KIDS FIRST! News

Hail, Caesar! follows a day in the life of Eddie Mannix, a Hollywood fixer for Capitol Pictures in the 1950s, who cleans up and solves problems for big names and stars in the industry. But when studio star Baird Whitlock disappears, Mannix has to deal with more than just the fix. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “What happens when you mix legendary actors, an original story, smooth and hilarious script and two of the greatest directors of all time, the Coen Brothers? You get Hail, Caesar! – an absolute hilarious masterpiece that I absolutely adore.” See his full review below.

Hail, Caesar!

By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

What happens when you mix legendary actors, an original story, smooth and hilarious script and two of the greatest directors of all time, the Coen Brothers? You get Hail, Caesar! - an absolute hilarious masterpiece that I absolutely adore.

This is a comedy that never bores the audience. It is delightfully smooth and original. There are some elements of romance a few times in the film, but not enough to call this film romantic. It has an exciting and original plot, with just a hint of dramatic turns throughout the story. What can be better than a movie about making movies, beautiful sets and intrigues behind the scenes?

The story starts when Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), a famous actor, disappears right before the filming of his final scenes for the movie, Hail, Caesar, where he plays the main character. Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is rushed to try to get him back before studio loses a lot of money.

 

Although the comedy makes the whole audience laugh out loud time and time again, the cinematography is what made me fall in love with the film. The Coen brothers who directed the film, execute mastery with every shot, from aerial to 360 degree views, each shot looks so carefully planned it is perfect for the scene and simply breath taking. The acting also excels with mega stars including George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson (DeeAnna Moran) and Channing Tatum. They play their parts as if they are that person and forever have been.

 

My favorite scene is when we first see Scarlett Johansson. The scene shows her doing a majestic and beautiful swimming show where she and others perform an extravagant number. What I really love about this shot is the camera angles showing everything from the side to the top, showing the scene in a very unexpected and wonderful way. The scene is peaceful and enjoyable and then ends with an abrupt joke (which is perfectly smooth, original and so unexpected). 

 

The comedy is somewhat mature, so I recommend it for kids age thirteen to eighteen. I give it five out of five stars for its excellent comedy, beautiful camera shots and an exciting, yet original story. Check it out when it opens in theaters February 5, 2016.

This sequel to  Zoolander brings back Ben Stiller as Derek joined by Owen Wilson as Hansel who take on the modeling industry again. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lainey A. comments, “The sequel, Zoolander 2 a live action feature film, sadly does not live up to the standard of its predecessor.  The writing is not nearly as funny and the plot rambles.” See her full review.

Zoolander 2
Lainey A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Zoolander , directed and co-written by Ben Stiller, was lauded for its clever writing and unthinkable poking fun at the modeling and entertainment industries.  The sequel, Zoolander 2 a live action feature film, sadly does not live up to the standard of its predecessor.  The writing is not nearly as funny and the plot rambles.  While the audience did laugh at times at the over-the-top acting, a lot of jokes just fall flat.

This movie is about Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) who is crazy famous for being the biggest model around.  His wife Matilda (played by Stiller’s real life wife Christine Taylor) dies in a construction accident leaving their son to be raised by Derek.  Sadly, his son is taken away because Derek can’t show that he is responsible enough to care for him. Derek and Hansel (Owen Wilson) reunite as friends and decide to participate in a fashion show to prove that Derek is responsible enough to win back his son.

Will Ferrell reprises his role as the antagonist Mugatu and is  really funny with his exaggerated appearance and acting. Unfortunately, the loose plot is hard to follow and even Will Ferrell can’t salvage this sequel.

This movie has many cameo appearances by Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Willie Nelson and the oneand only Justin Bieber.  I enjoyed being able to pick out so many of these celebrities but it sometimes is distracting with so many cameos.

My favorite character is Valentina (Penélope Cruz) because she is so self-confident and is part of many funny scenes.  Penélope is fun to watch and super entertaining.

My favorite scene is when Derek and Hansel attend their first fashion show of the movie.  They are made a laughing stock on stage while wearing shirts with the words “old” and “lame” which Derek pronounces Lame’ and have a huge bucket of prune juice thrown at them in front of many people.  The costumes are quite extravagant and interesting and visually entertaining. My favorite costumes are Derek’s because they really fit his personality and are over the top.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars because, although it isn’t my type of humor, others might enjoy this.  It is entertaining despite the fact that many jokes are at the expense of others and some may find that offensive. Zoolander 2 definitely targets teen and older viewers.  I recommend this film for ages 10 to 18 because of its mild language, sexualreferences and crude humor.

If this sounds like the movie for you, definitely go check it out in theaters after it opens February 12, 2016.

From MacGillivray/Freeman productions and narrated by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure takes audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness. Immersive IMAX® 3D cinematography takes viewers soaring over red rock canyons, hurtling up craggy mountain peaks and into other-worldly realms found within America’s most legendary outdoor playgrounds, including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Arches. Celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the national parks with world-class mountaineer Conrad Anker, adventure photographer Max Lowe and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike, climb and explore their way across America’s majestic parks in an action-packed expedition that will inspire the adventurer in us all. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “I found myself even tearing up at the astounding landscapes in our country.” See his full review below.

National Parks Adventure

By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

 

National Parks Adventure is a new, eye-popping IMAX celebration of the most amazing places in the world. I found myself even tearing up at the astounding landscapes in our country.

 

Narrated by Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure follows climber Conrad Anker, his stepson Max and their friend Rachel as they explore our National Parks. The film also takes you back in time to witness the camping trip that President Theodore Roosevelt took to Yosemite to see how much it needed to be protected.

 

National Parks Adventure has magical cinematography and an emotional soundtrack that puts a new spin on American classics such as “This Land Is Your Land.” The film balances a lot of stories and still makes the 45-minute film not feel rushed. It will keep your eyes glued to the screen because you will be enthralled in the history of how the park system was born and you’ll see the amazing adventures people have exploring the national parks today. It is very cool to see the parks I haven’t visited and get a sense of what it’s like to be there in real, and even bigger than real, life. I also like seeing the parks that I have visited from the filmmakers’ point of view.

 

My favorite part of the movie is when Conrad, Max and Rachel visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There are shots of them climbing up frozen waterfalls that made me feel like I was right behind them. Another scene I loved was of cute little prairie dogs that IMAX makes look like towering creatures bigger than me.

 

I really enjoyed the cinematography. Five film crews visited forty parks and took nine months to make this movie. They shot it on 65mm IMAX film. That is a big deal because this will probably be one of the last IMAX films to use large-format celluloid instead of going digital. This movie is also a big deal for the national parks because 2016 marks the centennial of the park system.

 

National Parks Adventure takes you on an exciting and educational journey. Younger kids may not be able to appreciate the history so the movie is probably best for ages 5 to 15. But all audiences will enjoy this beautiful movie. It is one of the best IMAX movies I have seen.

 

I give National Parks Adventure 5 out of 5 stars.

Who hasn’t fallen in love with the adorable Po, voiced by the versatile Jack Black, as he continues on his legendary adventures of awesomeness? In this third installment in this beloved animated franchise, Po is reunited with his estranged father, but the reunion isn’t all fun and games. When a new supernatural villain begins to sweep across China threatening all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible – learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Michelle C comments, “In the third installment of the popular family film series Kung Fu Panda, you will find yourself on an emotional roller coaster, with just enough action, comedy and love to go around.” Benjamin P. adds, “I liked this movie because it was a lot of fun and it still has a captivating plot even though it’s a sequel. I also really like the new villain. He was so evil and greedy, it made me want to SKIDOOSH! him so bad.” Abigail Zoe L. wraps it all up, “This film rocks! It holds nothing back as it is full of adventures that are fun and full of heart.” See their full reviews below.

Kung Fu Panda 3
By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Kung Fu Panda 3 is a great film with excellent animation, a great villain and hilarious humor. My favorite dumpling-loving panda is back. I liked this movie because it was a lot of fun and it still has a captivating plot even though it’s a sequel. I also really like the new villain. He was so evil and greedy, it made me want to SKIDOOSH! him so bad.

As you can see, I am a big fan of this franchise and I promise you this latest installment does not disappoint. Kung Fu Panda 3 is about Po figuring out who he wants to be and adapting to a lot of changes in his life. As the movie begins, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) tells Po that next to being the Dragon Warrior, it will be Po’s job to teach the Furious Five. Before Po can learn how to be a teacher, he meets his long-lost father Li (Bryan Cranston). Their celebration is cut short by the arrival of Kai (J.K Simmons), the villain who is stealing the energy of Kung Fu masters from all over the land and who wants to destroy Po. To fight back, Po has to learn to master being a panda after he finds out pandas have special powers that might be able to help defeat Kai.

The lesson of this film is figure out who want you to be and then be your best self, even if you have to try new things you don’t know how to do. Po has to try to figure out how to live like a panda and become a teacher by trying things he’s not good at.

It’s nice to see the original characters back and it’s hard to pick a villain as a favorite character, but Kai is an excellent bad guy that I love to hate. He is surprisingly funny while being Po’s most formidable foe so far.

I love the animation because it uses a lot of different styles. There is a lot of detail. It’s very colorful and the animators use Chinese calligraphy and other cultural symbols to give the movie’s setting an authentic feeling. I also really enjoyed the score by Hans Zimmer because it has a lot of energy that goes perfectly with the high-action scenes.

I recommend this film for ages 4 to 12 because there are some scary scenes that may upset younger viewers. Adults will also enjoy this film. I give Kung Fu Panda 3 four out of five stars.

Kung Fu Panda 3
By Michelle Contreras, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

In the third installment of the popular family film series Kung Fu Panda, you will find yourself on an emotional roller coaster, with just enough action, comedy and love to go around.

Large and adorable panda Po (Jack Black) realizes he has a lot to learn if he wants to surpass his next obstacle from his role-model instructor. During this long, adventurous process, he finds himself reunited with his long-lost father (Bryan Cranston). Po must find a way to morph into the teacher he was always destined to be. With help from his new panda family, the martial-arts masters come together to fight the envious and malevolent Kai (J.K. Simmons), a warrior who came back from the spirit realm, in order to steal everyone’s chi.I have always been a kid at heart but watching this film truly made me feel like it was my first time ever watching Kung Fu Panda in the movie theater. Since it brought back a ton of memories, I couldn’t help but notice all of the fantastic, quality changes the film has gone through. This has always been a great series from the start, but this movie takes the gold when it comes down to storyline and visual effects. There is no doubt in my mind that the creative directors and graphic designers behind this film spent tons and tons of hours developing such amazing oriental scenes within this movie. Every single color, movement, saying or setting in this film truly embodies what Kung Fu Panda is all about, which makes the meaning and experience for an avid movie-goer all the more understanding and worthwhile. Because of the sincere storyline, it will hit home to lots of viewers and family members. One thing I do wish I had the opportunity to see more of are the famous and Furious Five (voiced by Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Angelina Jolie, David Cross, and Seth Rogen) and Master Sifu (Dustin Hoffman)  in action altogether, especially when attempting to defeat the evil Kai.

Ultimately, Kung Fu Panda 3 is a hilarious and charming film for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether it’s moving you to tears from laughter or gloominess, you’ll find it hard not to smile with satisfaction when the credits begin rolling. This movie is rated PG for its martial arts action and some mild rude humor, so I think this will be just perfect for kids ages 5 to 18. I rate this film 4.5 out of 5 five stars.

Kung Fu Panda 3
By Abigail Zoe L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 8 years old

This film rocks! It holds nothing back as it is full of adventures that are fun and full of heart. This third film of the awesome Kung Fu Panda series has us once again rooting for the most loveable Panda, Po. Watching Po in this movie is like watching myself because of his endless enthusiasm and passion for life which is just like me! He’s silly, funny and clumsy and still able to save the day!

We find Po battling a villain, discovering his true father and discovering his true self. The villain, Kai, wants to take the chi from all the great Kung Fu masters so he can become the most powerful grand master of the world. Kai will stop at nothing and the only possible way to defeat him is Po. Po must channel his inner chi and confidence to stop Kai.

Part of Po’s adventure is set in Panda Village where the student must learn how to become the teacher. For the first time Po meets other pandas. He changes this panda community and they also change him. Also, with the help of his mentor Shifu and the Furious Five, Po learns what it is to overcome challenges and become his own hero. At the heart of the story is the lesson that what is important in life is to become the best you can be. Po finally realizes this.

My favorite part of this film is when Po meets his real dad, Li.  This occurs in his adoptive father’s restaurant when Li breaks Po’s dumpling eating record. This is both a touching and yet hilarious scene as everyone in the restaurant realizes that they are father and son except them.

While all the voices are amazing and perfectly match the characters I really like Jack Black’s voice as Po. I really can’t think of any other actor’s voice better for this role than Jack’s. Po’s look, personality and most importantly his soul is just totally Jack Black. I also love J. K. Simmons who voices the villain, Kai. His voice is so perfectly evil yet it also has this lack of confidence in it that can make you giggle at times. For instance, Kai considers himself very special and famous but when he escapes the Spirit World and arrives on earth he finds that no one has ever even heard of him.

There are many wonderful and positive messages in this film. One of my favorites message is that you have to believe in yourself and never give up. Another beautiful message from the film is that you are not alone in this world and that family is important. However, the message that stands out in my mind is when Shifu tells Po: “If you only do what you can you will only be what you are.” This means a lot to me because I think everyone is special and we all have something very special to offer and bring to the world.

Kung Fu Panda 3 comes out in theaters Friday, January 29, 2016.  You definitely don’t want to miss this incredible animated film that is filled with adventure, humor and hear. I recommend this movie for all ages and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

This film tells about the heroes who braved one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast struck New England in 1952, damaging an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod and literally ripping it in half. On a small lifeboat faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members of the Coast Guard set out to rescue the more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard the rapidly-sinking vessel. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tre’ana H. comments, “This moved me because you have to be a thinker, organizer and strategist in order to achieve the obstacles that you will be encountering.” Clayton P. adds, “I had good expectations for The Finest Hours, especially in IMAX 3D…Unfortunately, the film is riddled with clichés…” See their full reviews below.

The Finest Hours
By Tre’ana H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Finest Hours is a Walt Disney film that is filled with much determination that captivates your mind on a realistic approach of being in the ocean on a boat wondering if you will survive. This moved me because you have to be a thinker, organizer and strategist in order to achieve the obstacles that you will be encountering. I really loved this movie because it is in 3D which makes everything appear to be coming right at you and you feel like you are a part of the film, especially during the ocean scenes.  This film is based on a true story and it is filled with action, drama and history. The director, Craig Gillespie draws you into this film by his realistic portrayal of events.

One of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast struck New England in February 1952. It damaged an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod and literally ripped it in half. On a small lifeboat faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members, Bernie Weber (Chris Pine), Ben Foster (Richard Livesey), Andy Fitzgerald (Kyle Gallner) and Ervin Maske (John Magaro) of the Coast Guard set out to rescue the more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard the rapidly-sinking vessel. The captain gives the orders and sends them out to accomplish the goal.

My favorite part of this movie is when Bernie Weber and his fellow crew members set out to find the people on the sinking ship.  They lose connection with the captain and also lose their compass. The crew members want Bernie to turn back around, but he says, “no point”. Bernie just keeps on going to see if he can find any type of vessel. He becomes obstinate and passionate about his Coast Guard duty.

The setting is a 1950s snowy and cold day with distinguished vintage cars the town people drive. The women’s dress is classy and stylish and they definitely make a statement upon arrival to any event.

I recommend this film for ages 12 to 18 and I give it 5 out of 5 Stars because it is action-packed with some romance and tense moments. Younger audiences may not understand and might be scared. This movie hits theaters Friday, January 29, 2016. Come and check it out. It is a must see!

The Finest Hours
By Clayton P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I had good expectations for The Finest Hours, especially in IMAX 3D. It has a great, true-life story about a few men accomplishing the impossible on the high seas. It has a good cast, but no blockbuster stars.  And, it has a director, Craig Gillespie, with a great Indie pedigree (Lars and the Real Girl, Million Dollar Arm).  Unfortunately, the film is riddled with clichés, which points to the writer (Scott Silver) and the director. The Finest Hours is an epic rescue story but ultimately a let down.

The Finest Hours is a true story about a rescue mission to save an oil tanker that gets partially destroyed during a big winter storm off the coast of Cape Cod. The Wellfleet Coast Guard is expected to help in the rescue but most of their large craft are out helping other distressed tankers. So, it comes down to four Coast Guarders to go out in a small boat to save the sailors on the tanker. The Coast Guard rescue team is lead by Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and Richard Livesey (Ben Foster).  Bernie is a quiet, inarticulate man who plays by the rules. They have to get past the “bar” to get out on open seas and the first time, they get fully submerged by the waves and lose their compass. It’s like an ant trying to save a huge whale in the middle of a storm!  Meanwhile, the crew of the tanker is trying to ground themselves on a shoal. They are being led by the head mechanic, Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck), who is an unlikely hero. He is an obsessed mechanic who is not part of the social fabric of the tanker. But because he knows the ship better than anyone, he takes control.  He doesn’t believe in luck, only hard work and ingenuity.

The beginning of the film is a preamble that sets up the love interest between Bernie and his girl, Miriam (Holliday Grainger) and the other characters in the town of Wellfleet. This part of the film feels rushed and cliché. Bernie is set up as a broken man for some reason, but you don’t know why. Other failed rescue missions are hinted at. I feel like I don’t know the characters’ personalities like I do in other films.  The rescue sequences are very exciting and intense, especially in IMAX 3D. The cinematography and graphics are great. The depiction of the roiling water is very realistic. I also liked the fact that both of the men leading each of their crews are unlikely heroes. There’s a point in the rescue where they meet and you can see Sybert size up Webber as a similar animal to himself.

I give The Finest Hours 3 out of 5 stars due to the stereotypical and confusing screenplay and direction.  It is appropriate for ages 10 through 18.