KIDS FIRST! News

From our friends at Splash Entertainment comes the new animated feature, Norm of the North. This delightfully friendly story features a polar bear named Norm along with his three lemming friends who end up in New York City where Norm becomes the mascot of a corporation he soon learns is tied to the fate of his homeland, the Arctic. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. comments, “This feature film offers laughs and appealing characters for young audiences and I think it also represents something bigger that older audiences will also enjoy.” Ryan R. adds, “Norm of the North is a perfect film for younger kids and delivers a positive environmental message. This film shows that some places are better left untouched in order to maintain their natural beauty.”

Norm of the Norm
by Keefer C. Blakeslee, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

In this abnormally ambitious first feature film from Splash Entertainment, Norm of the North is about Norm (Rob Schneider), a Polar Bear who is able to communicate with humans. When his home, the Arctic is threatened by the evil developer Mr. Greene (Ken Jeong), he must journey to the concrete jungle and convince people to save his home.

This feature film offers laughs and appealing characters for young audiences and I think it also represents something bigger that older audiences will also enjoy.  Splash Entertainment is an independent animation studio that has been given the chance, by its association with Lionsgate, to create a film for the big screen. That’s not an easy task especially with so much competition from other animation companies. Is it revolutionary? No, but it’s a nice start for Splash Entertainment’s movie making journey.

The film’s delightful animation is colorful and fluent. I love how the characters move and dance. I particularly enjoyed watching Mr. Greene’s rubber legs. Much like his personality, his movements are snake like – always slithering from place to place. He is my favorite character because he’s so over the top. It also helps that he is voiced by the hilarious comedian Ken Jeong. Speaking of which, all the voice actors in this film portray their characters very well. I’m not particularly a Rob Schneider fan but, in this film he makes Norm a lovable and plush Polar Bear.

For me, the humor is hit and miss. But, I’m not really the audience for this film. A lot of the comedy is geared for younger kids and there is a lot of potty humor. Although there are some jokes for parents and older kids to chuckle at, it is best suited for the younger set. While the slapstick is fast paced, I have a problem with how the characters come in contact. What makes slapstick funny is cause and effect. Tom and Jerry are a perfect example. When Tom runs smack into a pole his whole body makes solid contact causing him pain. In this the film, the characters seem to be made of rubber. When they come in contact with each other it’s like silly putty being squished together. Now it does kind of work with Norm’s furry sidekicks, the Lemmings, because their running joke is that they feel no pain. However, it does not work when the other characters react like rubber. With that said, while watching the film the kids in the theater went nuts and loved every moment of it. Just goes to show you that humor is diverse.

My favorite scene is the opening of the film when Norm tries to hunt. Not only does it reveal the status quo of the main character, it also provides a lovely introduction to the comedy that will follow. The Arctic landscape adds to the visual ambiance of the animation.

The moral of this film is “nature belongs to the animals.” Mr. Greene plans to build condominiums in the Arctic and that’s why Norm goes to New York and tries to convince them not to do that. I was glad to see this environmental message presented to young children.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to 3 through 12-year-olds.  This film proves that just because you’re not a big Polar Bear does not mean you can’t make a big splash. I can’t wait to see more from Splash Entertainment.  This film is in theaters January 15 so mark your calendars now.

Norm of the North
By Ryan R. KIDS First Film Critic, Age 12

Norm of the North is a perfect film for younger kids and delivers a positive environmental message. This film shows that some places are better left untouched in order to maintain their natural beauty. It also has a great cast. The voice actors really put a lot of emotions into their characters. The soundtrack is also great!

The story is about Norm (Rob Schneider) who is a polar bear that can speak to humans. He never really has used that power until one fine day Mr. Greene (Ken Jeong) starts to build condos in the Arctic, where Norm lives. Norm has to stop the construction somehow! He sneaks his way into a demo house that is scheduled to be delivered to New York, where Mr. Greene lives. Will Norm be able to stop Mr. Greene or will the beauty of the Arctic be lost when all those condos are built?

Although it’s a good story, I found that at some points, the story just didn’t hold my interest. It felt predictable. You really knew what is going to happen next. Perhaps that’s because it’s better suited for a younger audience than me. I also found myself comparing the animation is this film to other mainstream films and it’s not quite there. But, again, perhaps I’m too old and picky. I think it is a perfect film for kids, who are 3 to maybe 8 or 9.

My favorite characters are Olympia and Norm. I love how brave Olympia is and independent. In the film, she wants to get into a better school and her mom thinks she needs a recommendation in order to get in. Olympia does her best and earns her place in the school without the recommendation. Also, she wants to help Norm succeed in his plan. I Norm because he is funny, compassionate with others and determined to save his homeland.

The lesson of this movie is we need to preserve our environment but we can still behave in a kind way.  For example, Norm goes to New York to stop Mr. Greene from building condos in the Arctic. We seem him acting very compassionate to others and he serves as a great role model to others.

I recommend this film for kids ages 3 to 10. People who like family and adventure movies will particularly enjoy it. I rate this movie 3 out of 5 stars. Norm of the North comes out January 15th so mark your calendars.

A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids. Starring Well Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and Linda Cardellini, this is sure to keep make you laugh through all their silly antics. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan R. comments, “One of the things I enjoyed most about this film is the cast. They are really great! I love the message because it talks about acceptance.” See his full review below

Daddy’s Home
By Ryan R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I really enjoy watching this funny movie directed by Sean Anders. It is pretty hysterical  and enjoyable for preteens. I think adults might like this as well. This movie made me laugh because the movie has  a lot of humor and the jokes are spot on.

The movie is about the good stepdad, Brad played by Will Ferrell.  He wants to be accepted by his family because the kids aren’t happy that he is their stepdad. Eventually, they do accept him, but things change when their dad, Dusty played by Mark Wahlberg tries to come back into their life. Brad and Dusty slowly begin to start a “Dad Off”. They try to beat one another to show the kids who the cooler Dad is. Will they fight until there is a winner or will they make a truce and end up liking each other?

One of the things I enjoyed most about this film is the cast. They are really great! I love the message because it talks about acceptance. I also like the jokes in this movie because they are very hilarious.

My favorite character is Dusty because he is comes off as this mean person but he is actually not so bad.  Dusty makes changes throughout this movie and makes many hilarious jokes that will make you like him.

The message of this movie is acceptance. Both of the dads are trying to get acceptance. Brad wants to be accepted by his step kids so they can be one happy family. Dusty wants to be accepted again after the divorce. Dusty wants to have a family, but he can be irresponsible. In this movie, acceptance is a huge thing. It takes a long amount of time since things don’t happen overnight.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this movie for kids ages 11 to 18. It is perfect for tweens and teens but it does contains some inappropriate mild profanity, rude humor and mild violence that make it unsuitable for younger children. I think adults will enjoy this as well. It comes out on Christmas Day so mark your calendars.

The wait is over! Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens this weekend and, the word is that you will NOT be disappointed! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “People have been waiting for a good Star Wars story ever since Episode VI came out 32 years ago. Fellow Star Wars fans, I am pleased to tell you, it has come.” The secrecy surrounding this release has been extraordinary. Even our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics who were scheduled to attend press screenings had to pledge to secrecy the time and location and weren’t allowed to even tell anyone they were going to it. You should know that the pace of this film is very fast and the action, quite intense. The original film’s iconic characters played by Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, are back, older and even more incredible than ever. But, the new team, played by Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, definitely strike out on their own and command attention. The film is long at 135 minutes but then, so were the first ones – Episode IV (121 minutes); Episode VI (131 min.); Episode I (136 min.).  Nathaniel B. (KIDS FIRST! Film Critic) adds, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a wonderful film that many people will love. Today’s technology really makes the fantasy of Star Wars seem like reality.” See our youth reporters’ full reviews below.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
By Gerry O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

It is surprising that only 10 to 12 hours of films created the giant franchise we know as Star Wars. People have been waiting for a good Star Wars story ever since Episode 6 came out 32 years ago. Fellow Star Wars fans, I am pleased to tell you, it has come.

Everyone knows Star Wars is a sci-fi, action franchise, but this film is very unique for the fact that it goes much deeper. With Evil getting more and more powerful, there is drama and fighting between the characters, but that doesn’t stop romance from sneaking in with a little bit of comedy. Granted, I was worried it would turn into a kid’s comedy, but quite a few times I found my self thinking that not only are the jokes perfect, they are also not over used!

Alright, let’s get to the part everyone wants to read, the plot of the most hyped, but hidden film of the decade. The events start out 20 years after what took place in Episode 6, (spoiler alert for people who didn’t see episode 6).  The Empire has fallen, yes, but a new Evil has risen, known as The First Order. The rebellion needs new Jedi now more than ever, but Luke (Mark Hamill) is missing and they need to find (wait for it) a new hope!

Is the film worth the wait? Ever since almost a year ago, people have been talking about new Star Wars episode, and it is SO worth it. Famous directors have taken on some great challenges before, including Spielberg finishing Kubrick’s AI. But J.J. Abrams took on something completely out of the ball field trying to continue Star Wars. The cinematography is spectacular, the ending shot (no spoiler) is one of the greatest endings I have ever seen in a film, and the whole story itself is unexpected and very enjoyable. Although there are many aspects that are not in the original Star Wars films, I think it is actually very nice to see Star Wars not get ruined, but go through its own evolving evolution.

As for the acting, of course, the original A-Team – Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and more – are phenomenal and I think it was the perfect idea to bring these characters back for the pure enjoyment of long standing fans. However, it is really Daisy Ridley who steals the show. Her character, Rey, is so fresh and unique, full of emotion, and this character (still no spoilers, sorry) goes through so much drama in the film. It must have been a very hard role to play. Daisy gives it 110%. I predict she will be win an Oscar nomination for this role.

The special effects obviously got better since the last Star Wars film in the early 2000s, and I still want to mention how breathtaking they are. Even for 2015, with all the CGI aliens, ships and spectacular space scenes, it is quite literally “eye candy.” My only criticism of the film is that it is a bit too long. However, not one single scene is out of place or feels unneeded.

One of my favorite scenes is when we are reunited with Hollywood’s favorite space ship. Rey and Finn (John Boyega) are trying to escape The First Order. They have two options for space flight, a “piece of junk” or another space ship. Well, the space ship gets blown up and it turns out the “piece of junk” is the millennium falcon! Of course, everyone cheers, claps and whistles in the audience once the camera shows the breathtaking ship. It is not only enjoyable, and a bit funny, but the camera technique is perfect. If you want to know the rest of the story, go get your tickets and watch the film!

This film is actually pretty mature. It isn’t as kind as episodes 1, 2 and 3.  It has its violence, so I recommend it for ages ten to eighteen. And, adults who saw previous Star Wars films and appreciate them will enjoy this film as well. I give it five out of five stars, because, even if it is a little bit boring in the middle, (it is 2 hours and 10 minutes long) J.J. Abrams, the cast and crew achieved the impossible and created a new masterpiece that can be proudly added to the Star Wars franchise. I am also glad to say that, for the first time in over 20 years, Star Wars returns! You can see Star Wars: The Force Awakens in theaters starting December 18th!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
By Nathanial B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a wonderful film that many people will love. Today’s technology really makes the fantasy of Star Wars seem like reality. The scenery is great from the beginning to the end. The forests are vast and really fit the movie wonderfully. The beautiful stars, planets and, even the spaceships, are amazingly real looking.

The storyline It tells what happens after peace was established in the galaxy at the end of Episode 6, but now it’s more than 30 years later and there is no longer peace.

The actors lured me into believing everything is really happening. Daisy Ridley as Rey shows emotion and strength. John Boyega portrays Finn as a man who starts out being afraid but must overcome his fears. And Adam Driver is excellent playing Kylo Ren, the new bad guy who tries to live up to the evil of Darth Vader and does many foolish things in the process. Each characters enliven the new story. Also, Star Wars fans of all ages will love reconnecting with characters from the original films.

The costumes are great and fit the characters in many ways. Rey’s costume, a rugged suit for the desert planet Jakku, shows that she is resourceful and can take care of herself. The unusual and cool costumes fit in well with the previous films in the series.

Many strange creatures add the element of being on other worlds.  I really enjoyed seeing all the extra characters in each scene like pirates, gangs and a variety of aliens.  A fun new sidekick is BB-8, a feisty round astromech droid that belongs to the rebellion.

The buildings look real and at the same time like they belong in Star Wars. The props, such as blasters and space ships, are also realistic. They are grungy and look like they have seen some use. The only things I didn’t like were the Stormtrooper’s blasters and armor which looked plastic and fake.

The special effects are wonderful from lightsabers to explosions and lasers from the guns. They are a huge part in the film and bring the movie to life.

I do love this film but some parts of it are not quite the way I expected. There are not many breaks from battles and there’s so much action that it feels intense and rushed.

This film is best for ages 7 to 18 because of the intensity of the action. I give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. It will definitely awaken the Star Wars fan in everyone. Reviewed by Nathaniel B. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

This film is told from Igor’s perspective. We see the troubled young assistant’s dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man – and the legend – we know today. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lainey A. commented, “This phenomenal live action feature film, directed by Paul McGuigan, is jaw-dropping!  I love this movie because it is an entertaining, action-packed bromance!” See her full review below.

Victor Frankenstein
By Lainey A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This phenomenal live action feature film, directed by Paul McGuigan, is jaw-dropping!  I love this movie because it is an entertaining, action-packed bromance!

I know you’ve all probably heard of the typical Frankenstein story where a mad scientist creates a monster.  Instead of focusing only on Frankenstein and his ghastly creation, this rendition tells the story from the vantage of Doctor Frankenstein’s sidekick, Igor Strausman (Daniel Radcliffe).

Set in London in the early 1900’s, a hunchbacked clown is destined to live his life nameless and mistreated as a circus freak of nature.  The clown is hopelessly in love with Lorelei, the beautiful and kindhearted trapeze artist played by Jessica Brown Findlay.  After her horrific fall, the clown uses his extraordinary knowledge of the human body to save Loralie’s life.  Victor Frankenstein, a gifted surgeon (James McAvoy), notices his medical expertise and rescues him from the abusive circus.

The clown is later given the name of Igor Strausman.   Frankenstein helps correct Igor’s posture though a very painful and sinister process.  Later, the two become extraordinary friends and partners, combining their scientific knowledge and medical expertise to create life out of something that is already dead.

A major subplot involves Roderick Turpin (Andrew Scott), a Scotland Yard investigator who religiously opposes Doctor Frankenstein’s work.  He is willing to do anything in his power to stop Frankenstein from going against what he believes is God’s will.

My favorite scene is when Dr. Frankenstein and Igor are trying to fight off the monster they have miraculously created. This scene involves crazy special effects and will truly leave you hanging on the edge of your seat.

My favorite character, by far, is Igor.  Daniel Radcliffe plays him as very loving and compassionate.  He finds and loses himself in the complexities of his relationship with Victor.  Lorelei helps to keep Igor grounded and is there to guide him.

I give Victor Frankenstein 5 out of 5 stars because it is not only unpredictable but also has impressive performances by the main characters.  This science fiction drama is one of my favorite film versions regarding the story of Dr. Frankenstein.  This is a really cool rendition and   I recommend this movie for ages 11 to 18 because it is intense and is a little scary at times.

This movie leaves you on the edge of your seat rooting for Igor.  Victor Frankenstein is in theaters now so go check it out!

The Good Dinosaur, which opens this weekend, asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend and learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan R. (age 11) comments, “I like how it touches our emotions and admit that it made me cry in some parts. I also liked the jokes because they are really funny.” Willie J. (age 16) adds, “It is some of the most beautiful animation I’ve seen with a story so familiar that its heartwarming qualities hit home.” See their full reviews below.

The Good Dinosaur
By Ryan R., KIDS First Film Critic, Age 11

I enjoyed watching this 3D, computer-animated, adventure, dramatic comedy. The Good Dinosaur is very emotional and funny, a perfect movie for the family. This movie is about what would happen if an asteroid missed the Earth and never killed the dinosaurs. In the movie you meet Arlo (Raymond Ochoa), who is a very insecure, scared dinosaur. He meets a human kid named Spot. Something happens.  Arlo chases Spot and falls into the water taking Arlo very far away from his family. Will Arlo make it back to his family or will he be lost?

I enjoyed this movie. I like how it touches our emotions and admit that it made me cry in some parts. I also liked the jokes because they are really funny. I love the action scenes that involve the water. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

My favorite character is Arlo who is very ecstatic, extremely compassionate and learns to face his fears. Arlo is very relatable because everyone has fears and people think it is silly but it isn’t. I love that he is very motivated.

The moral lesson in this movie is you can discover what you’re truly capable of if you are willing to face your fears.  Arlo proves that in this movie.

I give this film 5 out of 5 amazing stars and recommend it for kids ages 5 to 18. Adults might like this as well. I also recommend this to kids who like family, action, adventure, drama, comedies, dinosaurs and Disney movies. This movie comes out November 25 so, mark your calendar!

The Good Dinosaur
Willie Jones, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I find it strange that Pixar has released two films in the same year. Especially considering that Inside Out has been locked for every Animated Feature award since it was released. It’s almost unfair because,The Good Dinosaur is a very good film that, I’m afraid will get lost in the shadow of its all too recent predecessor. Despite such lofty competition, The Good Dinosaur, in just about any other year, would be a great candidate for Best Animated Feature. It is some of the most beautiful animation I’ve seen with a story so familiar that its heartwarming qualities hit home.

The story is something we’ve seen many times before in both animated films and live action ones. It is the story of the young boy who’s too afraid to live life and has to be shown the world to overcome his fears. Throw in some family death and comic relief friends and you could write the rest yourself. Luckily, this movie features great relational bonding between our protagonist, Arlo, and his young friend Spot. They start out not liking each other and, by the end they’re nearly inseparable. It is a relationship that develops with humor and a sweetness that brings tears to the eye.

That young boy, Spot, is portrayed as a dog actually. That is a part of an interesting dynamic with this movie. The dinosaurs are like people, and the young caveboy plays the pet. He even has a pet name. It adds to the humor of the film and it is full of humor. The opening joke, in which the film plays with the audience and threatens a meteor strike on earth, sets the tone of the film. There are other laughs and, they are laugh out loud laughs at that.

The most impressive part of the movie is the animation. I’d almost call it cinematography, that’s how beautiful it was. There is actually a point in the movie I thought J.J Abrams was directing, because there are some beautiful lens flares in there. Lens flares. That’s how intricate the animation is and how true to its environment it is. Very good direction!

Unfortunately, the familiar story limits how good this film really can be. Considering that, there isn’t anything groundbreaking. There is even an homage to The Lion King included.

For these reasons, I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. It is a fantastic family film and one I highly recommend. Kids ages 7 to 18 should really enjoy this.