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Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B., comments, “I can say that it is absolutely amazing! It definitely lives up to its potential.” Miles T. adds, “Wonder Woman caught me off guard. I thought it would be a girly movie about her trying to go against gender issues. But that is not the case.” Benjamin P. wraps it up with, “Wonder Woman is a defining example of a great superhero movie. While the movie struggles in its final act, it still delivers compelling action, great directing and good performances.” See their full reviews below.

Wonder Woman
By Calista Bess, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

When this movie was announced, I was super excited, but at the same time, skeptical. Because all the recent DC Movies didn’t live up to all the hype. However, once I sat down in the theatre, all comfortable with my popcorn and icee and watched the film, I can say that it is absolutely amazing! It definitely lives up to its potential. Once the movie was over, I started clapping and, after I left the theatre, I realized my hands were red because I had clapped so hard.

The story of this film starts on Themyscira, an island cloaked from society and home to the Amazons. Diana, Princess of the Amazons, finds an allied spy who washed on shore named Steve Trevor. He tells her about the horrors of World War l and she decides to join him to stop The War to End All Wars.

Gal Gadot plays Wonder Woman and, oh my gosh, she is awesome! She is courageous and fierce, but also intelligent and empathetic. She is the perfect role model for every little girl. She is the iconic Wonder Woman! But in all seriousness, all the actors are awesome and really likeable. One particular character that didn’t get enough screen time was Steve’s secretary, Eta Candy, played by Lucy Davis. She is really funny and has some great one liners. She really deserved more time to shine.

The special effects and fight scenes are also extraordinary. During most of the action scenes, I found myself leaning forward, wide-eyed and gripping my seat. Unlike Batman V Superman or Suicide Squad, I could actually SEE what was happening! To me, the best scene in the movie is when Diana, Steve and his crew lead an invasion of a German controlled town and liberate it. The action is so exciting and, when the Wonder Woman theme starts playing, I literally started smiling until the scene was over.

Surprisingly, this film is also extremely hilarious. I was laughing for a good chunk of time. The humor mainly comes from Diana’s lack of knowledge of our civilization. There’s a really funny scene where Eta tries to give Diana a normal outfit and she kicks and rips the skirt.

I definitely give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. This movie opens in theatres on June 2, 2017. I could say I recommend this movie for comic book fans, but honestly everyone should see this movie. Wonder Woman is an iconic role model and Gal Gadot definitely lives up to the part. Director Patty Jenkins lassoed this hit film and I love that a woman directed it – Girl Power! That’s the truth.

Wonder Woman
By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Wonder Woman is a defining example of a great superhero movie. While the movie struggles in its final act, it still delivers compelling action, great directing and good performances.

Gal Gadot plays Diana, the princess of an island called Themiscyra, inhabited by Amazon warriors. As a child, she is taught to be a fierce warrior. One day, a plane crashes just offshore. The pilot is a spy named Steve Trevor, who is trying to escape the German army after stealing their secrets. Diana saves him from the wreckage. Soon, German troops besiege the island in search of Steve. After a clash between the Amazons and the troops, Steve warns Diana and her people of a war in the outside world. Her strong urge to help others leads her to follow Steve to the frontlines to end the conflict. As her journey continues, she must embrace her destiny and become the hero she was born to be.

Gal Gadot is very good as Diana a.k.a. Wonder Woman. There is something very generous and kind about her character. Gadot is convincing as a strong female heroine who cares deeply about the lives of others and is willing to risk her own to save them. This character make a great role model, someone ready to spring into action to fight for things such as justice and freedom, but also some who cares about other people. Gadot studied a lot of martial arts and other training to prepare for this film and it certainly pays off in the thrilling action scenes. She carries the movie very well and I hope to see her in more DC films.

Diana’s fish-out-of-water dynamic is explored to great effect for some good laughs. She has little knowledge of life beyond the island. Her reactions and conversations in the outside world are very funny. She also has enjoyable banter with Steve Trevor.

Director Patty Jenkins had a very clear vision of what she wanted the film to look like and it translates to the screen very well. She shot it on a very epic scale and used techniques like shooting on film instead of digital to get the grainy feel of the World War I era. This makes for a more real cinematic experience.

One of my main criticisms of the film is its third act. The first two thirds are near perfect. The final act almost descends into a dumb, explosion-filled mess, but redeems itself in a way that doesn’t ruin the first two acts for me. I recommend Wonder Woman for ages 12 to 18 due to some violence and language and give it . It opens in theaters June 2 so, go check it out.

Wonder Woman
By Miles T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Wonder Woman caught me off guard. I thought it would be a girly movie about her trying to go against gender issues. But that is not the case. It fits right in with the other superhero movies. This movie starts off with the characteristic young kid that has a burning fire within them. She grows up and becomes strong. Then she goes out into the real world. It, along with the other origin story films, is a great example of a really good movie.

Wonder Woman instantly became one of my favorite superhero movies because, when there is action, you can actually follow it. Let me explain. Some movies (James Bond) are really difficult to follow when there is action. Because of constant quick editing and constant changes in shots and angles, it becomes really hard to understand the action or see what you are looking at. That is not the case with this film. However complicated the fight scenes are, you can understand what she does and follow her movements. In order to do this, the movie utilized slow motion. It’s not annoying. I kind of liked it, but it happens a lot.

Not only does action dominate the movie, but every second of the movie has a well placed shot. What I’m saying is that the camera angles are amazing throughout and the whole movie looks fantastic. In this way, thankfully, the movie does not follow the usual way of things. There is, let’s just say it, a totally boss battle where they could have easily taken a wide angle shot. And they do, but only for a second. And, the rest is fabulous to watch.

Wonder Woman is played by Gal Gadot. Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis), Steve (Chris Pine) and basically all the other actors are amazing. Every character is necessary and the movie would be poorer without any one of them. Not that I didn’t hate any of the characters. Of course there are ones that the movie wants me to hate. But they are all well built and quite lively. They seem to fit like gloves to the time and place of when the film takes place. This brings me to the sets. Every set looks like they just barged into real and existing buildings and started filming. This realism is especially challenging since it’s set during WW I. The locations and sets make sense and the way the filming is done made me want to visit them. The green screen work is especially amazing because they did not scream “look at me!” Instead, they are just backgrounds and are very believable. So much so that, if I hadn’t known these settings exist I would not think anything was fishy about the backgrounds.

My favorite part of the film is the scene when Wonder Woman jumps out of the trenches and single handedly fights the opposing side. My second favorite is when she completely demolishes an entire building. Yeah, she does not kid around.

This movie also explores working with the obvious feminist issues. After all, this is a female superhero! They depict a very strong character, just like all other superheroes, and they are able to add some humor as well. Throughout the movie everyone underestimates and doubts her because she is a girl. Ha! She creams everyone else. Unfortunately, at the very end, the movie pops the great feministic bubble they created by getting sappy and making Wonder Woman say that love is the answer. *POP*

I recommend this movie for ages 7 to 18 and adults will love it too. I say age 7 because, what kid above 5 doesn’t see action movies these days? But if you are one of those parents who doesn’t let their kids see these types of superhero movies, this one has is rated PG-13. I caught no cursing. There is one sexual statement that will go unnoticed by kids who aren’t already knowledgeable about that. I this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars, because the ending is girlish. Everything is great besides that though. It opens nationwide in theaters June 2, 2017 so, go check it out.

George Beard and Harold Hutchins are two overly imaginative pranksters who spend hours in a treehouse creating comic books. When their mean principal threatens to separate them into different classes, the mischievous boys accidentally hypnotize him into thinking that he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic By Benjamin P. comments, “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is an unexpectedly enjoyable family film filled with inventive animation, hilarious humor and charming characters.” Alejandra G. adds, “I freaked out when I went to see this film because I have been a loyal fan reading all the Captain Underpants stories and books since I was little. I’m so happy that they have brought these books to life and have taken another step to continue the story of the series.” See their full reviews below.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is an unexpectedly enjoyable family film filled with inventive animation, hilarious humor and charming characters. An adaptation of the bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey and directed by David Soren, this film chronicles George and Harold, two best friends who love mischief and making comics. Their mean principal Mr. Krupp finally catches them pulling a prank and vows to wipe out their friendship by placing them in separate classes.

George and Harold retaliate by placing Krupp in a trance and they turn him into their signature superhero created for their own comic books, Captain Underpants. George and Harold know how to bring Mr. Krupp back but realize that if they do, he’ll separate them. As Captain Underpants struggles to pretend to be a principal, danger looms over the school in the form of a mysterious new science teacher with an evil hidden agenda.

This film is a pleasant surprise. It dives more into the friendship between George (Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch) than the books do and sidelines Captain Underpants (Ed Helms) to a smaller role. Readers know and love the character of Captain Underpants and may be angered by this decision. By giving you more exposition about Harold and George, the film makes itself more accessible to those who have not read the books. This film is quite different from the books, but has enough callbacks to its source material to still feel linked to it.

The animation is very colorful, bursting with bright and warm colors that will be very appealing to younger audiences. I appreciate the different animation styles used to showcase George and Harold’s infinite imaginations. It’s very creative and makes it stand out from other animated films.

This film is very funny. It’s surprisingly clever for a movie with “underpants” in the title. It’s a film that will have the whole audience laughing. These laughs are well-earned and come at a good pace.

I give Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie an age rating of 4 to 12 for some crude humor. The lesson is never let anyone change who you are. Our heroes constantly see their ideas and creativity challenged and destroyed by Mr. Krupp. He never lets them be creative and instead resorts to confiscating all their comics because he doesn’t appreciate them. Having an imagination is an important part of growing up and helps George and Harold solve their problems. I rate this film 3.5 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters June 2, 2017 so be sure to go check it out.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
By Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I freaked out when I went to see this film because I have been a loyal fan reading all the Captain Underpants stories and books since I was little. I’m so happy that they have brought these books to life and have taken another step to continue the story of the series. This film is extremely well illustrated. The animations are very well designed and very realistic.

The film is about two overly imaginative children named George and Harold, who hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s the incredible superhero they created named Captain Underpants. Along with this comes event after event that makes this adventure unforgettable for these children as they accomplish their dreams watching their very own superhero come to life.

My favorite scene is when they first hypnotize the principal and start playing with him. For example, they tell him to turn into a chicken, a dolphin and many more things. While doing this, they have an awesome idea that will change their lives forever. Bring the superhero they made to life and achieve their goal of watching their invention live. So they tell him to turn into Captain Underpants and they freak out and get very excited. I love this scene because it shows the creativity these two kids have and how they think. It also shows how the makers of the film are so creative at developing the story line. They could have just made the film based on one of the books, but instead, they go out of their way to create a more interesting plot that makes the film truly stand out!

The important message that I gleaned from this film is to never underestimate the power of laughter. We may view a bad situation or a problem with a bad attitude or with sadness. If we deal with the problem with a bad attitude, the result will not be good.  But if we look at it from a positive point of view, the result will be better and greater. I believe it’s awesome that they teach little kids this message. It’s something they can learn and grow up with and eventually apply it to their own life! I rate the film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 13. You can watch this film in theaters starting June 2 so be sure to check it out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention. This family cross-country adventure turns into an experience the Heffleys will never forget. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alejandra G. comments, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul has the same wonderful entertaining impact as the rest of the series.” Ella L. adds, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is an upbeat, fun and humorous movie based on the books by the same name. It has an entertaining script with interesting relationships between characters. This movie also has moments where I burst out laughing.” Maria G. wraps it up with, “I really enjoyed the personality of each character in this film. Their different charisma contributes greatly to tone the film.” See their full reviews below (Alejandra’s are in English and Spanish). Also, check out our coverage from the Red Carpet by Ryan R.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
By Alejandra Garcia, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul has the same wonderful entertaining impact as the rest of the series. For those who don’t know, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a fiction comedy novel for children and teenagers written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. Over the years, these books have been brought to life in films that have the same well-liked effect on the audience as the original books. I was and still am a huge fan of the Wimpy Kid series and I recall always being excited for the new book or the new film to come out.

This film follows the Heffley’s taking a road trip to attend Meemaw’s (their grandmother’s) 90th birthday party. But of course, this trip goes off course thanks to Greg’s newest strategy to get to a video gaming convention. They flee from their parents, drive themselves to the convention, violate the no technology rule and many events take place that will make this not-so-family trip unforgettably crazy. Their family adventure turns into an experience filled with different funny moments you don’t get in a normal family vacation.

My favorite scene of is when they are entering the grandmother’s house. Greg gets into a boat that is outside and he goes inside the house with it. Somehow, he slides into the house and makes it to the pool, thereby making a special entrance. This is a very funny scene because it shows how Greg’s delirious mind operates.

The message that I get from this film is to never give up on what you want and don’t let anyone stop you. The film teaches this message in a funny and comical way. Gregory sees himself in a position that he doesn’t like due to something he does wrong so, he does what he can to clear his image. His way of doing it is to go to the video gaming convention and become famous. This is how Greg thinks he can fix this, by doing all these crazy things. But that’s not the important part. The point is that he goes out of his way to achieve his goal and he never stops until he gets it.

I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 15. This opens in theaters on May 19th, 2017 so go check it out.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
By Ella Ladd, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is an upbeat, fun and humorous movie based on the books by    the same name. It has an entertaining script with interesting relationships between characters. This movie also has moments where I burst out laughing. However, although it is delightful, this film falls flat in many areas.

The film follows twelve-year-old Greg Heffley (Jason Drucker), his brothers Rodrick (Charlie Wright) and Manny (Dylan Walters) and their parents (Tom Everett Scott and Alicia Silverstone). The family takes a road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90^th birthday in Indiana. However, Greg has plans to go to a video game convention that land him (and his family) in some hot water.

This film has many positive qualities. One i the clever writing. I really like the scene where Rodrick gets “shot,” when Greg and Beardo remake the scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Also, the scene where Manny and the pig are reunited is absolutely adorable. I applaud the writers for their brilliant writing. Another positive quality that quite impressed me is the story line. The chain of events had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Mischief and misfortune seems to follow the Heffley family wherever they go! It is clear that the writing and the physical humor in this film are quite outstanding.

However, although the script is quite good, the direction is not. The shots don’t feel quite right all the time. For example, throughout the movie, the camera is often focused on Alicia Silverstone’s teeth. The scene transition is also choppy and disorganized. It just is not smooth. I feel as though there could be more music underneath the dialogue. The acting falls flat as well. I am quite disappointed by these aspects.

I rate this film 3 out of 5 stars. The excessive potty humor throughout the film may appeal to younger kids, so I recommend it for ages 7 to 13. This film is funny and entertaining, yet it lacks several essential components. It opens in theatres on May 19, so if you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, go check it out.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
By Maria Guerrero, KIDS FIRS! Film Critic, age 17

This family friendly film will have you laughing as you join the Heffley’s in their first summer road trip. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul  is a fun entertaining film that I highly enjoyed with its funny scenes, unique character personalities and the different adventures the Heffley’s take on.

As the Heffley’s embark on their summer road trip to rural Indiana for their grandmother’s 90^th birthday, young and witty Greg Heffley (Jason Drucker) will do whatever it takes to get to a video game convention and meet his favorite gamer. To everyone’s surprise, technology will be restricted on the trip since Greg’s mother, Susan (Alicia Silverstone) wishes to grow closer to her son and create unforgettable memories. Throughout the trip the whole Heffley family faces numerous adventures and trials as the trip goes hilariously off course and becomes a mission.

I really enjoyed the personality of each character in this film. Their different charisma contributes greatly to tone the film. My favorite character is Rodrick, the older but not so wise brother. His humor, style and spirit brings laughter to the screen. Although he is not the brightest, he is highly funny. One of my favorite scenes is when Rodrick orders an Uber and believes that the ride is free, although the destination is an hour away and it’s charged to his parents’ credit card. Also hysterical is the scene where Rodrick eats one too many fried butter sticks and regrets it later when riding the roller coasters.

Young and witty Greg Heffley is played by Jason Drucker of Barely Lethal, Every Witch Way and many commercials. Lead rock singer of Loaded Diper and Greg’s sixteen-year-old brother Rodrick is played by Charlie Wright, known for Ingrid Goes West and Better Things. Alicia Silverstone and Tom Everett Scott play the parents of Greg and Rodrick.

Although this film is hilariously funny, it is filled with several life lessons for the viewer to learn from such as, disconnect from technology and connect with those around you. Today, everyone seems to be so attached to technology and social media that they loose the concept of socializing. This film grasps the importance of family values and disconnecting from technology to spend quality family time.

I highly enjoyed watching this fun, summer movie and recommend it to families and children between the ages of 5 and 10. This is a great film for kids to watch over summer break and remember the value of family. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars because of its many funny scenes, unique story line and unique characters. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul opens in theaters May 29, 2017 so, be sure to check it out.