KIDS FIRST! News

The Pout-Pout Fish is the hilarious and heartwarming story of an unlikely duo: Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) a pouty introvert and Pip (Nina Oyama) an energetic sea dragon, who embark on a daunting quest to find a legendary fish to grant their wish to save their homes. Also stars Jordin Sparks and Amy Sedaris.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brooklyn S. comments, “Right from the start, this movie brings a fun and energetic vibe to every situation and I love it. Whether it’s the characters or the witty jokes, I was constantly laughing.” Julie O. adds, “The film’s animation is smooth and in a fresh new style, with bright vibrant colors. I like the voice acting; I especially like that most of the characters have an Australian accent since that is where the story takes place. I also enjoyed how the film has two different story lines which are well developed, have good pacing, and are easy to follow.” Ashish S. wraps it up with, “There are a plethora of great things about this movie, but the visual design really stands out. The animation of the characters is really high-quality, and the background design is eye-catching.” See their full reviews below.

The Pout-Pout Fish
By Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 11

Can a permanent frown really be turned upside down? Right from the start, this movie brings a fun and energetic vibe to every situation and I love it. Whether it’s the characters or the witty jokes, I was constantly laughing. Even though the movie is called The Pout-Pout Fish, there was always a smile on my face while watching this.

The Pout-Pout Fish follows two unlikely friends, Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) and Pip (Nina Oyama). When both their homes are destroyed, this fish and sea dragon duo embark on a quest for a legendary fish that grants wishes. This hilarious and heartwarming movie shows how Mr. Fish realizes maybe he doesn’t need to be grumpy all the time.

I love how catchy the music is. It really fits the emotion of the scene in each moment. The music definitely sets the tone for the movie. Next, I cannot express enough how funny the characters are. Pip, the adorable sea dragon, brings her humor and chaos to finally bring a smile to Mr. Fish’s face. She is the reason why his personality changes so much throughout the film. Every part with Pip made me laugh! I have to give praise to the screenwriter for creating Mr. Fish’s backstory. It really adds depth to the character and is not included in the original book, The Pout-Pout Fish. Lastly, I love the action and adventure-filled parts the best. These are my favorite because they go really fast and keep me interested. An example is when Mr. Fish and Pip are swimming away from the pink dolphins trying to chase them. The music, funny characters, and action-filled scenes all contribute to making this a great film.

The film’s message is that anything can be accomplished if you think positively and help others. Pip always strives to help others and keeps a positive mindset no matter what. Be aware that some scenes may be scary for younger children.

I give The Pout-Pout Fish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It is available in theatres on March 20, 2026.

The Pout-Pout Fish
By Julie O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Pout-Pout Fish is a cute, fun adventure movie that highlights the importance of helping those in need and the importance of friendship.

The Pout-Pout Fish is an animated movie based on the children’s book by the same name by Deborah Diesen. The film, however, follows a different story line. Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) is a solitary fish that likes to be left alone. He has an encounter with a small sea dragon named Pip (Nina Oyama) and the two go on an adventure to try to find her family a new home. Meanwhile, a group of Cuttlefish are forced with a difficult decision and the two stories intertwine on a journey to get the help they need.

The film’s animation is smooth and in a fresh new style, with bright vibrant colors. I like the voice acting; I especially like that most of the characters have an Australian accent since that is where the story takes place. I also enjoyed how the film has two different story lines which are well developed, have good pacing, and are easy to follow. My favorite part of the film is when Mr. Fish and Pip visit the Dolphin Cove because of the pop culture references. I appreciate that the film includes factual details about sea creatures. For example, I learned that cuttlefish can hypnotize their prey. The film also has a lot of humor and some adult references to modern culture.

The film’s main message is the idea of helping others, even if it is inconvenient, because it can have a lasting impact. I also love the messages about how you never know who might end up becoming your friend and how important it is to work together towards a common goal. Parents should be aware that the film uses creative ocean terms as workarounds for profanity words.

I give The Pout-Pout Fish 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. The Pout-Pout Fish releases in cinemas on March 20, 2026.

The Pout-Pout Fish
By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Pout-Pout Fish is a new and exciting animated film that I really enjoyed, due to its emotional yet adventurous plot, funny scenes, and stunning animated visuals.

The storyline follows an always upset-looking fish called Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) and a happy and energetic sea dragon named Pip (Nina Oyama). When both of their homes unexpectedly collapse, they go on a journey to find Shimmer (Jordin Sparks) who can grant them their wish of it being restored. Simultaneously, they have to race against Archie (Nazeem Husain) who is also looking for Shimmer so that he doesn’t have to leave the abyss.

There are a plethora of great things about this movie, but the visual design really stands out. The animation of the characters is really high-quality, and the background design is eye-catching. In addition, all of the characters’ expressions seem realistic and fun, despite them being animals. An example of this is the vivid and eye-catching color of the pink dolphins that Mr. Fish and Pip encounter towards the beginning of their journey. The plot also stands out; it involves the two fishes going on a long and cinematic journey through the ocean to find Shimmer, encountering various obstacles along the way. The journey also brings them closer together, and provides revelations about each other that they would not have known beforehand. My favorite part of the film is the character of Mr. Fish. Nick Offerman’s voice acting performance is deep. He aptly portrays Mr. Fish as a deep and grumpy guy, but brings out his softer side. Flashbacks reveal traumatic events from his childhood that make him the way that he is, and with Pip’s help, he is able to recover from that.

The film’s message places an emphasis on helping others. Regardless of whether or not it will be inconvenient to you, the film encourages you to support others when they need it and see the world through a more positive lens. Friendship is also a prominent theme, primarily shown through the relationship between Mr. Fish and Pip, as well as the journey they go on together.

I give The Pout-Pout Fish 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. The Pout-Pout Fish releases in theaters on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, Project Hail Mary is a thrilling trip through the universe that I will not soon forget.  A strong and compelling plot, coupled with creative expressions of scientific theories and technology are just a few highlights of this powerful book to screen adaptation.” Rayce S. adds, “Project Hail Mary is a visual spectacle with great characters, a heartwarming theme and a roller coaster of emotions.”

Valerie M. wraps it up with, “Project Hail Mary is an unforgettable experience. The acting in this film is amazing. It’s impressive how one man can not only keep an audience engaged, but also lead us through a story that makes us laugh, cry and always keeps us on the edge of our seats.” See their full reviews and interviews below.

Project Hail Mary
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Project Hail Mary is a thrilling trip through the universe that I will not soon forget.  A strong and compelling plot, coupled with creative expressions of scientific theories and technology are just a few highlights of this powerful book to screen adaptation.

Waking up alone on a spaceship is a tough way to picture yourself, but for middle school science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), it’s reality.  With only a vague recollection of his life on Earth, no company, and no apparent way home, he figures he’s done for.  But as his memories start to return, he remembers his mission: to save Earth from a parasitic species of alien microorganisms that are eating the sun.

Though this sounds impossible, he won’t be alone for the task.  Enter Rocky (James Ortiz), an alien whose solar system has the same deadly infection as Grace’s.  Working together, these two have a chance to rescue their home worlds, and maybe even the entire universe.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The best way to describe this film is strong.  Ryan Gosling is perfectly suited for the role of Ryland Grace, ensuring the importance and gravity of Grace and Rocky’s mission is front and center.

The directors took a creative and unique approach in creating an alien comrade for Grace, and it pays off. Instead of designing a being that’s slightly similar to a human, Rocky is, well… basically a living rock. This adds distinction between our two heroes, and further heightens the principle of learning to work together on a project that can make or break the future, despite their great differences.

A unique aspect of Project Hail Mary is that not one green screen was used during production.  Instead, it features thousands of VFX shots for special effects, and the entire interior of the Hail Mary ship is built as a practical set!  Methods like wire and puppet removals are employed, and shots are filmed in front of black backgrounds for space and shifting hues for planets to achieve unique interactive light.

Milana Vayntrub stars as Olesya Ilyukhina and Ken Leung as Yao in PROJECT HAIL MARY. Photo credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
© 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The storyline itself is special in the sense that it incorporates Ryland’s space journey, while mixing in the events that transpired on Earth that got Grace to where he finds himself now.

This film’s message shows us that through friendship, even the hardest problems can be solved. Grace has the impossible task of saving humanity and the universe from a threat that no one has a clue how to defeat. When he and Rocky put their heads together, the solution to their quest is nothing short of extraordinary.

I give Project Hail Mary 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Project Hail Mary rockets into theaters on March 20, 2026. Go check it out!

Project Hail Mary
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Project Hail Mary is a visual spectacle with great characters, a heartwarming theme and a roller coaster of emotions.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years away from earth only to learn that he must save the Earth from a mysterious threat that is killing the sun. He makes an unlikely friendship that might be the key.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley
© 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This film is based on the book by the same name by Andy Weir. I cannot speak to whether this film is accurate to the book or not but the film definitely works on its own. Project Hail Mary truly had me engaged for its full run time. It’s full of suspense, humor and fascinating science.

Ryland Grace is a character who I could relate to, mainly because of his journey in this film. Initially, he is in denial of his purpose but eventually he comes to terms with what he has to do. Rocky (James Ortiz) is the surprise highlight of this film. I was blown away at how much I could feel and care for a rock and Rocky really takes the film to another level.

The mix of puppets and CGI flows seamlessly for his character. However, it’s not just the actors’ performances that make this film great – it’s also having the film take place in space and the fact that we only see two characters for the majority of the film. Those things made me feel as if I was right there with them.

Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller on the set of their film PROJECT HAIL MARY.

When you add the beautiful cinematography that this film has, it exceeds overwhelmingly. I love that this film can be seen by anyone; it’s such a well-written, feel-good movie, which is hard to find nowadays. This film hits it out of the park!

The film’s message is about companionship and how people and living creatures need someone there with us so we are not alone. The way this theme is conveyed in the film is very heartwarming and touching.

I give Project Hail Mary 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in cinemas on March 20, 2026. Be sure to look for it.

Project Hail Mary
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley © 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Project Hail Mary is so captivating! From its engrossing plot to the beautiful visuals and its lovable cast, I don’t have nearly enough words to describe how much I love this film.

The storyline follows Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a scientist and a school teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of himself and his mission. He figures out that he is the only survivor of a crew sent to the Tui Ceti system to find out how to save Earth from dying. All he can rely on is his knowledge, faith and will. However, he learns he is not alone on this quest.

Project Hail Mary is an unforgettable experience. The acting in this film is amazing. It’s impressive how one man can not only keep an audience engaged, but also lead us through a story that makes us laugh, cry and always keeps us on the edge of our seats.

Speaking of stories, I love not only the plot but I also appreciate how it’s formatted and paced. We start and stay in the present with Grace for the majority of the film. I like how we learn about Grace’s past through his flashbacks.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley © 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Throughout the film, we get little snippets of the events leading up to the launch of the ship and it was a genius. It definitely heightened my curiosity and made the film ten times more interesting.

Another thing that captivated me is the visual design – the planets, spaceships, alien life, and overall look of outer space is beautiful. Everything was designed with so much care, and consideration. While on the topic of visuals, this movie was filmed for IMAX and watching it in IMAX heightens the experience. The music also enhances the emotions of the film, thanks to composer Daniel Pemberton.

I particularly enjoyed the music in the scenes on the ship and in outer space. This film has so much care put into it that I can’t find a single thing wrong with it. I just have to say that I love this film.

The film’s message is that teamwork and friendship can do anything. Be aware that the film contains scenes with blood, death, corpses, drinking, and existential dread.

I give Project Hail Mary 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Project Hail Mary releases in theaters on March 20, 2026.

Children and families go back in time along the historic Silk Road. The story follows a group of kids who must save the great scientists of history from an evil time traveling alchemist.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kyla C. comments, “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is an animated, action-packed adventure through time that is perfect for kids and families. This film contains striking animation, an interesting story, and well-developed characters.” Spencer C. adds, “I like how, at the beginning, we get a quick understanding of Layla and her family. Plus, unlike most historical shows that take place in Europe or America, this one takes place in the Middle East and Africa, which really stands out.” Brooklyn S. wraps it up with, “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a futuristic and adventurous film that includes time travel. Combining unique history and animation makes it interesting to watch. The film is set in 2050 and follows a widowed father, Habib (Omar Regan) who flees with his daughter Layla (Jayce McKenzie) to Vancouver, Canada after almost being captured because of inventing time travel.” See their full reviews below.

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road follows a group of four young kids who attend a prestigious school and are introduced to a professor with a lab dedicated to time travel. When one of them accidentally transports himself into the past, the others follow. They find themselves being chased by an evil alchemist and must discover where they are in time and how to stop the alchemist’s malicious plans.

The kids discover that they have been transported to the Silk Road in Baghdad and must work together along with their professor, who is in current time, to save the Silk Road.

The animation in Time Hoppers The Silk Road stands out to me immediately. The characters are vivid and colorful, and intricate details of each character portray aspects of their personality or background. From the first introduction of the characters, I can easily identify which one is which, and differentiate their personalities. The colors they wear and their facial expressions match up to the actors’ voices and their character as a whole. These well-rounded characters allow me to truly care that they end up safe and successful, making the film as a whole more engaging. Additionally, the settings are meticulously animated, with details from the Silk Road making appearances throughout. Although I’m not an expert on the Silk Road, I’ve learned enough in history classes to know that this film portrays this time period with an accuracy aimed for young children who may not have background knowledge.

Both the plot points and astounding animation of the setting add a certain educational element that makes this film perfect for kids or an elementary school or middle school classroom environment. Overall, the story is engaging, contributing to the character development, educational value, and portrayal of the theme.

The film’s message is that teamwork and courage is often the only way to accomplish goals. The main characters must work together to stop the evil alchemist, and they are only able to do so through collaboration. The film also emphasizes the importance of religious freedom and representation, particularly of the Muslim faith.

I give Time Hoppers: The Silk Road 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Time Hoppers: The Silk Road releases on March 31, 2026 on video on demand and streaming.

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road
By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a great movie and I really like it! I like how, at the beginning, we get a quick understanding of Layla (Jayce McKenzie) and her family. A lot of movies start with a gentle beginning, but this movie gets straight to the point by starting with a chase scene. Plus, unlike most historical shows that take place in Europe or America, this one takes place in the Middle East and Africa, which really stands out.

The storyline follows four students from the Aqli Academy who find themselves time traveling along the historic Silk Road to save their friend Abdullah (Emily Gin). They end up having to save great scientists from the evil alchemist Fasid (Morris Seng). Fasid steals the time watch, which leaves Abdullah stuck in the past. This film is the first-ever Muslin-made animated feature to have a nationwide theatrical release in a celebration of Muslin heritage and history.

Something that stands out to me in this movie is the different personalities of the four kids – Abdullah, Aysha (Angel Haven Rey, Khalid (Tareek Talati) and Layla (Jayce McKenzie). Each part of the movie shows their strengths. Khalid, known as “Calculator,” is the brains of the group, while Aysha is the strength, Layla is the heart, and Abdullah is the comedian. My favorite part is when Maryam (Jenna Abu Tineh), a girl astronomer in Aleppo, Syria, shows her father the astrolabes she made and wins the contest for best invention. It is a really sweet moment between her and her father. I also like how the guards and soldiers have personalities and even joke around, which doesn’t usually happen in historical shows. The movie travels to places people don’t usually learn about, like Baghdad, Cairo, Timbuktu and Syria, which made it more interesting.

The film’s message is that you should not give up and you should not blame yourself when things go wrong. The kids keep trying to help each other, even when they make mistakes and things get difficult. Parents should know that the movie is very suspenseful and could be a little scary or confusing for younger kids. There is a lot of action and chasing, but there is no bad language.

I give Time Hoppers: The Silk Road: The Silk Road 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases on (where) on March 31, 2026. It will be available across the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Africa in October, 2026

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road
By Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Imagine a world where time is the limit! Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a futuristic and adventurous film that includes time travel. Combining unique history and animation makes it interesting to watch.

The film is set in 2050 and follows a widowed father, Habib (Omar Regan) who flees with his daughter Layla (Jayce McKenzie) to Vancouver, Canada after almost being captured because of inventing time travel. When three of Layla’s friends are introduced to the time lab, they embark on an adventure trying to save history and restore it back to normal.

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road starts off strong and jumps straight to action with a trailer that got me hooked immediately. It is very well produced with its animation quality and futuristic looks – the beginning of the film is very interesting and fun to watch. Each character has a distinct personality, ranging from determined, to protective, and of course, funny. Another thing that caught my eye is the setting which always looks beautiful, fits the time period, and has lots of detail. While the film has many interesting aspects and a creative plot idea, I got off track at times when things became repetitive. I found the film a challenge to keep track of especially when they keep jumping to different times in history; that becomes confusing. There are also so many side characters in the film that add to the con

The film’s message is to not blame yourself. Layla blames herself for getting her friends into the time travel mess because she didn’t go back to grab Abdullah’s time device when he dropped it. She continues to feel guilty throughout the film.

I give Time Hoppers: The Silk Road 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available on VOD and streaming on March 31, 2026.

After a perfect outing with her boyfriend, Kenna makes an unbearable mistake that sends her to prison for seven years. Kenna Rowan pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter for a car accident that resulted in the death of her boyfriend, Scotty Landry. Six years later, Kenna is released from prison on parole and moves back to her hometown hoping to rebuild her life and reunite with her daughter whom she gave birth to during her sentence. The girl’s custodial grandparents refuse to let Kenna see her and she soon finds unexpected compassion from a local bar owner as their secret romance gives Kenna hope for a second chance.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “Reminders of Him encapsulates a stirring plot with characters that are easily likable. Although it starts off slow, the film is very moving on a personal level… The film’s message is that even when life is difficult, it’s important to find hope and something to live for.” See her full review below.

Reminders of Him
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

(from left) Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe) and Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers) in REMINDERS OF HIM, directed by Vanessa Caswill.

Reminders of Him encapsulates a stirring plot with characters that are easily likable. Although it starts off slow, the film is very moving on a personal level.

The storyline follows a woman who is recently released from prison for killing her boyfriend. She goes in search of her daughter that was taken away from her after birth. She ends up finding her late boyfriend’s best friend, and they build a close relationship with each other.

Reminders of Him is based on the book with the same title by Colleen Hoover. The main characters are Kenna (Maika Monroe), Ledger (Tyriq Withers), Grace (Lauren Graham), Scotty (Rudy Pankow) and Diem (Zoe Kosovic).

One of my favorite things about this film is how connected I felt with the characters. Knowing their backstory and struggles, but also seeing their interactions with each other, made it easy to get attached to them. That’s why when Kenna and her daughter Diem meet, it’s especially heartwarming because the audience knows how much it took to get to that point and how much it means to Kenna. I felt complete empathy for all the characters. However, we know very little about Scotty’s background, despite the whole film being based on him. The plot is lacking there and he is only shown in a couple of scenes. Even though the plot is very predictable, one scene shocked me even though I knew it was bound to happen. I applaud the directors for that. Books are explicitly detailed and can be difficult to transfer into a movie script, but this screenplay delivers. It makes me want to read the book now. I especially like Scotty and Kenna’s flashbacks. The car crash scene is very intense and captivating, even to the point of shaking and heart racing! The setting is mostly in a rural city and the sets look very realistic. My favorite part is hearing the jokes of Kenna’s coworker, who is a kid. She’s so funny and adds humor and balance to the storyline.

(from left) Diem Landry (Zoe Kosovic) and Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe) in REMINDERS OF HIM, directed by Vanessa Caswill.

The film’s message is that even when life is difficult, it’s important to find hope and something to live for. When Kenna feels like she has nothing to live for, she creates new relationships with people and becomes part of her daughter’s life, which she didn’t think was possible. However, she never gives up and continues to persevere. Be aware that there are some scenes with bloody images, personal intimacy, and mild profanity.

I give Reminders of Him 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reminders of Him releases in theaters March 13, 2026.

After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam. When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing Bart to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon, before fame costs him what matters most.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kyla C. comments, “I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartfelt, spiritual film that explores themes of family, connection, and faith. This film contains characters and storylines that truly captivate me…” Braedyn M. adds, “A great element of this film is how real all aspects are.  Both this film and its predecessor are based on true stories of Bart Millard and the band MercyMe. This greatly increases the relatability and connection of the plot…” Ashish S. wraps it up with, “I love how it manages both heavy and dramatic moments of conflict as well as more lighthearted plot points. It all culminates into a beautiful and valuable lesson by the end.” See their full reviews below.

I Can Only Imagine 2
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Milo Ventimiglia as Tim in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartfelt, spiritual film that explores themes of family, connection, and faith. This film contains characters and storylines that truly captivate me, creating a powerful plot driven by the pulse of music and heart.

I Can Only Imagine 2 follows Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) as he faces the challenges of raising a family, including a son, Sam (Sammy Dell), who struggles with diabetes, amidst his band’s big tour. Following Bart’s personal struggles in the original I Can Only Imagine film, the sequel focuses on how the scars from his past continue to impact his present. A new addition to the tour, Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia), and his own struggles are introduced as the two characters form a bond and discover how to help each other. Bart must learn to cope with his past and strengthen his faith to move on and bond with his son, family, and fellow band members.

Dennis Quaid as Arthur in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

This film aims to empower viewers through emotional connection. It balances an atmosphere of grief with intense tones of hope and faith. The realness of the characters’ experiences and struggles makes them relatable. Throughout the film, I felt myself forming deeper and deeper connections with the characters until their grief became my grief and their joy became my joy. The strength of emotion in this film shone through immediately, captivating me and bringing me into Bart’s universe. The powerful acting performances, specifically in the roles of Sam Millard and Tim Timmons, deepen the emotional connections that viewers experience throughout the duration of the film. Furthermore, this film addresses the reality of life post-success. Many stories about musicians, actors, athletes, and other professionals who achieve success illustrate their success as the end of the story. They fail to acknowledge the reality that life always throws curveballs, no matter how much success someone has. The success of Bart’s song brought him plenty of joy, but also brought new challenges. The flashbacks to Bart’s experiences with his father provide insight into Bart’s feelings and thought process, allowing viewers to better understand his struggles. This sequel serves its ultimate purpose of demonstrating not just the struggle and conflict of the characters’ lives, but also how they cope with it by forming stronger relationships with each other and their faith. At its center, the film focuses on what brings us all together: passion, dreams, faith, and heart.

I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

I Can Only Imagine 2 is extremely powerful in conveying a message that each and every person has their struggles, no matter what success they have had in the past. The film explores the idea that strengthening one’s faith and focusing on what matters most is what will carry us through hard times. Viewers should be aware that the film covers sensitive subject matters, including chronic illness, as well as some mild profanity.

I Can Only Imagine 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I Can Only Imagine 2 is playing in theaters now.

I Can Only Imagine 2
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Milo Ventimiglia as Tim, Aaron Benward as Barry, John Michael Finley as Bart, Mark Furze as Nathan, Ezra Proch as Robby, Jason Burkey as Mike, Sammy Dell as Sam, and Trace Adkins as Brickell in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

What do you get when you combine multiple hit songs, a powerful true comeback story, and a focus on faith and family? You get I Can Only Imagine 2, a sequel that delivers on all its expectations, and finds ways to excel and share God’s word.

Following the events from I Can Only Imagine, lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, Bart Millard (John Michael Finley), is living the life he always wished for with cheering crowds and nation-wide tours filling his days.  But as his family evolves and tensions rise, he realizes that the hard times might not be over. His son Sam (Sammy Dell) is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition that stresses the bond that Bart has maintained with him throughout the years.

When a sudden change brings the cheerful musician Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia) into the band’s fold, Tim’s bright spark helps others see the world in a new light. Through this lens Bart comes to terms with his troublesome past, keeping in the present moment, while learning to trust God’s plan for his future.

John Michael Finley as Bart, Trace Adkins as Brickell, and Milo Ventimiglia as Tim in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

A great element of this film is how real all aspects are.  Both I Can Only Imagine 2 and its predecessor I Can Only Imagine are based on true stories of Bart Millard and the band MercyMe. This greatly increases the relatability and connection of the plot – helping others who may be going through similar challenges.  As Bart and Sam learn to put more trust in each other while the band tours nationwide, they realize that, maybe, they can work together after all. This, coupled with the support and inspiration from Tim Timmons, eventually culminates in my favorite scene of the entire film, the writing of the song “Even If.”

The way the directors stage and execute its filming is very smart, with echoes and flashes of past moments that influenced Bart’s lyrics. Throughout this scene, I saw how much of himself Bart puts into his music.  All his doubts, hopes, fears, trusts, not to mention Tim’s own, are heard in his words. This makes for an epic and triumphant comeback. Using this freshly-made song, Bart, Sam, and Tim share God’s love with those who need to hear it most.

John Michael Finley as Bart and Sammy Dell as Sam in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

This film’s message is to always look and see God’s goodness. Both Bart and Tim have difficult histories that they struggle with, but through it all, they realize they are looking for the goodness of God.  They trust that God is with them in their struggles and, even if He doesn’t lessen their load, their hope and faith is in Him alone.  By the end of the movie they both are able to share gratitude instead of grief.

I Can Only Imagine 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in cinemas now.

I Can Only Imagine 2
By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Director/Writer Brent Mccorkle and Director Andrew Erwin in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartwarming film that captivated and entertained me from start to end. I love how it manages both heavy and dramatic moments of conflict as well as more lighthearted plot points. It all culminates into a beautiful and valuable lesson by the end.

The film follows the true story of the band MercyMe, picking up from their rapid rise to fame following the success of their chart-topping, award-winning single, “I Can Only Imagine.” However, things go from high to low fast for lead singer Bart Millard (John Michael Finley), when he discovers his teenage son, Sam (Sammy Dell) has type one diabetes. Following a career slowdown and trouble with his son, Bart reluctantly agrees to let Sam and singer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia) join him and the rest of MercyMe on tour.

There are so many great things about this film, but the writing stands out. The screenwriter is clearly a master storyteller, effectively weaving together what is shown on screen with dialogue.

I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

Some scenes require more words to communicate the mood, such as when Bart bursts into the hospital after his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), calls him to say that Sam isn’t waking up. Others convey intense emotions with heated dialogue, such as Bart and Tim’s conversation later in the film. The writer structures the story well by providing moments of levity in between more intense scenes. For example, Tim pranks his wife, Hilary (Arielle Kebbel) by pouring ice on her while she is in the shower and, in another scene; the MercyMe boys prank Tim while he is in the bathroom. The story moves along at a rapid pace and effectively utilizes flashbacks to support various character arcs. At one point, we see Bart struggling with his relationship with his son, and he leans into memories with his father, Arthur (Dennis Quaid) to figure out how to handle it. Another thing that I love is John Michael Finley’s portrayal of Bart. He makes the character feel real to the audience with every single emotion – whether frustration, embarrassment, joy, or despair – and nothing feels fake. For instance, Bart’s heartbreak feels so real, especially how much he blames himself for Sam’s accident. I also really enjoyed the background music choices. They contribute to the mood and messages of the film. For example, when Bart leaves the hospital and enters the elevator he gets flashbacks of his father abusing him while stabbing Sam with the needle for his treatment. The music dies down and gets more serious as Bart witnesses a grieving couple whose child just passed away leaving the hospital. My favorite part is the character, Tim Timmons. His story of overcoming adversity is so inspiring. Even in the midst of having cancer, he continues to have a positive outlook on life and is pursuing his dreams. We see him put an X on his wrist every day to thank God for waking him up again, and then he goes on tour with MercyMe. His sense of humor is great too, like when he says, “It’s nice for you to meet me” when he first met the MercyMe boys.

Tim Timmons and Milo Ventimiglia as Tim in I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

The film’s message reinforces the concept of “it is well with my soul.” No matter what situation life throws at us, we are never alone, because we have others to support us and we have God who is always there for us. The film stresses that our hope and trust is in God and God alone. Regardless of whether things change or not, all is well, because life is all about carrying grief and gratitude at the same time.

I Can Only Imagine 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters now.