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Full of Paddington’s signature blend of wit, charm, and laugh-out-loud humor, Paddington in Peru finds the beloved, marmalade-loving bear on an exciting, high-stakes adventure. When Paddington discovers his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the wilds of Peru to look for her, the only clue to her whereabouts a spot marked on an enigmatic map. Determined to solve the mystery, Paddington embarks on a thrilling quest through the rainforests of the Amazon to find his aunt…and may also uncover one of the world’s most legendary treasures.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “While sequels are often a letdown, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline – making it the best of the Paddington series to date!” Kyla C. adds, “This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.” Tiana S. adds, “Paddington in Peru is full of action, adventure, and the sights of Peru. This film gives a sense of family, trust, and finding your tribe.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose.” See their full reviews below.

Paddington in Peru
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Paddington in Peru is the third Paddington movie based on the classic children’s books written by Michael Bond. While sequels are often a letdown, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline – making it the best of the Paddington series to date!

Paddington in Peru is a story about Paddington going back to his homeland of Peru to see with his Aunt Lucy. Once he arrives, he finds out that she has disappeared. From there, Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, go into the Amazonian jungle to save her. They encounter many interesting animals and people along the way.

Along with the Aunt Lucy adventure, this movie also shows us Paddington’s origin story – taking us back to when he was a cute baby bear who first finds Aunt Lucy. The animation used for the bears is so adorable and fun, especially when they mix it with the live action aspects. It blends in seamlessly and makes the movie fun for kids and adults. I enjoyed the various animation and filming effects, like early in the movie when Mrs. Brown makes a painting that comes to life to help tell the story of how the Brown family is changing as the kids become teenagers.

Paddington in Peru has some beautiful scenes of the Peruvian landscape and cool scenes in London that made me want to book trips to both places! Paddington in Peru has great characters who are expertly acted, including some new faces like Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) and favorites from the movies series Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) and Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville). The amazing star power makes Paddington in Peru a surefire hit.

Oliva Coleman

The main themes of Paddington in Peru are to embrace who you are and that it’s okay to have many places you call home and many people you call family. This movie includes positive messages around the dangers of greed and the importance of teamwork and putting family first. Parents should note that this movie includes some scenes of peril for Paddington and his family and some mildly scary scenes in the forest.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.

Paddington in Peru
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the brand new Paddington in Peru! This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.

This film picks up where the second one left off, with Paddington (Ben Whishaw) living with his adoptive family in London. However, an opportunity for adventure strikes when Paddington receives a letter saying that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), from Peru, is missing him. The family decides to take a trip to visit, but are surprised to find Aunt Lucy gone when they arrive at her house. One thing leads to another, and Paddington is soon meeting many new characters whilst experiencing one of the wonders of the world firsthand, all in an attempt to find his aunt and reunite with her.

Antonio Banderas in PADDINGTON IN PERU.

First off, Paddington in Peru has a very engaging storyline. I constantly wondered what would happen next and was excited to discover answers to the many mysteries. There are many newly introduced characters that add even more mystery and curiosity. It’s unclear who could be working for the other side, which keeps intensity and suspense throughout the film. It’s very exciting to use details and clues to determine which characters are suspicious. Similar to Paddington’s first movies, this one has plenty of humor to keep up laughs and smiles in the midst of the adventure. The Brown family’s banter, random jokes and sarcasm add a comical side to the film, which captivated me even further. The characters are relatable and entertaining, making this movie an even more pleasurable experience. This aspect of authenticity allowed me to connect with the characters and care about what happens to them. Paddington in Peru has a beautiful appearance as a film.

Taking place primarily in the jungle of Peru, the camera shots are magnificent and add so much to the viewing experience. Paddington visits Machu Picchu, which is a stunning location. The combination of Paddington’s animation along with the live action actors and scenery is seamless. They appear to clearly be there together and living in the same world, making the film even funnier and more engaging.

The theme of Paddington in Peru is that putting family and those you care about should always come first. Paddington drops everything to help Aunt Lucy in a time of need, showing true dedication and loyalty for someone he cares about. The film also highlights the importance of kindness and having a home. Be aware that there is some mild violence, including use of a gun. There is also a frightening large spider that appears on screen briefly.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can view Paddington in Peru in theaters beginning February 14, 2025. Be sure to stay for the credits – there’s a fun surprise at the end!

Paddington in Peru
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Paddington in Peru  is a bear-y new and interesting film to the Paddington Franchise. It is full of action, adventure, and the sights of Peru. This film gives a sense of family, trust, and finding your tribe.

Paddington in Peru follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the Browns on their journey to Peru. Paddington receives a letter that says Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the retired Bears’ home. So, he and the Browns travel to Peru trying to find her. After figuring out their travels, they go to El Dorado where they are faced with the gold-hungry Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) who is also looking for the rich city. It’s up to Paddington to reach El Dorado and save Aunt Lucy before anyone can stop him.

The main characters are Paddington, the Browns, Hunter Cabot, and Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman). I like all the references to the past two films such as, Paddington doing the hard stare or referencing the Prison scene of Paddington 2. This movie is certainly different from the other Paddington films. Besides the film taking place in Peru, they definitely made this more of a grown hero film for Paddington. They kind of changed Paddington’s character to where he is more mature and adventurous than usual. With that in mine, it is lacking in action and has mostly soft or filler moments. I like that we get to explore Peru and see where Paddington lived before going to London, but action movies need action. Still, this is a cute film that sheds new light on Paddington and builds his character. Plus, it answers some questions fans have been curious about since the first two movies.

The message of this movie is about family. Paddington is looking to find Aunt Lucy and more about the place where he grew up and came from. But along the journey with the Browns, Paddington looks back and realizes that, while Peru is part of his roots and who he is, the Browns are now his home and family.

I give Paddington in Peru 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Paddington in Peru in theaters on February 14, 2025.

Paddington in Peru
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Paddington in Peru is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that delivers all the charm, humor, and warmth that fans of the franchise have come to love.

This delightful sequel takes audiences on an exciting journey filled with mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic, all wrapped in stunning visuals and engaging storytelling.

The story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he sets off on a thrilling adventure to the jungles of Peru after discovering that his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family by his side, Paddington embarks on a journey through the Amazon rainforest, uncovering hidden secrets and stumbling upon a legendary treasure along the way.

As the Paddington and his entourage navigate the lush landscapes and face unexpected challenges, Paddington’s signature kindness and optimism shine through. Ben Whishaw once again brings Paddington to life with his endearing voice performance, capturing the bear’s innocence and unwavering spirit. The Brown family, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, Samuel Joslin, Emily Mortimer, and Madeleine Harris and the rest of the talented cast add warmth and humor to the story. The breathtaking cinematography showcases the vibrant and lush beauty of Peru, making the film visually captivating. The use of practical effects and CGI seamlessly blend to create a world that feels both whimsical and immersive. My favorite part of the film is Paddington’s heartfelt reunion with Aunt Lucy. The emotional depth in this moment is beautifully handled, reinforcing the film’s central themes of love and family. The adventure sequences, infused with humor and thrilling moments, kept me engaged, while the touching relationships make the story deeply resonant.

At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages. There is no inappropriate language or concerning behavior, making it a perfect choice for young audiences.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults sure to enjoy it as well. This film will be out in theaters on Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2025.

When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together — and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Juliana S. comments, “Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.”  IvyJoy C. adds, “I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.”  IvyJoy C. adds, “I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.” See their full reviews and Chase L.’s interview with the creator and star below.

Dog Man
By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.

The storyline is about a highly ranked officer (Peter Hastings) and his dog, who have an unfortunate accident while trying to detain a very evil cat (Pete Davidson) and must be combined into one being. Newly formed Dog Man has to learn how to live a life meant for both humans and animals, while also trying to impress the police chief (Lil Rel Howery). As time goes on, Petey, the evil cat, creates a clone of itself, Lil Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), who ends up playing a crucial part in showing how love is important, no matter who it’s for.

The animation in this film immediately stands out – it looks like a 3-D comic book, but moves. These images are created by an entire team of people, including Paul Phippen and Aymeric Arnaud, the lead DMP artists. What makes this animation so amazing is that it includes certain features that would normally be seen in print comic books such as a pencil-like stroke, or words coming out of a person’s mouth. These features truly strike the movie as an adaptation of an incredible comic book franchise. Of course, the animation is perfectly paired with the music, which is another thing that is noticeable to the audience.

(from left) Dog Man (Peter Hastings), Doctor (Rahnuma Panthaky), Nurse (Maggie Wheeler) and Officer Knight (Peter Hastings) in DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, directed by Peter Hastings.

The orchestra, led by Jill Streater, is wonderful at conveying emotional scenes and leads the audience to feel deeply for the characters. The music was created by Tom Howe, and he nailed it. When a scene is sad, the orchestra is quiet and somber; when the characters are happy or excited, the music is upbeat and fast. These carefully thought out music choices make Dog Man all the more better.

The film’s message is that no matter how evil one can be, a little bit of love goes a long way. Dog Man is very successful in leading others to be more empathetic to those who might need extra care.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Dog Man can be found in theatres beginning January 31, 2025.

Dog Man
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.

Dog Man starts with a police dog named Greg and his human partner, Officer Knight (Peter Hastings) who are dedicated to keeping their community safe. All is normal until an accident occurs where the two must go through a wacky surgery, which fuses them together to create the amazing Dog Man! While showing off his classic dog skills, such as playing fetch, Dog Man must also protect the city from Petey the Cat (Pete Davison), who hatches a sneaky cloning scheme.

(from left) Dog Man (Peter Hastings) and Realtor (Melissa Villaseñor) in DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, directed by Peter Hastings.

With all the craziness, we meet the lovable and adorable Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) who forms a surprisingly amazing friendship with Dog Man. Eventually, a new common enemy makes Dog Man and Petey realize they must team up, setting aside their differences to tackle the challenges ahead.

Loving the Dav Pilkey books the way I do, I adore how the art style and the script of this film – they capture the wackiness of the books. I commend the director, Peter Hastings, for his outstanding work and also for Dog Man himself. The film truly is designed in such a way to appeal to the target audience, fans of the original books.

Dog Man (Peter Hastings) in DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, directed by Peter Hastings.

It really holds true to the comic book series and its goofy nature. My favorite part is when Li’l Petey is taken hostage by the surprise villain known as Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais), which leads to Petey the Cat unlocking his inner good and teaming up with Dog Man. I also like when Petey buys a cloning machine off the internet and has a bunch of silly problems that lead to the creation of Li’l Petey.

The film’s message is that everyone has good in them; it just needs the right person, or kitten, to be unlocked. This film contains very slight profanity, but is otherwise okay.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find it in theaters on January 31, 2025.

Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships — a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and having grown accustomed to city life, Autumn discovers her childhood village is under threat from animal traffickers and decides she must return to the Amazon to her beloved jaguar. Anja (Emily Bett Rickards) — Autumn’s endearingly clumsy biology teacher — unsuccessfully tries to dissuade her from this reckless plan. Joined by Anja, Autumn embarks on a journey to reunite with Hope and save her from those who seek to destroy the rainforest and its wildlife.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, “Autumn and the Black Jaguar is Told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.” See her full review below.

Autumn and the Black Jaguar
By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Autumn and the Black Jaguar is told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.

The film follows Autumn (Lumi Pollack), a teen girl who loves animals but has none of her own. Autumn lives in New York City with her single father (Paul Greene), who moved them out of their former home in the forest after the murder of Autumn’s mother (Eva Avila) by animal poachers. When Autumn learns that Hope, the jaguar who was her childhood best friend, is in danger, she makes the journey to the Amazon rainforest to save her, trailed by her agoraphobic biology teacher (Emily Bett Rickards) and her hedgehog.

One of the most impressive aspects of Autumn and the Black Jaguar is the character development of multiple people. Almost every character undergoes some kind of transformation. Autumn learns to ask for help when she needs it, and that, while she should trust her instincts, being careful is just as important as activism. Autumn’s father learns to let people in instead of pushing them away. Her teacher opens up and is forced to reenter the world and make friends. Even Autumn’s uncle Oré (Wayne Charles Baker) learns to take a stand when something is wrong, rather than sitting still.

The cinematography is also worth mentioning – Autumn and the Black Jaguar takes place in a rainforest and we see many breathtakingly beautiful shots of the Amazon jungle and its wildlife, rivers and waterfalls. Finally, the chemistry between Lumi Pollack and the real jaguar used for the film blows my mind. Before filming for Autumn and the Black Jaguar began, Pollack spent one year bonding with the jaguar, which is very apparent when they are on-screen together. Their interactions are very natural, and Pollack displays no fear or tension around the jaguar (which is really saying something, considering its size!). I was greatly moved by this touching story of one girl’s unwavering bond with an animal and how she uses it to make a change.

Autumn’s inspiring journey is a reminder to stand up for those who would do the same for you in your time of need – animals as well as people. Be there for those who have been there for you, because one day you could be depending on them to save you. Autumn and the Black Jaguar also highlights the importance of perseverance. Determination can be the difference between failing and making an impact, even when it seems like the cards are stacked against you.

I give Autumn and the Black Jaguar 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters nationwide on January 17, 2025.

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Junior R. comments, “Mufasa: The Lion King, takes us back to the beginnings of one of Disney’s most beloved characters.  As a huge fan of the original Lion King, I was thrilled to see the true story of how the great Mufasa came to be.” Juliana S. adds, “I love the film Mufasa: The Lion King! The movie has incredibly detailed animation and provides the message that everyone has a place in this world, and that you don’t have to be born great to become great.” Mikella G. wraps it up with, “Mufasa: The Lion King is an animated thriller. I really like this film and the way that it explores the Lion King’s story in a new way. It has a heartwarming storyline that teaches the important lessons of believing, love, and family.” See their full reviews below.

Mufasa: The Lion King
By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga), and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024

Time to visit Pride Rock once again.  Mufasa: The Lion King takes us back to the beginnings of one of Disney’s most beloved characters.  As a huge fan of the original Lion King, I was thrilled to see the true story of how the great Mufasa came to be.

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the untold story of Mufasa’s youth long before he became the king of The Pride Lands. The film follows his journey from a humble and uncertain young lion to the wise, noble leader we know. Along the way, Mufasa forms deep bonds of friendship, faces challenges, and navigates a complicated relationship.

As he learns what it means to be a leader, Mufasa discovers that true strength comes from love, loyalty, and doing what’s right, no matter the cost.

Kiros (voiced by Mads Mikkelson) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Mufasa faces a lot of challenges, but he always tries to do the right thing and protect those he loves. Writers Jeff Nathanson, Linda Woolverton, and Irene Mecchi have created a strong storyline that connects the puzzle pieces together to complete the full story of the Lion King and Mufasa.  In Mufasa: The Lion King, the characters come to life in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.  The heart of the movie revolves around Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), who brings warmth and wisdom to the young lion’s journey.

As the film explores his bond with his brother Scar (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), their complex relationship is highlighted through both voice acting and rich storytelling. A breathtaking moment for me is when a single water droplet freezes in mid-air, perfectly capturing Simba’s (Donald Glover) face.  It creates an almost surreal feeling, as if time itself has paused, and the film freezes in that very instant, allowing the emotion in that scene to linger.  The music does not disappoint in this film either, with catchy, upbeat songs throughout.

(L-R) Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), Young Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga), Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Sarabi (Tiffany Boone). Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The film emphasizes that true leadership comes from being kind, strong, and fair, while also reminding us that sometimes family dynamics can be complicated.  The story highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, even when life is tough.  The movie focuses on choosing to do what is right, no matter what happens.  Be forewarned, there are a lot of fighting scenes throughout the film.  While not overly graphic, it can be a bit intense especially for younger audiences.

Mufasa: The Lion King gets 3 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.  Mufasa: The Lion King releases in theaters December 20, 2024.

Mufasa: The Lion King
By Juliana S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

(L-R): Sarabi (voiced by Tiffany Boone), Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), and Rafiki (voiced by Kagiso Lediga) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

I love the film Mufasa: The Lion King! The movie has incredibly detailed animation and provides the message that everyone has a place in this world, and that you don’t have to be born great to become great. These morals are conveyed through the dialogue and plot of the film.

Mufasa: The Lion King tells the backstory of the young lion, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), who is separated from his parents and taken far from home. A young Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) gladly takes him into his home, and his mother, Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) raises the lost lion. As Mufasa grows up, he learns how to understand his surroundings and hunt like a female. Eventually, Taka and Mufasa have to leave home together and go on a long adventure, to find the magical land of Milele.

One actor who really stands out to me is John Kani, who voices the all-knowing Mandrill monkey, Rafiki. Kani not only voices Rafiki with passion, but understands his character deeply. John Kani uses timing and volume to truly set in the words of the wise monkey. When saying philosophical things, which occurs often, Rafiki takes his time to ensure that the message gets across to the other animals.

Young Rafiki (voiced by Kagiso Lediga) live-action Disney’s MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Another thing that stands out is the animation; the head of the team being Pascal Blais. One of the first things that I noticed when the movie started is how realistic the animation is. Every piece of fur on the lions’ coats, every highlight or shadow, even every small gust of wind that blows the leaves in the trees is so carefully created. The transitions of the film flow smoothly and show how truly talented the animation team is.

The message of this film is that you have a place, and no matter where you come from, you can be something great. Mufasa is very successful in motivating others to take action and be brave in everyday life!

I give Mufasa: The Lion King 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theatres on December 20, 2024.

Mufasa: The Lion King
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 18

(L-R): Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), Eshe (Thandiwe Newton), and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney.

Mufasa: The Lion King is an animated thriller. I really like this film and the way that it explores the Lion King’s story in a new way. It has a heartwarming storyline that teaches the important lessons of believing, love, and family.

In this film, Rafiki (John Kani) tells the story of Mufasa to Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogan). We learn that when Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) was a child he was unfortunately separated from his family. However, he never gave up on the land of Malaylay, and kept that hope with him throughout his wild, unexpected journey through life.

Something that really stands out in the Mufasa: The Lion King is the cgi. The animation of the lions is incredibly realistic. Although they are animals, each has human-like emotions on their faces and very distinctive features.

(L-R): Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) and Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Aside from the characters, all of the scenery is beautiful. The land of Malaylay is so colorful and vibrant, and the flowers and trees completely stand out. Even the underwater scenes are vibrant and realistic. Experiencing the film in IMAX completely added to the experience and made me feel like I was really there in these places. Another thing I really enjoyed is all of the references to the original Lion King film. The first movie is such a huge part of my childhood, and a film that I really connect with. Mufasa really feels like an adaptation of that movie while telling a completely different story. It is really interesting to discover this storyline and connect the dots to all the questions I used to have. Specifically, finding out the story of Scar (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and the history he has with Mufasa was really cool for me to learn.

Lastly, the music is outstanding. Lin Manuel Miranda composed such delightful, yet strong songs for this film. The musical theater aspect of this film is another thing that I really enjoyed.

Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Also, some of the songs tie in with music from the original Lion King which really connects everything and makes it feel like one story. Music is such an important part of the Lion King franchise, and the score of this film completely exceeded my expectations.

The message of Mufasa: The Lion King is to never give up on what you believe in.

I give Mufasa: The Lion King 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18 plus adults. Mufasa: The Lion King releases in theaters December 20, 2024.

Aardman’s four-time Academy Award®-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a brand new epic adventure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. In this next installment, Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comment, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is an impressive animated and well-thought out film that took me on a journey unlike any other. From the characters and their development to the animation backgrounds it is a fantastic film.” See her full review below.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is an impressive animated and well-thought out film that took me on a journey unlike any other. From the characters and their development to the animation backgrounds it is a fantastic film.

The storyline follows the character Wallace (Ben Whitehead) as he begins to get a little too dependent on all his inventions. Gromit is concerned that this has gotten out of hand. Gromit’s suspicions prove to be valid when a smart gnome that Wallace has created seems to develop a mind of its own. When a figure reappears, ready to execute his revenge, it is up to Gromit to stop him or Wallace may never be able to invent again.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Aardman’s four-time Academy Award®-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024

One of the most impressive parts of this film is its animation technique. Wallace & Gromit films all use a style of animation called claymation which is essentially a mix of computer animation and clay models of characters and sets used in the movie.

Claymation involves being very careful not to mix the different clays or it could result in the colors of the clay figures being amiss. It is a very long and tedious, yet rewarding process.

I also really like the plot. I can’t say too much for fear of spoiling it but, the whole story really captured and held my attention. Even from the beginning when all we see is Wallace’s numerous inventions. I also really enjoy how they feature a dog as a central character that drives most of the story and yet, he cannot speak. That keeps a bit of a realistic aspect to the story.

The film’s message is to always be careful with what you create and trust your gut instinct.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024

I give Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch this film on Netflix starting January 5, 2025.

Photos: Aardman’s four-time Academy Award®-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a brand new epic adventure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024