KIDS FIRST! News

Get ready for an epic adventure with “Ghosters: Phantom Patrol!” When tricky ghosts break free from a super-secret government facility, things get wild, a little spooky, and a whole lot of fun! As New York City is packed with mischievous ghosts, two clueless security guards team up with a pair of fearless tech-savvy kids to save the day. Get ready for a side-splitting and thrilling ride as they dive into the ghostly commotion and work together to save the city!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella S. comments, “There are many similarities between Ghosters and Ghostbusters, such as the theme music, the New York setting, and even the logo with the ghost shown at the beginning (though it isn’t exactly the same). Fans of Ghostbusters will enjoy certain scenes, like the scene where one spirit takes over a giant statue, a nod to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.” Victoria L. adds, “The film Ghosters: Phantom Patrol is a very interesting movie. I like this film because it’s the perfect mix of funny and suspenseful along with also tackling tough family dynamics… This film’s message is that your family will always have your back.” See their full reviews below.

Ghosters: Phantom Patrol
By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Ghosters: Phantom Patrol is a spoof of the classic movie, Ghostbusters. It has good cinematography, but a lot of the time I found myself confused. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or scream at the animated images, and the plot is confusing.

The storyline takes place in New York City and follows Wilbur (Leon Mayfield) and Casey (Heath C. Heine), two ordinary men work the night shift as guards in a mysterious government facility. They soon discover the building is home to ghosts who have been trapped and contained in glowing green tubes (a reference to Ghostbusters, where ghosts are trapped in similar tubes). When the ghosts escape the building, it’s up to Wilbur and Casey to stop them from taking over the city. 

There are many similarities between Ghosters and Ghostbusters, such as the theme music, the New York setting, and even the logo with the ghost shown at the beginning (though it isn’t exactly the same). Fans of Ghostbusters will enjoy certain scenes, like the scene where one spirit takes over a giant statue, a nod to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. However, some things are very different – the iconic four-person crew is missing, and Ghosters is set in the 21st century and ends in a video game. I especially like Wilbur’s character –- he provides comic relief, such as when he has to ride a child’s bike and when he eats a Domino’s™ pizza during an attack scene. But while the movie is funny and the landscapes of New York are beautifully captured, it falls a bit short. It has no climax; the movie never peaks. It’s all action from the start with no plot twist or big reveal. The characters have no objective or goal either. Wilbur and Casey’s escape from the building lacks pizzazz – we are left to use our imaginations. The animated images are confusing as well. Although Ghosters has a funny tone, the ghosts are actually pretty scary looking, with sunken white eyes and limbs that can twist and contort in ways we can’t imagine. They’re terrifying but very unrealistic. I’m still not sure whether they are supposed to be funny or creepy!

As this movie is meant to be a spoof that makes fun of another movie, the message is a bit unclear.  Be aware that there is some mild language, very mild graphic content, some alcohol references and one drug reference. The ghosts may be quite frightening, especially to young children and they scared me.

I give Ghosters: Phantom Patrol  3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on AVOD on September 22, 2023. 

Ghosters: Phantom Patrol
By Victoria L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The film Ghosters: Phantom Patrol is a very interesting movie. I like this film because it’s the perfect mix of funny and suspenseful along with also tackling tough family dynamics.

This storyline follows two guys, Wilbur (Leon Mayfield) and Casey (Heath C. Heine), as they work an overnight surveillance job in a government building. The two, being unemployed, take the job and everything seems to be going fine until they find out they aren’t the only ones in the building.

One of my favorite moments in the film is when Joey (Arthur Gazarian) and his dad, Casey, get to bond over fighting some ghosts. Casey was going to miss his son’s birthday because of his new job that he got but he later ends up making it up to his son when he joins the battle against the spirits with his dad. The way that Heine and Gazarian show the reconciliation between a dad and a son in a time of need is truly amazing.

My favorite character is Wilbur because he is hilarious throughout the film. There is a moment where Wilbur gets out of the facility he’s trapped in after Casey does. Once he realizes that he was left there to fend for himself while the others are off looking for what may help them with the ghosts, he finds a very small bike and begins to pedal himself to the source of the issue to be as much help as he can, even if it’s going to take a little bit longer for him to get there than the others.

This film’s message is that your family will always have your back. Even while Jenah and Casey are not happy with each other, Jenah still stands by Casey’s side in his time of need, making sure he is safe. Be aware there is mild swearing and brief discussion about violent actions.

I give Ghosters: Phantom Patrol 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Ghosters: Phantom Patrol will be available on VOD on September 22, 2023.

From writer and director Nia Vardalos, the worldwide phenomenon MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING is coming back to theaters with a brand-new adventure. Join the Portokalos family as they travel to a family reunion in Greece for a heartwarming and hilarious trip full of love, twists and turns. Opa!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella S. comments, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is the latest of the hilarious trilogy — this time with more emotion and nostalgia added to its humor. I was amazed by the cinematography, the characters and, of course, the jokes!” See her full review below.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is the latest of the hilarious trilogy — this time with more emotion and nostalgia added to its humor. Fans of the franchise will love watching their favorite Greek family back for another wedding and, this time it’s set in Greece! I was amazed by the cinematography, the characters and, of course, the jokes!

The movie follows the Portokalos family as they vacation to their recently deceased father’s (Michael Constantine) hometown in Greece for a family reunion, coordinated by their cousin and self-appointed mayor Victory (Melina Kotselou). In Greece, Toula (Nia Vardalos) attempts to fulfill her father’s death wish — to deliver his old journal to his childhood friends George (Ektoras Kaloudis), Dimos (Menelaos Ntaflos), and Thanasis (Spyros Kasfiks). However, the discovery of even more new extended family members leads to yet another Greek wedding.

Throughoutthe film, the landscapes are beautifully captured, showing some very beautiful pictures of rural Greece.  We see lush green forests and rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers and cloudless blue skies. Closer to the village, we see a long winding road, cobblestone streets, secret passageways and older, worn buildings that have a rustic charm to them. Several times, we see sunny beaches with white sand. This makes it feel more like a three-dimensional experience than a movie.

While fans will miss Grandpa Gus and his amusing ability to connect every word to its Greek root, they will enjoy meeting newer characters such as Toula’s daughter, Paris (Elena Kampouris). Also, many familiar characters have returned, including Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin), who thinks she’s in charge of everyone else, and Toula’s cousin Nick (Louis Mandylor).

The soundtrack features upbeat Greek songs, such as the wedding dance. But my favorite part of the movie is all the jokes. Every morning, the family is awakened by a rooster. Cousin Nick hilariously tries to shave his face at the breakfast table. There is one scene where a sheep randomly enters the house before most people are up. An aunt is startled by the sheep, which is right next to her when she wakens, and exclaims that she thought her husband had come back from the dead.

This film reminds us that time with our loved ones is valuable, and we should make the most of it. We only get to live once, so we should live each day to the fullest and appreciate our cherished people every day.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 gets4.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The releases in theaters September 8, 2023.

Following the rise and fall of Orson Welles, while interweaving stories of diverse individuals amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression, World War II, and the dropping of the atomic bomb, director Danny Wu’s American: An Odyssey To 1947 sheds light on the defining moments that shaped the destinies of the subjects, and the nation’s collective consciousness.  In the early 1940s, director Orson Welles navigates his meteoric Hollywood rise. As WWII begins, a Japanese American boy visits abroad, and an African American soldier enlists in the army. As the story heads towards 1947, each character follows their own ambitions in search of their American identity. The tone of the film is split into two halves, with the first half being about the romantic rise of a great American director, and the second half transitioning into the realities of race and life in the Jim Crow era. In the end, as one American returns home, another American is forced into exile.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “With vivid interviews and b-roll to complement its engaging narrative, American: An Odyssey to 1947 had me glued to the screen and enhanced my understanding of a transformative era in American history.” See his full review and interview with director, Danny Wu below.

American: An Odyssey to 1947
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

With vivid interviews and b-roll to complement its engaging narrative, American: An Odyssey to 1947 had me glued to the screen and enhanced my understanding of a transformative era in American history. 

The film takes viewers through the first half of the 20th century, following stories as diverse as Citizen Kane star Orson Welles rising to fame, to FDR shaking up politics, to Japanese citizens being shipped to internment camps. Things students might yawn at in class — the makeup of the Northern and Southern Democratic Party, for example — are made captivating as they’re examined through different lenses, including seeing mid-century politics through the shifting relationship of media magnate William Randolph Hearst and FDR. 

Thanks to its detailed, well-paced interviews and high-quality photos and videos, American: An Odyssey to 1947 seems destined not for a history classroom but for the silver screen. It might take some time to get used to the multiple narratives being presented, as there isn’t much of a transition between them, but viewers can be assured that all becomes clear within the first thirty minutes. The cinematography is clean and clear, as is the soundtrack. My favorite part of the editing is the interspersed of archival interview footage from Orson Welles and others from the 20th century, as well as the somewhat-experimental initial and final sequences shot in black-and-white. 

This film promotes patriotism, but also suggests there’s more to American identity than meets the eye — some bad and some good. The film is all about looking back at our experiences and doing better going forward.

American: An Odyssey to 1947 gets 5 stars out of 5 from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film opens in select theaters beginning September 8, 2023 in New York City and releases on digital platforms September 12, 2023. 

Lifelong best friends Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine) have long dreamt of epic bat mitzvahs but when popular boy Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman) and Hebrew school drama come between them, their perfect plans go comically awry. Directed by Sammi Cohen, produced by Happy Madison and Alloy Entertainment, and also starring Idina Menzel, Sadie Sandler, Sarah Sherman, Luis Guzmán, and Jackie & Adam Sandler, You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah chronicles the high comedy and modern teen angst that comes with family, friendship, and first crushes.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “I really enjoyed watching You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah and felt very connected with it for so many reasons. I definitely feel that, regardless of one’s religious beliefs you can find a way to relate to this film, which I especially love. The story is very well written and I love the way this film was shot.” See her full review below.

You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah

By Zoë C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 14

I really enjoyed watching You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah and felt very connected with it for so many reasons. I definitely feel that, regardless of one’s religious beliefs you can find a way to relate to this film, which I especially love. The story is very well written and I love the way this film was shot.

The storyline is about a 12-year-old girl, Stacy, who has been planning her bat mitzvah since she is turning 13. So was her best friend Lydia and they both planned on helping each other for their big day which meant everything for them. Stacy has a big crush on Andy, a boy who goes to the girls’ school. But things take a turn when boys start interfering with the girls’ personal lives and friendship.

I strongly believe this film is very relatable for many viewers, especially teens. I saw myself experiencing many things that are similar to what Stacy and Lydia deal with in this film. The script is very influenced by Gen Z in the best way possible. The dialogue feels very natural and not at all forced. One of my biggest pet peeves with teen films is when the dialogue tries to sound like a “cool teen” might, when in reality it comes off as cheesy. The entire film feels very natural to me in that it doesn’t feel like a cliché high school style of film. I really like the score of this film, the overall acting, and the script — all of that combined really captivated me.

Kudos to director Sammi Cohen whose direction is very on the ball with this film. Sunny Sandler’s portrayal of Stacy is so relatable; I love Sunny’s acting style. Samantha Lorraine’s characterization of Lydia works so well with showing her friendship with Sunny – it feels like they’ve been best friends for years. I also loved Sadie Sandler’s portrayal of Ronnie, Stacy’s older sister. Her character is so uniquely different from Stacy; I love the dynamic between them and the contrast of their characters. Dylan Hoffman’s Andy is the perfect representation of teenage boys nowadays which Dylan executes so well. Last, Sarah Sherman’s portrayal of Rabbi Rebecca really stands out — she is one of my favorite characters because of her distinctive characterization. Although I am not Jewish, that didn’t interfere with how I connected with this film in the slightest.

I think the message of this film is that even when one’s intentions aren’t bad you can still hurt someone else.

I give You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Netflix beginning August 25, 2023.  

Into the Spotlight centers on a high schooler who grew up writing music with her rockstar dad but always preferred to stay out of the limelight. When her best friend isn’t able to perform, she steps in as her substitute at their high school talent show. The incredible performance goes viral, and she becomes an overnight star.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Saniyarain F. comments, “Into the Spotlight is a remarkable film! The film includes lots of singing, dancing, and some romance as well. It is also great if you are a fan of plot twists because there is definitely a jaw dropper for this one, it was extremely fun to watch!” Anna Clara B. adds, “Into the Spotlight is a film full of teaching that I enjoyed and felt thrilled because it talks about success and this film really defines that!”  See their full reviews below and interview with writer and star, Kate Larson, below.

Into the Spotlight  
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15 

 Into the Spotlight is a remarkable film! The film includes lots of singing, dancing, and some romance as well. It is also great if you are a fan of plot twists because there is definitely a jaw dropper for this one, it was extremely fun to watch!

The storyline follows Laura Banks (Kate Larson) who has a passion for singing and songwriting but not the best confidence to do so. She is very shy when it comes to audiences and performing, but when she is alone she sings with grace and no fear. Laura’s friends, Riley (Marisa Lynae Hampton), Ben (Raphael Ruggero) and David (Justin Sterner) are just as talented as she is. Laura ends up unintentionally falling into fame and, in the process, loses touch with her authentic self. As she juggles with the trappings of success her identity becomes overshadowed, but with the guidance of her parents and friends, she embarks on a journey of rediscovering herself for the better, seeking to reclaim the genuine essence of who she is before it’s too late.

This film has numerous surprising turns that kept me on my toes throughout the entire film. There’s the ideal high school drama between the protagonist, Laura, and her school bully Violet (Isabelle Almoyan) who twists up issues and adds fuel to the fire whenever she can.Additionally, there a school talent show where Laura makes her debut with her friends that practically puts her on the map. An important theme is to never be afraid because you might miss out on something great if you do. The costumes are very relatable –gorgeous and classy. The sets are cool as well; some are at the school and others are impressive homes, vintage retail stores, and fabulous apartments. The whole time I thought how this film is both surreal and relatable all at once. The songs are catchy and perfectly match the various scenes. As for the actors’ performances, they are executed well but lacked emotion. Everything makes sense in the end and none of it is expected. 

 The film’s message is to never lose sight of who you are and to stay true to yourself along with the ones you love. Steer clear of those who want to change you for the worse.  

I give Into the Spotlight 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  Into the Spotlight releases September 1, 2023 on VOD! 

Into the Spotlight 
By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Into the Spotlight is a film full of teaching that I enjoyed and felt thrilled because it talks about success and this film really defines that!<p>The story-line follows Laura Banks (Kate Larson), a teenager who is discovering what she wants, and a scholarly event suddenly shows the girl what her purpose is. Everything is right but someone very important to Laura’s career has an idea that goes against the girl’s thoughts and can change her life as well as everybody else involved.

What I enjoy about this film is how it depicts situations very similar to the days of many students; it addresses serious subjects that we need to learn, including music and singing, which I relate to. My favorite part is when Laura becomes courageous and shows everybody her talent. Laura’s energy is contagious! I like the way Laura’s father is kind to her and is always on her side. I love seeing such a great example of good parenting.  The costumes are very typical of what a young person might wear today. For example the t-shirts the teenagers wear to school and what they usually use. The soundtrack is very important for the film and the singers perform them quite admirably. For example, I enjoyed the music when Laura sings and the music in a sad scene made it very touching.<p>The film’s message is a reminder to choose friends for quality not quantity, and believe in yourself.<p>I give Into the Spotlight 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults.  It will be available on VOD and DVD September 1, 2023.