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Based on the incredible true story of the Beam family, this film truly inspires you and makes you think about the miracles in your own life. When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mia A. comments, “I love this movie!  Miracles from Heaven is very inspirational, very religious and all about miracles.” See her full review below.

Miracles from Heaven
By Mia A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I love this movie!  Miracles from Heaven is very inspirational, very religious and all about miracles.  It really makes you think about all the miracles that are happening in your life.

Miracles from Heaven is about a young girl named Anna Beam (Kylie Rogers) who has a very rare stomach disorder.  Her family pulled out all the stops to help her.  When an amazing event happens it changes everything.

This is a real story and it is very heartwarming.  The Beam family’s faith in God is undeniable.  They are very religious and go to church every Sunday.  Even if you are not really religious, I still think that you would enjoy this movie.

All of the characters in Miracles from Heaven are likable, but especially Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner).  She is very believable and makes you feel really sad when she is sad and happy when she is happy.  She is a mom that a lot of people would want to have as their own, because she would never give up and she works very hard.  The dad, Kevin Beam (Martin Henderson) is a very good dad and cares a lot about his kids.

My favorite character is Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez).  He is very funny and he works very hard to make all the kids in the hospital happy.  And if I was ever really sick I would want a doctor like him.

My favorite scene is at the end of the movie where it is showing all the miracles that happen in their lives. This scene really makes you think about what miracles could be happening to you and it makes you feel great about other people around you.

The moral of the story is never to give up on hope.  Even though Anna struggles and she ends up in the hospital many times, her family never gives up and tries to help her.  You learn to love Anna and root for her along the way. This movie made a lot of people in the audience cry and tear up.

I rate Miracles from Heaven five out of five stars because it is very inspirational and it makes you really think about what miracles you could be having in your life.  I recommend the ages 7 to 18 because there are some surgical procedures, but they’re not that graphic. Go see this movie which is playing in theaters now.

This very odd movie has drawn a lot of negative criticism from critics and fans alike. The storyline puts two of our beloved superheroes in direct conflict with one another. What is the point of that? It’s almost as if studio heads took a side track when they approved this story and the rest fell out of whack along with it. Certainly, our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics did not love this film and were, in fact, pretty disappointed. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nathaniel B. comments, “This movie is a disgrace to DC comics because there is almost no point. I will explain as best as I can why without spoiling it. First, I will answer a big question, “Why are two legendary heroes battling?” I don’t even know.” See the rest of his review below.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
By Nathaniel B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Straight up, I say I did not enjoy this movie. It is confusing and the title is misleading. This movie starts off with Batman, otherwise known as Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), at his parents’ funeral. Then it switches scenes and shows his parents being murdered, then back to the funeral. This is probably the least confusing part. And then, Bruce falls into a hole and is saved by a swarm of bats, yeah a bit more confusing, but now we know what inspired him!

Many years later, Superman (Henry Cavill) flies through the building that is Bruce’s adopted father’s office while battling some random alien invasion that is never explained and destroys the rest of the building with his laser vision. I think this might be part of why they fight, but I don’t know. That was unclear. By this point in the movie, my brain started to not understand what is going on at all. I asked my dad what was going on and he told me that it would make sense soon, but it never does.

This movie is a disgrace to DC comics because there is almost no point. I will explain as best as I can why without spoiling it. First, I will answer a big question, “Why are two legendary heroes battling?” I don’t even know. You might better understand why this movie is so completely confusing. Another reason that this movie’s title is very misleading is the battle has no meaning. It is only what happens next that matters.

This movie left me with a bad taste in  my mouth, but these are my favorites parts of this film: My favorite character was Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). Even though his lines were not so good, he made everything sound like the good, well bad, Lex Luthor that I know. My favorite costume and props are most definitely Batman’s super armor and his gadgets. But, Batman and Superman do something confusing just because they have a super random connection! Some of you may have seen the famous Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) in the trailer, but she practically has 2% as much of a role as she does in the trailer.

I recommend this movie for ages 15 to 18 due to the jump scares, blood, screaming, death, guns and bullets, and many more horrible and violent things. I give it 2 and a half stars out of five stars because it is confusing, has no moral lesson and does not even match its title. This film is in theaters now if you wish to check it out.

This timely sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding had a difficult task to measure up to the original. Unlike the first film, it doesn’t feel quite so Greek but, it definitely will entertain you and your family with its sweet comedy and romance. The storyline follows Toula who still works in her parents’ Greek restaurant and her daughter Paris, now a teen.  As she prepares to graduate high school, Toula and Ian experience marital issues. They discover a glitch in their marriage certificate and chaos results. Can this big, fat, Greek event help to bring the family together? You’ll have to see it to find out. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “Although it doesn’t live up to the first one, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 kept me laughing and wondering what was going to happen next. It felt like I visited with my own family!” See his full review below.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Although it doesn’t live up to the first one, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 kept me laughing and wondering what was going to happen next. It felt like I visited with my own family! Many fans of the original movie felt worried that Part 2 would be a forced sequel with stereotypical jokes. But rest assured it turned out into a sweet, hilarious and heartwarming tale.

The film defiantly belongs to a comedy genre, but contains quite a bit of romance. Another huge element the film represents – coming together of a family, which fits nicely with the other two genres.

The film follows Toula, (Nia Vardalos), the main character from the previous film, a happily married middle aged woman and a 17-year-old daughter, Paris, nearing the end of high school. Just like with Toula, her family tries to find a Greek boyfriend for Paris, but everything changes when they discover an issue with Toula’s parent’s marriage certificate. Because of this, the family tries to get them married in a real ceremony and hits surprising roadblocks right and left.

I have to say that some scenes felt forced and not necessary in the film and thus, made it a bit boring and it dragged somewhat. It connects to the first film extremely well, which I enjoyed greatly. Original jokes had perfect timing and a great sense of humor. Spot on acting benefited the film and, seeing the same actors play these roles as they did 14 years ago came as a welcome treat. The storyline surprised me and took completely unexpected turns. The soundtrack resembled the music in the previous movie and fit perfectly with the style of the film.

My favorite scene happens when Paris attends a college fair at school. Her parents come with her but stay out of her way. However, the rest of the family finds out about the fair and close to 20 family members come running in. As you might imagine, it gets a little chaotic, with some university representatives getting a few surprise visits along the way. The acting impressed me in this scene. Dealing with so many people on set, actors didn’t lose their energy and kept it heartfelt and really funny.

The film seems rather mature in terms of jokes and the story itself so I recommend it for kids ages 14 to 18. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because this film made the audience laugh again and again, has an unexpected story and fantastic acting.  However, several scenes make it feel stretched out at times and, once or twice, it gets a bit boring.

Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski jumper who never stopped believing in himself – even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan R. comments, “I was truly delighted to watch the new film, Eddie the Eagle because it is an astoundingly energizing and powerful film.” Mia A. adds, “I absolutely love Eddie the Eagle!  This… is an inspiring movie because Eddie is just a regular guy who does amazing things.  It makes people like me who watch this movie feel like they could do anything!” See their full reviews below.

Eddie the Eagle
By Mia A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I absolutely love Eddie the Eagle!  This film, directed by Dexter Fletcher, is an inspiring movie because Eddie is just a regular guy who does amazing things.  It makes people like me who watch this movie feel like they could do anything!

Eddie the Eagle is based on a true story about a boy named Michael Edwards, known as Eddie (Taron Egerton) who grew up in Great Britain in the 1960s. Eddie always wanted to be in the Olympics, but he had weak knees so all his doctors said not to do sports and to give up. Regardless of his doctor’s advice, he tried lots of sports, but never successfully did any of them right. When he goes to his dad’s work after giving up on this dream he sees a ski slope. From then on, Eddie is determined to get into the Winter Olympics. When he fails to get on the Great Britain downhill ski team for the Olympics, he learns about ski jumping. As there are no ski jumping locations in Great Britain, he travels to Germany. There he tries to learn ski jumping in order to get into the Olympics. He meets a former Olympic ski jumper, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) and tries to get Bronson to coach him. Will Eddie get to the Olympics, get Bronson to coach or win the Olympics?

My favorite scene is when Eddie sets a new distance jumping record and he flaps around like an eagle and has the best time of his life. This scene is uplifting and funny.

The cinematography in Eddie the Eagle is really intense and makes you feel as if you are right there!  Whenever someone gets ready to go down the ski jump ramp and lands, you feel like cheering!  

There are lots of morals in this movie including: follow your dreams, winning isn’t always achieving, never give up on your dreams, when you love what you do giving up is never the answer, and many more.

I rate this movie a 5 out of 5 stars because it is inspiring and has a gripping story. I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 because there are some sexual references, like when Bronson makes an imitation of making love with a celebrity. There are also some injuries, like when someone tries to ski jump they fall and hurt themselves badly they can’t move.

If you love adventure, and rooting for the underdog, go see Eddie the Eagle in theatres near you!

Eddie the Eagle
Reviewed by Ryan R., age 12

I was truly delighted to watch the new film, Eddie the Eagle because it is an astoundingly energizing and powerful film. I love to watch films based on true stories and this is an unquestionably good one. In this film, you will see the story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, an Olympic British ski jumper and learn how his determination enabled him to participate in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

This movie tells the story of Eddie the Eagle (Taron Egerton) and shows the tough obstacles that Eddie overcame to achieve his dream of participating in the Olympics.

 

I love how this movie doesn’t feel rushed. I love the casting.  Taron Egerton looks identical to real Eddie and plays him with conviction. Hugh Jackman also gives a great performance.  Jo Hartley, who plays Eddie’s mom, gives a stunning performance of a mother who supports her child’s dreams no matter what.  The 80s soundtrack also plays an important role in the movie, since it is the type of music that was around when Eddie made his jump. This year is the 28th anniversary of when he made his ski jump in the 1988 Winter Olympics.

 

The moral of this movie is never give up no matter what. We see that when individuals don’t have faith in Eddie and think his fantasy of setting off to the Olympics is an exercise in senselessness that he would never be capable of achieving.  We see how Eddie never gives up. He is persistent, even though people think he is crazy. Eddie never gives up on what he believes in and does his best. Throughout this movie you see Eddie overcome obstacles and he never gives up. This is definitely a good movie for kids to see, especially if they have been put down, taunted, bullied or told they can’t do something they love to do.  They can benefit from seeing this film.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to kids ages 5 to 18. I think adults will like this film as well. Those who like docudramas and family movies will particularly enjoy it. Look for the story of Eddie the Eagle wh​ich is in theaters now.​

This animated film seems a bit slow at times and honestly, at first it seems that the film is simply about a bunch of kids entertaining themselves on winter school break by having a major snowball fight. But, it is packed with some very powerful life lessons and messages. The characters are entertaining and their resourcefulness quite amazing. The film starts out on a frivolous note but takes a serious turn and has some consequences. However, this is when the characters learn about friendship and even more important messages. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan R. comments, “I appreciate this film because I love how it shows a beautiful, snowy village and the kids in this village having fun in the snow.” Morgan B adds, “…there is a message and everyone will get it. It is one, which we should all know.” See their full reviews below.

Snowtime
By Ryan R. KIDS First Film Critic, Age 12

I love watching the new film Snowtime. This film is one to watch.  In this film, it is winter break and Luke (voiced by Angela Galuppo) and his friends prepare for an epic snowball fight. They divide themselves into two teams. One team builds an amazing snow fort and the other team wants to win the snowball fight to claim ownership of the fort. Watch these two teams go head to head in this snowball fight to see who gets to win and claim the snow fort. Who will win? Who will lose?

I appreciate this film because I love how it shows a beautiful, snowy village and the kids in this village having fun in the snow.  I also like the fort the kids make in this movie. I love the characters. They are silly, quirky and sometimes bashful.  I also liked their appearance and how they are drawn. The jokes are also funny; this is another great film for kids. I really enjoyed the scenery too.

The moral theme in this film is an important one.  Basically, there are no winners when it comes to war.  The kids end up learning this lesson.  Their friendly snowball fight soon takes an ugly turn which leads to some serious conflicts and a surprise.  I think there are other life lessons in this film but that is the main one that stands out for me.

My favorite character is Nicky (voiced by Liz MacRae). When Nicky shares his ideas with his friends, they underestimate him and knock his ideas down.  I love that he doesn’t allow what they say to discourage him and he continues on his own and accomplishes his idea. I respect his persistence and how he collaborates so well with his friends. I enjoyed how he makes things and they turn out well. I appreciate his imagination. I can relate to him because people sometimes knock down some of my ideas too.   But I continue to go forward with my ideas and prove them wrong.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars because the animation is great and it has an important message. I recommend this to kids ages 3 to 18.  I think adults might like this as well. I also recommend this to people who like family, comedy, adventure and action movies. Mark your calendars for February 19, 2016 when Snowtime opens in theaters.

Snowtime
By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

It is 90 degrees in Los Angeles California and 48 degrees in Colorado and it is winter for another month, with snow falling in other states. What is a group of kids to do over winter break? Have a snowball fight, of course. The group splits into two teams and away we go. The story line is great. We got a glimpse of the backstory of characters and learn what motivates them and makes them who they are.

 

I have two favorite characters. The first is Sophie voiced by Luchina Paris. She is the older sister and is always coming up with a plan to defeat the other team. My second is four eyes because of his crazy glasses. Many of the best parts of the movie are due to his ingenious inventions he makes to keep the fort in his team’s control. They are creative and awesome. I would have picked his team just to see the inventions he made - slides, escape hatches, automated snowball throws and traps to keep the other team on their toes. The story line has a bit of a love story angle but seems to fizzle out and is not completed. If they make a part two I hope they continue this story line and leave it with a better conclusion.

 

The hardest part of having two teams is the fact that they are all really good friends. There are many moments when you see them struggle because they are fighting their friends. It is all in fun but still there is a goal, which is to take the fort from the other team

 

I loved the graphics and animation. It is believable and easy to watch. You forget the characters are animated and look at them as if they are real people. The fort, well let’s say it is the most awesome snow castle ever and I would love to play in it.

 

Most children’s movies are fun, cute and quirky and leave you feeling upbeat. This movie left me feeling sad. I loved the movie but I did not like the ending. No spoilers, but I wish they had added more to the ending of the movie. But, there is a message and everyone will get it. It is one, which we should all know.

 

I recommend this movie for ages 6 and up. Younger kids might not totally grasp the story line but they will love the graphics and a good snowball fight.

 

I give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5 shooting snowballs. This movie is brought to you by Shout! Factory and opens in theaters March 29^th. The DVD will be out in the fall of 2016 just in time for the next winter snow fun.