KIDS FIRST! News

After a terrifying storm destroys their home, a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusted old food truck hoping to make their business a success.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoey F. comments, “I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters. I especially like the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals.” Adele B. adds, “The movie has a terrific balance of comical and heartwarming moments. I constantly found myself entertained and laughing. I especially loved watching Luis’s character with his fun sense of humor despite his challenges.  Laura’s family always supports her and has her back.” Luna C. wraps it up with, “A Sloth Story is a delightful and unexpected film, brimming with real-life moments, valuable lessons, and a refreshing dose of hard work that kept me hooked from start to finish.” See their full reviews below.

A Sloth Story
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters.

The plot follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth as she goes through the struggles of her life. Laura feels as though no one, especially her mother, Mama (Olivia Vasquez), takes her seriously. But after a horrible storm her family is forced to move to the city. Laura’s idol, Dotty Paste (Leslie Jones) is also in the city, motivating her to want to go. After business at Laura’s family’s café starts booming, Dotty gets jealous. She devises a plan to steal Mama’s recipe book. Now, the Romero-Flores’ family must try to find a way to get the precious recipe book back!

One aspect I especially like is the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals. I also enjoyed the complexity of Mama’s character. She is portrayed as Laura’s main enemy. Laura feels as though her mother is always getting in her way. But it turns out that Mama was exactly like Laura when she was young. Her age is a huge struggle for her, and she keeps forgetting things, but she keeps Lyra close in fear of forgetting Laura too.

A Sloth Story explores the rich culture of Spanish culture and is incorporated in the food, language, and clothing in the film. This adds a lot to the movie.

The message of A Sloth Story is about the importance of family. This is shown when Laura sacrifices so much for her family. She is constantly reminded that her family is her ultimate team, which is an important theme to remember.

I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters February 28, 2025.

A Sloth Story
By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

A Sloth Story is an exciting family friendly movie with heartwarming themes. The story takes you on a dynamic adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat with so many hilarious moments. Overall, the vibrant and crisp animation brings to life the engaging and unique character designs.

The story follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth whose family owns a restaurant. After an unexpected storm destroys their restaurant, they move to the city to start over, but business isn’t so good and Laura‘s Mom (Olivia Vasquez) and Dad (Ben Gorrono) start to think maybe the move to the big city wasn’t such a good idea. Laura comes up with the idea to bring in more business which works well, but the owner of a competing restaurant (Leslie Jones) is jealous .  Laura and her family embark on a mission fighting for their family legacy. You’ll have to watch to find out if it works.

The movie has a terrific balance of comical and heartwarming moments. I constantly found myself entertained and laughing. I especially loved watching Luis’s character with his fun sense of humor despite his challenges.  Laura’s family always supports her and has her back. I like Laura and her brother Mani’s (Facundo Hache Herrera) relationship. They are believable as playful and loveable siblings. A perfect moment is when Laura comforts Mani, when he thinks his ideas for the mural are terrible. And, in the next scene we see him pick on Laura, but in a sweet way. One of my most memorable moments is the way the mom, Gabriella, is there for her daughter by putting her above all else. It’s very touching and shows true love.

The animation kept my attention with its crispness and smooth character movement. It makes it very easy to watch, like effortless paint strokes across canvas. The animation is very detailed such as the scene where little sparks form around Laura’s head to highlight her worried feelings. To show excitement they added stars in her eyes. I love the overall character designs – Laura’s character is fantastic, right down to the details of her necklace and the striking color of her pink belt. I also love Dotti’s suit as it’s very colorful and it shows her bubbly, yet mischievous, personality.

The film’s message is that family always has your back and believes in you when it matters most. Family can always see the spark in you and will stop at nothing to protect that.

I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 28, 2025.

A Sloth Story
By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

A Sloth Story is a delightful and unexpected film, brimming with real-life moments, valuable lessons, and a refreshing dose of hard work that kept me hooked from start to finish.

After a devastating storm destroys their rural home, Laura (Teo Vergara), a quick-witted sloth, and her quirky family move to the bustling big city. Eager to make their food truck business a success, they must adapt to the fast-paced, high-energy expectations of city life. Along the way, Laura juggles her responsibilities as a team member in her family business while also playing on a cricket team with her new friends.

This is a charming, heartfelt film. I appreciate the relatable animation and storyline – even though the film features animals, the environments and situations are familiar to real life. One of my favorite moments is when Laura finally finds time to bond with her cricket team. It’s heartwarming to see her kind and welcoming relationship with her teammates. The music, composed by Aalex Heffe, is another standout element.

With its Spanish influence, it adds a vibrant rhythm to the film that had me tapping my feet along with the characters.

The film offers two key messages: sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we truly need and home is wherever you put your heart.

I give A Sloth Story 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, or anyone who enjoys a story about family, friendship, and traditions. It releases in theaters on February 28, 2025.

When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “unbreakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C., comments, “The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.” Chase L. adds, “The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.” See their full reviews below.

The Unbreakable Boy
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.

The film follows Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), parents who face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval), a child who is not only autistic but also suffers from a rare bone condition that makes him vulnerable to fractures. Despite these challenges, Austin’s unwavering optimism and unbreakable spirit inspire his family and community, teaching them to find joy in every moment. Scott’s journey of faith becomes intertwined with Austin’s unique outlook on life, leading to a powerful and heartwarming story about the bonds that make a family truly unbreakable.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

Zachary Levi delivers a raw and emotional performance as Scott, portraying the complexities of a father struggling to understand his son while rediscovering his faith. Meghann Fahy is remarkable as Teresa, balancing strength and vulnerability with grace. However, it is Jacob Laval as Austin, who steals the show. His portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing Austin’s innocence, humor, and infectious optimism in a way that feels genuine and deeply moving. Director Jon Gunn crafts a narrative that is both inspiring and grounded, avoiding clichés while delivering powerful emotional moments. The screenplay balances humor, heartbreak, and hope, making the characters feel relatable and their journey resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Gunn’s direction brings authenticity to the story, ensuring it remains heartfelt without being overly sentimental. Visually, The Unbreakable Boy is beautifully shot, capturing the warmth and vibrancy of everyday moments.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

The cinematography complements the narrative, creating an intimate portrayal of the family’s highs and lows. The musical score enhances the emotional depth of the film, underscoring key moments with sensitivity and elegance. What sets The Unbreakable Boy apart is its ability to inspire without feeling preachy. The film’s message of embracing life’s challenges with faith and joy is universal, touching hearts regardless of religious beliefs. It reminds us that happiness can be found even in the most difficult circumstances and that resilience is often rooted in love.

The Unbreakable Boy is more than just a feel-good movie; it’s a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance. With outstanding performances, genuine storytelling, and a message that lingers long after the credits roll, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking hope and inspiration.

I give The Unbreakable Boy 4 out of 5 stars. The film releases in theatres February 21, 2025.

The Unbreakable Boy

By Chase L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.

The storyline follows a boy named Austin (Jacob Laval), who has brittle bone disease and is also autistic; he’s had a challenging time in life, because oftentimes he can’t understand what others mean when they speak. At the same time, his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval)  and his brother Logan. We observe this family as they go through difficult times, adventures, and more, which ultimately make this a fun, exciting, and truly enjoyable movie.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

I can relate to this story because I have a sister with a genetic disorder so I can understand and relate to the struggles they have as a family. The film is well made and easy to understand, even for people who don’t know what brittle bone disease is. For example, when they talk about brittle bone disease I completely understood, but one thing I didn’t quite get is how autism affects people. I don’t really understand what autism is even after watching the film. There are believable characters and the story has a good beginning, middle and end.

It is set in the modern day, so everything looks appropriate and accurate for today. Nothing looks pixelated, glitchy, or has low graphics; and almost everybody is wearing typical clothes that people wear today.

Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden

This film reminds us that not everything goes perfectly in life and sometimes life has unexpected things that happen and we have to do our best to live with those, even when we can’t fix it. In this movie Scott’s son Austin is not perfect – he was born with autism and brittle bone disease and that causes Scott and his wife to become aware of those things and learn how to deal with them together as a family.

The film’s message is about being prepared for the unexpected, and to always remember that your friends and family are there to support you in times that are tough, even when you don’t think you can handle the challenges that life throws at you.

I give The Unbreakable Boy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters February 21, 2025.

Tom Hanks narrates this 10-part television event from the executive producers of Planet Earth, exploring the worlds and wildlife of North and South America. Scored by composer Hans Zimmer, it’s a journey across the super-continent, featuring never-before-seen moments, landscapes and creatures throughout varying climates, environments and habitats.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eva M. comments, “The Americas is an incredible docu-series about North and South America with breathtaking views of the land and the animals that live there. I really enjoyed Tom Hanks’ narration; his unique storytelling brings the beauty and struggles of nature to life.” Charlotte L. adds, “I really like The Americas because the music evokes emotions and the videography is both beautiful and shot up close. The message of The Americas is that we must be careful when we continue expanding land to make room for the incredible life that is flourishing all over the continent.” See their full reviews below.

The Americas
By Eva M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Wow! The Americas is an incredible docu-series about North and South America with breathtaking views of the land and the animals that live there. I really enjoyed Tom Hanks’ narration; his unique storytelling brings the beauty and struggles of nature to life. Every episode is filled with jaw-dropping shots that made me appreciate the wild world around us.

The Americas is a ten-episode television series that explores the unique animals and landscapes of the vast North and South America. Scored by composer Hans Zimmer and narrated by Tom Hanks, the series shows how different species survive and adapt while also highlighting the effects of climate change and human activity. Each episode focuses on a different region, giving a close look at the fascinating wildlife and environments that make it special. From the fast-paced lives of ants to the mesmerizing creatures of the deep ocean, the documentary captures nature’s wonders like never before.

This series is visually amazing with its groundbreaking cinematography. The filmmakers use advanced drone technology to glide over vast landscapes, night-vision cameras to reveal the secret lives of nocturnal animals, and slow-motion footage to capture the precise moment a predator strikes. These techniques made me feel like I was right there in the wild. Tom Hanks’ narration adds warmth and curiosity to the show. Zimmer’s soundtrack builds tension during dramatic moments and enhances the wonder of peaceful scenes. My favorite part is when the mother snake goes above and beyond for her baby snakes, showing the incredible instinct and care animals have for their young. The filmmakers also capture a massive storm in stunning detail, showcasing the sheer power of nature in a way that feels both terrifying and beautiful.

The show’s message is about protecting nature. It shows the dangers of deforestation, pollution, and climate change and encourages people to take action. The series raises awareness and makes viewers think about how each one of us can help preserve the environment. Be forewarned that some scenes of predators hunting their prey are pretty graphic and unsuited for younger viewers.

I give The Americas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The show premieres on NBC on February 23, 2025.

The Americas
By Charlotte L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 14

I really like The Americas because the music evokes emotions and the videography is both beautiful and shot up close.

The Americas is a documentary narrated by Tom Hanks that follows animals living in the Americas and their lifestyles. It describes and shows incredible places and dives into the struggles of animal life. The Americas is both an exciting adventure and an informative documentary.

The TV series The Americas contains music that evokes emotions such as excitement, awe, curiosity, and fear. For example, in one episode, we see a dangerous prairie snake and hear music that brings out feelings of fear.

​​In the same episode, we see it rain in the Sonoran Desert for the first time in two months. The music put behind this scene creates a feeling of awe. Similarly, when a thunderstorm in The Great Plains approaches, the music that accompanies it evokes a feeling of fear. The music also  matches the theme of the episode. For instance, in a western themed episode, there is western music that goes with it. The music draws people in.

Another aspect that draws people in is Tom Hanks’s use of imagery and descriptive language. As well as the music, the videography is another thing that makes The Americas so exciting to watch.

We see close up shots of wild animals and their environments which makes the scenes seem as if they are happening right in front of you. In one episode, we see a close up of a coyote hunting a fish and in another scene, we see a prairie snake giving birth.​​​​ We see shots of encounters between animals. For example, in one scene, we see a protective mother chasing off an intruding bear to keep her cubs safe. There is also incredible underwater footage that makes it feel as if you are really there. The transitions are also excellent. Incredible and beautiful landscape shots are often used as transitions. Overall, the music and videography make this series exciting and amazing to watch.

​The message of The Americas is that we must be careful when we continue expanding land to make room for the incredible life that is flourishing all over the continent.

I give The Americas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It is premiering on February 23, 2025 on NBC.

Pixar Animation Studios’ original series “Win or Lose” follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. The series reveals what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each character—the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire—with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode.” Braedyn M. adds, “Win or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.” See their full reviews below.

Win Or Lose
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

NO SWEAT — Pixar Animation Studios’ “Win or Lose,” Laurie (Rosie Foss) Disney+ Feb. 19, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode. Win or Lose is a show that all members of the family will enjoy and each person can choose their own character to root for!

Made by Pixar, Win Or Lose has the same style and quality of all of their great movies.  It is a story about a group of kids, all connected by being on a softball team, but all with very different lives. Laurie (Rosanna Jean Foss) just wants to hit the ball and Frank (Josh Thomson) regrets letting go of his girlfriend.

STAR PITCHER — Pixar Animation Studios’ “Win or Lose,” Yuwen (Izaac Wang). Disney+ Feb. 19, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Win Or Lose is the first Pixar original TV show, and it doesn’t disappoint. The show’s first episode centers around Laurie struggling with self-doubt, which manifests itself as a purple blob that grows in size as her doubt grows. Laurie eventually realizes that she doesn’t need to win to have fun. In addition to the great stories, the music at the end of each episode is also super fun. It’s interesting to see Pixar mix in a new animation style, kind of like a crayon animation, in Episode 3. Watching these two styles mix in this great new show is a blast. Win Or Lose is very funny, with great timing and one-liners that will make it a family favorite. I love the great idea that each episode centers around a specific member of the team, all on their journey to the championship. The characters are all funny in different ways. My favorite character is Laurie. She has great comedic lines and her motivation to hit the ball to make her father proud makes me root for her throughout the show.

The series’ message is that having fun is more important than winning. The show include includes themes of joy and friendship. Parents should note that Win Or Lose includes some fearful moments, like when Laurie gets hit by a softball.

I give Win Or Lose 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The remaining six episodes will be released weekly.

Win Or Lose
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

WIN OR LOSE features the voice of Will Forte as Coach Dan. On Disney+ February 19, 2025.

Win Or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.

Win or Lose is an animated series from Pixar following a co-ed middle school softball team’s story as they prepare for the State Softball Championship.  But instead of only seeing the week once from the perspective of the main character, each episode shows a face of the story, with different people having center stage.  As everyone navigates the numerous challenges of getting ready for the big game, they must work through their own issues before coming together as a strong and united team.

WIN OR LOSE – Sweaty blob and Laurie. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

My favorite part is definitely the animation.  It is top-notch, blending not only the physical aspects of each individual’s life, but also their emotions and what they may imagine.  For example, Frank (Josh Thomson) the umpire, is a bit overly cautious of what other people think of him.  When some of the spectators disagree with one of his calls, he dons a suit of armor and picks up a shield, saying that his stands with his call.  It’s quite hilarious to see how their emotions manifest in each situation.  The series also does well tying in real world issues that are relatable today, like trying your hardest to succeed only to fail over and over again, or having to take care of an irresponsible parent when you need them most.

WIN OR LOSE, Pixar’s first-ever original long-form animated series. Directed by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, streams on Disney+ February 19, 2025. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Once I watched a couple of episodes, I was able to see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and how it makes the story more well-rounded and complete when you see it from all sides. The series’ cast includes Will Forte, Ian Chen, Izaac Wang, Jo Firestone, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson and more.

The series’ message is that things aren’t always what they seem.  A simple game of softball may not seem like it has that much going on, but when seen from multiple and very different angles, I found out that everything has another perspective.  It only has to be found. Note that this series does contain some profanity, and a scene of stealing (real stealing, not bases in softball).

I give Win Or Lose 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Win or Lose premiers on February 19, 2025.

Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who’s officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eli C. comments, “There are three words to describe how I feel about Captain America: Brave New World. Wow, wow, and wow! The action scenes had me at the edge of my seat. They are so exciting and suspenseful. The acting is especially good, as are the sets, and the graphics are amazing.” Isabella V. adds, “Captain America Brave New World is an amazing, action packed, film with great acting, choreography and directing. This film left me speechless and wanting more. Yet, it felt like a fulfilling story, with everything fitting into place.” Daniel S. wraps it up with, “Captain America: Brave New World is a good film, and that’s all it is – good. Although I found great fun in its action, many of its characters, and the performances, there is a clear disparity between the film that was envisioned and the end result.”

Captain America: Brave New World
By Eli C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.

There are three words to describe how I feel about Captain America: Brave New World. Wow, wow, and wow! The action scenes had me at the edge of my seat. They are so exciting and suspenseful. The acting is especially good, as are the sets, and the graphics are amazing.

The storyline follows a man named Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who faces new challenges that threaten to leave nations in chaos. Due to a threat against peace between nations, the red hulk and Captain America must join forces to defeat a sinister enemy.

At first, I thought that Marvel was just going to make the Falcon the same old hero with a shield. However, Sam Wilson is so much more — he is inspiring, courageous and really excels as the new Captain America.  The fighting scenes are epic and unpredictable; just when I think someone’s about to win like Sam or the Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) their plans are always foiled.  The intense fights kept me interested and excited. I commend Harrison Ford as both the Red Hulk and President Ross; the emotions he expresses like sadness, anger, and pain are very realistic.

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.

As a major Captain America fan, I commend Anthony Mackie for continuing the legacy of Steve Rogers. I also have to commend Julius Onah for his direction of this film. The visuals are fantastic; I especially love the scenery, especially the cherry trees in Washington D.C. with their beautiful pink blossoms. The graphics are so realistic that it seems almost like it’s in 3D without the glasses. I found myself literally ducking for cover during some of the intense action scenes. My favorite part is when President Ross first turns into the Red Hulk. His transforms from man to beast right before our eyes. I was at the edge of my seat, amazed and terrified, as he wreaks havoc on the area.

The moral of the story is that you don’t have to have superpower to be a hero. All you need is grit, courage, strength, and heart.  Be aware that there is lots of profanity, plus a great amount of fighting and other violence.

I rate Captain America: Brave New World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it in theaters beginning February 14, 2025.

Captain America Brave New World
By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

(L-R): Prime Minister Ozaki (Takehiro Hira), Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.

Captain America Brave New World is an amazing, action packed, film with great acting, choreography and direction. This film left me speechless and wanting more. Yet, it felt like a fulfilling story, with everything fitting into place.

The story follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the new Captain America, as he meets up with the new U.S president, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). However, he gets caught up in an international incident and attempts to discover the motivation behind a nefarious global plan.

I really enjoy the acting throughout this film. All the actors are incredibly talented and show so much emotion in their characters, especially Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford, in their roles as Sam Wilson and Thaddeus Ross. Their chemistry with each other makes their relationship throughout the movie feel real. The script is also great, with each character’s motivation and actions feeling extremely believable and fitting. The action and fight choreography are also incredible and creative, with many scenes leaving me speechless. It feels very different from the style of fighting we are accustomed to and takes advantage of their unique costumes and weapons.

(L-R): Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross and Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.

Speaking of the costumes, they are extremely interesting and well made. The suits showcase interesting ideas and features that are not really seen, while their street clothes offer a glimpse into each character’s personality. The makeup is also unbelievable – it looks so realistic despite representing something that’s not real. My favorite part of the film has to be the cinematography, led by Kramer Morgenthau, which adds so much to every scene and the locations. There are lots of locations throughout the plot that are undoubtedly good, but the most memorable are the scenes in Washington DC with the cherry trees all in bloom.

The film’s message is to accept yourself for whom you are now, and not how you were defined in the past or the people around you. Be forewarned that there is a lot of fighting throughout the film, all very over exaggerated and bloody at some points. Also there is mild profanity used in the film.

I give Captain America Brave New World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters February 14, 2025.

Captain America: Brave New World
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Anthony Mackie behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.

Captain America: Brave New World is a good film, and that’s all it is – good. Although I found great fun in its action, many of its characters, and the performances, there is a clear disparity between the film that was envisioned and the end result.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he fills in Steve Rogers’s shoes as the new Captain America. After becoming involved with President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), he becomes entangled in a sinister plot organized by mysterious forces. With the help of Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), Sam is forced to unravel a web of dark secrecy, and reconsider his alliances along the way.

The biggest problem with Captain America: Brave New World is the struggle with its own identity – it simply doesn’t know what it wants to be. The film juggles elements of drama, comedy, and thrill, but at no point does it choose which one to truly pursue.

Anthony Mackie behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.

After watching the film I couldn’t tell you if it is a political thriller or a buddy cop comedy. The clash of these genres is what brings this film down. The film begins in a certain style, but shortly segues to a scene of COMPLETE contrast to the previous feeling. The viewer never gets comfortable with a certain idea, or a certain vibe, because it quickly transitions to something completely out of left field.

The film has some truly great components, like many of the characters, starting with Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, who just kills it in this role. After a trilogy of Steve Rogers’ Captain America films, and after retiring from his role as the Falcon, he finally receives the big screen spotlight. Mackie clearly gives it his all, and effortlessly embodies this hero we all know and love. What is fascinating about his character is his struggle to adopt the mantle of Captain America. He has a kind of imposter syndrome, which makes him feel unworthy of the title. What is so wonderful is his journey to discover what it means to be a hero, what it means to be put on this godly pedestal, and what it means to be Captain America.

Falcon/Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.

At his side is Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres who fills Sam Wilson’s shoes as the new Falcon. A huge running theme in this film is the ‘buddy cop comedy,’ which is well executed. This pair has personalities that excellently counteract each other, and their dynamic is great. Whenever we see them together, they are a thoroughly enjoyable team. The MVP though is Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley, who delicately drives the dramatic narrative of the film. His character is utilized very well, because, not only is he central to the main story, but he is used to propel Sam into the right direction as a hero. Lumbly captures the essence of a man who is out of his time, broken by his past. Unfortunately, the film’s downfall is that the character department of the villains feels undercooked. Tim Blake Nelson has a role that many (including myself) were excited to see.

Red Hulk/President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.

Returning from 2008s The Incredible Hulk, he is given a very intriguing position here but his character is a huge let down. Also, Giancarlo Esposito makes a long-awaited debut into this world and frankly, his talent is wasted in a role of little importance to the story. The same can be said for Harrison Ford’s President Thaddeus Ross. Ford gives a great performance, but it is undermined by a lackluster script that just doesn’t develop his character. The three feel more like mere “villains of the week,” than villains that carry weight and nuance. The actors’ performances are very good, but their characters are ineffective. In the end, I found this film to be ultimately unsatisfying. It works too hard trying to tie together elements of previous Captain America films while neglecting its own story. This film is so focused on being part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, that it falls short capturing our interest in its story. It is an undeniably enjoyable watch, but ultimately it lacks much substance.

The film’s message is about the value of heroism in our world and what it means to be a hero. Sam Wilson is distinct from Steve Rogers in that he has no superhuman abilities; he is merely a man fighting for the good of his country, and the preservation of humanity. He is the epitome of resilience, bravery, and patriotism, never hesitating to jump into harm’s way to fight injustice.

I give Captain America: Brave New World 2.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.