KIDS FIRST! News

In present-day Auradon, Ben, the teenaged son of King “Beast” and Queen Belle, is poised to take the throne. He offers a chance for redemption to the trouble-making teenaged descendants of defeated villains exiled to the remote Isle of the Lost. The villains’ descendants have been granted permission to attend prep school in the kingdom with the Disney heroes’ kids.

• Descendants
  By Brooke S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 9

Descendants is a Disney Film, directed Kenny Ortega. It is a musical film about four descendants of Disney’s most infamous villains: Mal (Dove Cameron), the daughter of Maleficent (Kristin Chenoweth), Carlos (Cameron Boyce), son of Cruella De Vil (Wendy Raquel Robinson), Evie (Sophia Carson), daughter of Evil Queen (Kathy Najimy) and Jay (Booboo Stewart), son of Jafar (Maz Jobrani). Ben (Mitchell Hope), the son of Belle (Keegan Connor Tracy) and Beast (Dan Payne), wants to give the children of the villains an opportunity to live a different life than their parents.  He wants them to work at being good versus evil.  However, Ben’s parents do not feel the same way.  They do not think it is possible for the kids to change, since they were raised by evil parents.  Maleficent appears to be the leader of the villains and she sees this as an opportunity for their kids to go to the Kingdom to steal something that will give them more power.

The film takes place at the Kingdom where the good Disney heroes live and the Isle of the Lost where the villains live.  The kids of the Kingdom attend a prep school.  This is where the descendants will stay while working on their character flaws.  Once the kids are at the Kingdom, they find it difficult to fit in.  Mal, is not too happy there. She wants to make her mom proud and will do anything to do so.  The longer the Descendants stay, the more they change.  In the end, you will see if they change for better or worse.

Descendants is an incredible film.  It is filled with action, comedy, drama, music and dancing.  I laughed at some parts and even cried at others.  The singing is outstanding! I love every song and will purchase the soundtrack. The choreography is filled with tons of energy.  The cinematography is excellent as well.  The film is bright, fun and very colorful.  Mr. Kenny Ortega directs the film and also choreographs the dances.  He is one of the most talented people in the world.  Mr. Ortega does an amazing job making sure the actors stayed true to their characters.

I do not have a favorite part of the film.  The entire film is spectacular! My favorite character is Mal.  I like her because she is not afraid to express herself and she doesn’t care what other people think of her.  She is fearless, strong and beautiful.  Dove Cameron is superb in the film.  She makes her character seem so real and relatable.  I think the entire cast did an awesome job in their roles.

The message in the film is: Do what your heart says and not what others say.

I recommend this movie for ages 6 – 18 and also adults.  I rate the movie 5 out of 5 sparkling gold stars! It will be playing on the Disney Channel beginning July 31, 2015.

Paper Towns
By Harmony M. KIDS FIRST! reporter, age 16

The highly anticipated film, Paper Towns is a great, complex, well thought-out movie that sadly falls a little short from my expectations. The film is great and entertaining, no doubt about that, but the ending does not seem to do justice for the amazing build up.

Paper Towns, adapted from the famous book by John Green, is about a shy teenage boy named Quentin whose long developed love for his mysterious neighbor, Margo influences him to join her mission to get revenge on the people who have betrayed her. After a long night of adventurous mischief, their completely different personalities connect and Quentin realizes that he may be the only one who really understands Margo and decides he cannot get over his love for her. The next day, Margo goes missing and it is when Quentin gathers her clues and uses his ambition of love to search for her.

This film is the hardest film I have ever reviewed because it left me with mixed emotions. The character that the movie revolves around is not one that the audience gains a connection with. Margo, who is amazingly well played by the wonderful Cara Delevingne, is not loved by or emotionally connected to the audience, which is intentionally used to provide unexpected depth but doesn’t leave the viewer with any sort of attachment to the character. The movie is wonderful, but disappointing because the ending is not a happy or sad, it is a confusing in-between where you feel that no one really gets anything out of it. However, many would appreciate that because it shows realism and avoids a cliché ending.

The film has great cinematic value and proves to be of great quality but I can understand how people can either love it or dislike it due to the unpredictable ending and feeling like there is no climax. Most films are either good or bad based on the quality of the aspects such as storyline, dialogue, acting, sets, music or costumes. This film’s aspects are good but the depth and realism may not give the audience what they want and lead to some people appreciating that and some people not. Because of that, I definitely recommend people watch it and decide for themselves if they think it is good or not.

On the other hand, the movie is hilarious while also maintaining the complexity to make the audience think. The film is really well written and directed. It is extremely satisfying for all the John Green fans to see the reappearance of Nat Wolff and a cameo of Ansel Elgort, which made the theatre gasp and squeal. At times I also found myself laughing really hard and not wanting the movie to end. The acting, cinematography, music and dialogue are works of art. I recommend the film for people between the ages of 13 and 30 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. It is in theaters July 24 so go check it out.

The highly toted film, Pixels opens this weekend to much applause. When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth in the form of the video games. Directed by Chris Columbus and starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Michelle Monaghan, this is sure to be a hit with families looking for their summer entertainment. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This film is fantastic! The special effects are absolutely mind blowing.” Mia adds, “The computer animation is fantastic. The animation is realistic, detailed and just so incredible. “ See their full reviews below.

Pixels
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

From Donkey Kong to Pac-man, from Adam Sandler to Josh Gad, this film really has anything you could imagine. Pixels is the funniest film of the year so far!

This is, of course, a comedy. However, along with that, there is a lot of drama and a hint of romance all packed into one huge adventure made for the entire family to enjoy.

The story features Brenner (Adam Sandler) who installs electronic equipment for a living. However, when an alien species attacks in the form of 1980s classic video games, Benner and his friends are the only ones capable of stopping them. And, to do so, they must beat the aliens, as if they were in the game.

This film is fantastic! The special effects are absolutely mind blowing. There are no boring scenes and some special effects are simply mind-blowing fantastic. I still can’t figure out how they did it some of them. The acting is spot on. One scene I really liked is where two kids are competing on classic arcade machines with Donkey Kong loaded on them. The director makes it so you see them playing, their points and the screen as well as the reflection of the games in their eyes. It looks amazingzing!

My favorite scene is when they are facing Pac-Man in mini coopers that are designed to be the ghosts who chase and destroy Pac-Man. When Brenner is the only one left and Pac-Man just gets a power up which allows him to eat the ghosts, Brenner pulls of an awesome and insane stunts to run away and it is action packed and just stupendous to watch!

This film is good for kids, adults and gamers of course. I do believe people in their 30s and 40s would like this the most because they can understand a lot of the older game references. I don’t think younger kids should watch this due to the adult language and mature references. I recommend it for ages 9 through 18 and older and give it 5 out of 5 pixelated stars.

Pixels
By Mia A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

This detailed movie directed by Chris Columbus is a fun summer movie full of action! Pixels starts off in 1982 when 3 young teens compete in the Video Arcade World Championships. After the championship, Sam’s (Adam Sandler) life goes downhill. Years later his best friend, now the President of the United States, calls on Sam to help with an alien invasion that could destroy the world. Sam and his team have to defeat the 1980 video games in real life.

The plot is very interesting, unique and original and could lead to a very good sequel. The computer animation is fantastic. The animation is realistic, detailed and just so incredible. I know some people don’t dig Adam Sandler but I really think he is very good in this role.

The audience was so into the movie. They clapped at achievements and laughed at all the funny parts. It was so cool to hear their connection with the movie.

The actors are great and very hilarious. All the actors work like a team. One of my favorite characters is Eddie also known as Fire Blaster (Peter Dinklage). He is very funny and he is very committed to his character.

My favorite part of the movie is when Sam, Violet (Michelle Monaghan) and Will (Kevin James) go up against Donkey Kong. All of the computer animation is incredible. It is so realistic and I found myself wishing I had been part of the action on set when the characters all jumped over the barrels and up the ladders.

This movie is an interesting blend of comedy, science fiction and action. Even though there is some inappropriate language and questionable jokes and in one scene kind of inappropriate dance moves, I still enjoyed this film. Since this movie is new, funny, has amazing computer animation, is well casted and transformed me, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this movie for 11 to 18-year-olds and think adults will enjoy it too. I do believe some younger kids still could enjoy this film. It just depends on how much they understand the jokes and if they recognize the video games from the 1980s. To be the first to see this creative movie, watch Pixels in theatres July 24.

This documentary about the lives and struggles of people who become professional gamers offers insights that will surprise and shock you. KIDS FIRST! Film Gerry O. comments, “It doesn’t just inform you about the subject matter, it tells a story which is an adventure in heart.” See his full review below.

All Work All Play
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Many people are of the opinion that Esports is a thing of the future … or is it? Not many people know what Esports even is.  This is the movie for gamers and non-gamers who want to learn about Esports in general and take a peek into the life of professional gamers

This film is a documentary, educational and thrilling at time.  It doesn’t just inform you about the subject matter, it tells a story which is an adventure in heart.

The story follows primarily one team, but in a way, an entire competition called Intel Extreme Masters, which is one of the largest worldwide competitions for pro-gaming teams, focusing mainly on the video game, League of Legends. Players battle and only one team can win. The story follows American teams “Cloud 9” and “TSM” for the most part but other teams as well as they fight to become the champion.

I thought the film tells the story extremely well as it describes Esports to everyone – people who know everything about video games and people who don’t know the first thing about them. I enjoyed the way the film was put together although, at times, the editing is a bit sloppy. I did like the fact that they didn’t tweak the story to try and fit some sort of a standard – the creative team behind All Work All Play found a great adventure and heartwarming story in the presence of one of the main participants – Michal Blicharz – programming director at ESL.

My favorite scene is when the world’s greatest team from South Korea, which is undefeated, gets demolished by China’s newest team. This is a team was considered unstoppable by the underdog in the semifinals! I liked this scene because it shows you first-hand that being overly cocky can hurt you in the long run and nothing is over until it’s over!

This really is a great story good for all ages, but kids from 9 to 18 would understand most of what is going on and probably enjoy it best. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars because it is well executed except a few editing bloopers. It is available July 21, 2012 in select theaters.

The Ant-man is one of the lesser known Marvel characters and, with this new film, has quickly become a new favorite for many. The storyline reveals his origins and how he develops his astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength. And, of course, like any super-hero movie, how he has to work to save the world. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harmony, age 16, comments, “From Marvel comes the newest superhero thriller, Ant-Man with a mixture of comedy and action that brings pleasure for people of all ages.” Tre’ana, age 11, adds, The technology is so transparent that it is truly believable. The visual and sound effects blew my mind.” See their full reviews below.

Ant-man
By Harmony M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

From Marvel comes the newest superhero thriller, Ant-Man with a mixture of comedy and action that brings pleasure for people of all ages. The film is about a scientist, Dr. Hank Pym, played by Michael Douglas, who gets forced out of his own company and left searching for someone to bravely take on the missions he requests. With his invention of a super suit which provides superpowers, shrinking abilities and the control of an army of ants, Pym finds his talent, Scott Lang, to be the one and only “Ant-Man.” Seeking redemption for his past criminal behavior, Scott accepts the challenge to save the world and fight off enemy scientist, Darren Cross from using his similar suit for evil. Things take a turn when the world is not the only thing that needs saving.

The film’s many wonderful aspects start with the amazing performances from actors including, Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Corey Stoll. I always know an acting performance from an antagonist is amazing when I actually believe the person is evil in real life. The acting job from Corey Stoll proves to be great when I find it hard to believe that he can be nice in real life. With his past experience in many comedic films, Paul Rudd easily and naturally portrays the witty character Scott without seeming fake or cheesy.

The movie is uplifting and funny in so many ways. The movie throws out jokes about other Marvel characters and icons, which are surprising and hilarious. The film is authentically different in style from the typical superhero or even Marvel film.

The film does include lots of violence and scenes with foul language which is why I’d definitely say the film is for people 13 years of age and older. Furthermore, I would recommend the film to people of ages 13 to 18. Adults will enjoy this as well. The film guarantees laughter and entertainment to people of all interests, including those who are not fans of Marvel or superhero movies. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. Check it out coming to theatres on July 17th.

Ant-Man
By Tre’ana H., age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Ant-Man is a superhero who will definitely catch your eye. I can’t compare with the other Marvel films since I haven’t seen them but this film is fantastic. In the beginning there is some drama, but that transcends and goes deep into a sci-fi, action-pack film. Do you really need the 3-D glasses? The technology is so transparent that it is truly believable. The visual and sound effects blew my mind. The Ant-Man costume is equipped with aero-dynamic illusions that makes you speechless. The cast is swift with hilarious dialogue.

This film is about Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), a scientist who wants Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) to be Ant-Man. Dr. Hank Pym is amused about Scott past cat burglaries. He comes up with this outrageous scheme to set Scott up. Scott has just been released from prison and is trying to stay on a righteous path. The only thing he wants to do is spend time with his daughter, Cassie Lang (Abby Ryder Fortson), but he is having a hard time with her mother, Maggie Lang (Judy Greer) and her new boyfriend Paxton (Bobby Cannavale) because he does not have a job to pay his child support. Scott is not confident about being Ant-Man and he feels as though this task is not for him. Do you think Scott will be Ant-Man? Do you think he will get a chance to spend time with his daughter? Ant-Man opens in theaters on July 17, 2015.

My remarkable moment is when Luis (Michael Pena) says he does not get scared. So Scott (Paul Rudd) puts the Ant-Man suit on, shrinks and jumps on Luis’s shoulders. Luis is so scared he runs around the house like a chicken screaming and bumping into things. It is so humorous the whole audience starts laughing.

The message of the film is if someone gives you a task to accomplish and you feel in your heart you can do it and make a difference, stay on the mission until you accomplish the issue. The results will be more rewarding.

I recommend this film for ages 12 to 18 and I give it 5 out of 5 Stars because it is adventurous and a great Marvel comic movie.