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Shaun the Sheep – Just What We Need To Make Us Laugh Intelligently

Saturday, August 15th, 2015

ShauntheSheep.jpgAardman Animation is known for its thought-provoking animated films such as Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts, Chicken Run and Flushed Away. It is a British animation studio located in Bristol, England. Their latest installment, Shaun the Sheep, does not disappoint. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Willie J., age 16 comments, “But, the backbone of any and every Aardman film, including this one, is the screenplay. Shaun the Sheep has a wonderful screenplay – full of wit, cleverness and humor.” Tre’ana H., age 11 adds, “This film is dazzling, amusing and comical.” See their full reviews below.

Shaun the Sheep Movie
By Willie J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Being a fan of Aardman, I was very excited to see this movie. And I was not disappointed. Shaun the Sheep is a charming, funny, and entertaining movie that continues the tradition of good movies by Aardman.

The animation is beautiful. Claymation is my favorite type of animation because of how off-beat it makes everything look, so I’m already partially biased on the cinematography. That is a huge reason I love Aardman.

But, the backbone of any and every Aardman film, including this one, is the screenplay. Shaun the Sheep has a wonderful screenplay – full of wit, cleverness and humor. I can’t tell you how hard I laughed at the Silence of the Lambs’ reference (the only one in my theater who did laugh at it). There is a restaurant named “Moon,” and, in the film, a cow jumps over it…get it? It’s the little things like that make this film so great. Without dialogue, this movie is still more intelligent than many. That isn’t to say it’s a silent film, but it doesn’t have any talking. It doesn’t need it. The saying, “A picture is worth 1000 words” applies to motion pictures as well. The way the movie uses images to convey messages or to tell jokes and to advance the story is impressive and entertaining. It makes us feel smart, that we’re able to put the pieces together and not have to be told everything. I’d even say it’s refreshing.

I wish I could say more about the movie, but it’s excellence was so expected and it’s formula is so familiar, that I can’t elaborate too much. It’s vintage Aardman, basically. Fortunately, that is a fantastic thing. So I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 10 to 18. It can be seen at a local theater near you.

Shaun the Sheep Movie
By Tre’ana H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

This film is dazzling, amusing and comical.  Shaun (Justin Fletcher), the antagonist is tired of the farmer’s (John Sparkes) everyday routine. He wants a day off, a change. So he causes chaos on the farm. He convinces the duck to trick the dog by stringing him a bone to distract him from watching the sheep.  A mix-up with the Farmer, a caravan and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City. That’s when it all begins. This spectacular film is loaded with visual delights for the young and old.

Directors Mark Burton and Richard Starzak bring these animals alive as people and give them so much personality. The sheep don’t talk but through imagination, expressive grunts and hand movements and looking at the story through the sheep’s eyes, you can figure this unique movie out.  The music makes it extra groovy. The storyline is what you perceive it to be. The sheep costumes are stylish and appealing. Their dark faces and mouths on the side of their faces add to the visual humor of the movie. The movie is tricky because you would never think animals would be this clever.  It makes you curious as to what might happen next.  I can’t wait to get my dog, so I can see if he will be this smart.

My favorite part is when the sheep goes into the clothing store running from Animal Control.  The sheep buys and puts on the new clothes in the store disguising themselves as Animal Control employees. They get dressed up and come out of the store looking and walking like normal people. It is so funny!

The message of this film is to treat animals fairly just like you want to be treated and consider them smart.

I recommend this film for ages 8 to 18 and I give it 4 out of 5 Stars because it is a family-oriented funny movie.

Ricki and the Flash
By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Meryl Streep and Rock ‘N Roll, two of the Best Things Ever. She is one of my all-time favorite actresses.
I was totally entertained watching this movie. The plot is awesome and has a great story line about a Mom leaves her family in order to follow her dream.  It is also about the consequences of choices. The theme for young people is that you can be anything you want to be. Rarely do you hear people talking about the hard work and sacrifices you have to make to achieve your dreams. Ricki, played by Meryl Streep, pays the ultimate price – her children and family. This is a very believable plot with an outstanding cast.

Take an old warehouse in Brooklyn, throw in same chairs, a bar and keep the Shirley Temples coming. The band scenes with Meryl Streep singing are some of my favorite. You can tell they are all having a great time and love being there. There are many Rock ‘N roll songs that you can sing along with (in your head) and I loved the music.

Rick Springfield plays her band mate and boyfriend and they seem like they belong together. I found myself rooting for their success. Meryl has said they he helped her learn to be a Rock ‘N Roll Star. This, once again, shows what an A+ actress she is. She excels at portraying different characters constantly. She is fearless. Congratulations to Rick Springfield for his amazing performance in this film and for coaching Ms. Streep.

Meryl Streep did not know how to play a guitar before this role and managed to snag a 45 minute private lesson with rock legend Neil Young in preparation for this film.

Kevin Kline plays Pete, her patient ex-husband who was left to raise their three children on his own while his wife tried to make it in the Rock ‘N roll business.

Mamie Gummer plays Julie the daughter. This was not a far stretch since this is Meryl Streep’s real daughter. They definitely look alike. At the beginning of the film, she is very upset and depressed and plays this part well.  I could not decide if I wanted to get mad at her or feel sorry for her. This movie is really about a mother, her daughter and her sons trying to reconcile their past. Some people should get a second chance but only if they want one.

The age range for this movie is 10 to 18. It has a mature topic and there are many bars scenes. Young ones might not like it because it is a drama. I give this movie 4.5  Rock Stars.

Fantastic Four

Reviewed by Brianna Hope B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Marvel’s Fantastic Four, fills itself with great action, in depth special effects, and a talented cast. This film held my interest and makes me want to see other Marvel films. It’s definitely an exciting film.

After being teleported to a perilous and different universe, the physical form of four young adults, changes in dramatic ways. The four of them are left with the challenge of controlling their new found powers and saving the world from a former friend and colleague who becomes their enemy.

The special effects, clarity and attention to detail is outstanding and I really enjoyed watching it. There is a sense of togetherness that you feel from the four main characters throughout their journey. They are working together for a common goal. Even though I haven’t seen most of the other Marvel films, I still understand what’s going on and can easily follow along.  I also enjoy the different abilities the four main characters possess. If I had to choose out of the four powers to be my favorite, I would definitely pick the ability to become invisible, because there is so much you could do with that. I’m sure it would be a lot of fun. Something that I didn’t enjoy is the slowness in the first half of the film. I feel as though the beginning of Fantastic Four ought to be shortened down to the essentials and another part should have more action in it, making it closer to what I’m anticipating from watching the trailer. However, the length of the film is good where it’s not too long for you to get bored and not too short where you would want more.

My favorite character would have to be Sue (Kate Mara). She exemplifies traits of intelligence, self-control, and kindness. Also, being the only girl in the group, I relate to her most. My favorite scene is really any scene that the characters are using their powers, because I love when people have special abilities and they show them to others.

A great message in this film is of course team work. Many people working together is much stronger that one person working alone. It also communicates a message of helping others and in doing so, it shows people that you are reliable and that they can trust you.

I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 and anyone who loves Marvel films. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Fantastic Four is in theaters now, so please check it out.

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Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation – An Absolute Blast! Mind Blowing Stunts and Gadgets!

Thursday, July 30th, 2015

MissionImpossible.RN_1.jpgThis highly anticipated sequel in the Mission Impossible series stars Tom Cruise as Ethan who, along with his team take on the most impossible mission yet – eradicating the Syndicate, an international rogue organization as highly skilled as they are committed to destroying the IMF. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. comments, “This film has incredible car chases, mind blowing stunts and gadgets that even James Bond would beg for. Every scene is better than the last.” See his full review below.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
By Keefer C. B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

A roller coaster of non-stop excitement! Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) faces a new threat called the Syndicate, a network dedicated to establish a new world order via terrorist attacks. Ethan has another problem – his agency, IMF, is shut down. Now, his team consists of rogue agents with the most impossible mission yet.

I’m just going to be frank, this is my first Mission Impossible film and Rogue Nation makes me want to see more. As a movie lover, I get excited when I’m introduced to new film franchises and boy was this an introduction. Having no history with the franchise, it did not damage my extreme enjoyment.

The film itself is an absolute blast. When the credits rolled, I felt as if I’d just come off an amusement park ride. This film has incredible car chases, mind blowing stunts and gadgets that even James Bond would beg for. Every scene is better than the last.

Action is not the only thing that fuels this movie. It also has tremendous actors. Some of the feats pulled in this film are absurd and stretch your belief system. Performers like Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg successfully help you buy into these impossible situations. Even the characters they play are aware of the insanity but they treat it like an everyday occurrence because it’s their job. Like magicians, there is a charm and elegance from the performer, so you don’t catch the strings and mirrors.

Even if you haven’t seen other Mission Impossible films, I bet you recognize the iconic music. Many films and TV Shows have satirized it and who can blame them? The theme is grand! Many composers have added their own touch to it like Danny Elfman and even Hans Zimmer. This film’s track is composed by Joe Kraemer and is one of the best versions, if not the best. The music starts out with two notes and then grows. As the music got louder, my pulse rose until the title came up and the Mission Impossible theme burst through the speakers. The music really gets you into the mood.

My favorite character is Benji (Simon Pegg). I love the characters that have the gadgets and technology to help our hero. Benji is not only a loyal friend to Ethan, but their history makes the interactions between them funnier and sincere.

My favorite scene is when Cruise is under water switching the security codes. When you hear about actors doing their own stunts, one man comes to mind – Tom Cruise. Cruise is known for his authenticity with stunts. (That’s really him hanging on to the outside of the plane – with safety precautions of course) You’d think he’s at his limit. Well, according to the director (Christopher McQuarrie), in this scene Cruise held his breath for six minutes. I looked it up! Even McQuarrie thought it was, “too real.” While you’re watching the scene, you’re holding your breath as well.

The moral of the story is, “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.”
Ethan has teamed up with Lisa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), an agent who may or may not be part of the Syndicate. Ethan is unsure if he can trust her, but he knows if he stays with her, the closer he is to stopping the Syndicate.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this to ages 10 through 18. There is, of course, violence and language but nothing you wouldn’t expect in a PG-13 film. Your mission is to see Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. It is in theaters July 31.

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