that means losing everything. We join the two lovebirds on a romantic unforgettable adventure.

My favorite scene is when Maddy and Olly first meet. I can safely say that the audience and I were all screaming (silently of course) with joy and excitement when the two exchange smiles and when Olly constantly flirts with Maddy. The chemistry between the two actors is extremely well executed and seems so realistic. I also love the diverse cast because we need that in our society today. The director really respected and developed the interracial relationship very powerfully and wonderfully. I applaud the crew and cast for making the movie so enjoyable to watch and understand.

The theme is about acceptance and growing from the obstacles that you face. Maddy has stayed inside for the majority of her life, but when she meets Olly, she is finally able to take risks and enjoy what life has to offer step by step. Teens will definitely relate to the storyline in terms of growing and experiencing what life has to offer. Both Maddy and Olly send a message to not let people drag you down or stop doing what makes you happy and helps you become a better person.

I recommend this film to ages 13 to 18 because of its teenage love scenes. I also encourage parents to see this with their adolescents because they will definitely find themselves smiling and feeling happy throughout the whole film.  I rate this film 5 out of 5 due to its impeccable cast and crew, intriguing storyline, vibrant colors, soothing music and much more. Everything, Everything is in theaters now so, please go and enjoy this movie as much as I did.

It’s been six years since that summer adventure when Taichi and the rest of the DigiDestined crossed over to the Digital World and nearly three years since the final battle between Hikari’s group and BelialVamdemon. And, at some point, while the peaceful days went by, the gate to the Digital World mysteriously closed. But when a Kuwagamon suddenly appears in Odaiba, its rampage leaves the town in ruins, and the people there in turmoil. Taichi chases after it, in an effort to halt its rampage. But there’s nothing he can do against a Kuwagamon. Not by himself. And that’s where a new adventure begins. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tristan T. comments, “), I have to say that the animation in this DVD is really well executed. It is very colorful, vivid and very realistic.” Benjamin P. adds, “My favorite part of this film is the climactic final battle. Seeing the Digidestined fight against one common evil is very epic. This scene feels like it has real stakes to it. I honestly was unsure of what would happen next.” See their full reviews below.

Digimon Adventure Tri. – Reunion
By Tristan T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 14 years old

While I am not a big fan of Digimon (I prefer Pokemon), I have to say that the animation in this DVD is really well executed. It is very colorful, vivid and very realistic. After a slow start, the plot picks up and brings fans right back into the Digital World full of adventure and battles.

If you were a fan of the Digimon series in the 1990s and early 2000s, then this is the movie for you. Toei Animation and Shout! Factory have reunited the original characters to produce its first animated feature film.  It has been six years since Tai and the rest of the “DigiDestined” crossed over into the Digital World. The gate remains closed but new adventures await.

There is a DVD combo pack option that includes both Japanese and English language versions as well as bonus content. The English dubbing is highly professional. Joshua Seth returns as the voice artist for Tayi Kamiya. He is a well-known voice-over artist, not just for his work on the Digimon series, but multiple other anime and video game projects. My favorite character is Angemon (Dave Mallow).  I really enjoy the way he voices this character, making him sound creative and quirky.

Digimon Adventure Tri. – Reunion would not be a good place to start if you are new to Digimon, as it picks up where the series left off many years ago. It is best to have at least some understanding of the back story of the characters and storyline or you will not be able to really grasp what is going on. But the message of working together to achieve a common goal is easy to understand. My favorite scene is when Tai and Angemon stand looking over the cliff. This scene is dramatic and relatable and changes the tone of the film.

This is a dramatic, yet lighthearted film reuniting all of the Digimon characters from the original series. I recommend this film for ages 10 to 16 and give this film 3 out of 5 stars.  It is available on DVD, March 16, 2017 so be sure to check it out.

Digimon Adventure Tri.: Reunion
By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Digimon Adventure Tri.: Reunion is a fun return to the world of Digimon’s Digital Monsters with epic battles and powerful Digimon that should definitely appeal to fans of the original series.

Many years have passed since the original show and the characters are now in high school. Tai encounters a strange Digimon that jeopardizes the reputation of the rest of the magical creatures. Tai is reunited with the rest of the Digidestined and they come together with their Digimon to fight against the destructive monsters that Tai encounters. As this threat becomes more hostile, the Digidestined must work together to fight against it.

My favorite part of this film is the climactic final battle. Seeing the Digidestined fight against one common evil is very epic. This scene feels like it has real stakes to it. I honestly was unsure of what would happen next. It is a nice pay-off for what the film has been building up to the whole time. The Digimon really let loose and you finally really get to see the grand scale of their powers onscreen in a rewarding way.

I do not like the ending to this film. It might catch you off guard with an ending that feels abrupt. You could argue that they chose to end it this way because this film has two other sequels, but I think they could have at least added one more scene.

This film is a little confusing. I know little of the Digimon mythos and there is some exposition that I don’t understand. However, this series’ welcoming nature though makes up for that. Even though I do not know the characters, they interact in a way that made me feel as if I knew them already. I mostly credit the voice cast for this. They have never played these characters before or worked together, but it feels as if they’ve known each other for a long time and their chemistry feels very much believable.

I give this DVD an age rating of 5 to 14. It’s pretty much for all ages and, if you’re a fan of Digimon, I highly recommend it. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Fans of Digimon will really enjoy it. You can find it now on DVD so, go check it out.