KIDS FIRST! News

Three-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep goes electric and takes on a whole new gig – a hard-rocking singer/guitarist – for Oscar®-winning director Jonathan Demme and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody in the uplifting comedy Ricki and the Flash. In a film loaded with music and live performance, Streep stars as Ricki, a guitar heroine who gave up everything for her dream of rock-and-roll stardom and now returns home to make things right with her family. Streep stars opposite her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer, who plays her fictional daughter. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lainey A. comments, “I enjoy this laid back comedy drama for its intense and strong family relationships.” For her full review, see below.

Ricki and the Flash
By Lainey A. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This live action feature film directed by Jonathan Demme is definitely entertaining and a feel-good movie. Ricki and the Flash is loaded with non-stop music, mostly from the 80’s and presumably sung by Ricki (Meryl Streep) and Greg (Rick Springfield).  I enjoy this laid back comedy drama for its intense and strong family relationships.

This movie is about Ricki who walked out on her husband and three young children in Indiana to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a rock-and-roll star in Los Angeles.   Her decision alienated her from her family and soon her ex husband Pete (Kevin Kline) married Maureen (Audra McDonald) who fills the role of mother.  One day Pete calls Ricki to help him with their daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer) who is reeling from her very recent separation from her husband.  When Ricki arrives in Indianapolis, she has a lot of work to do to rekindle the relationship with her kids.

This movie makes me think about what it could feel like to be a kid whose mom abandons them, or be a mom who walks in one day and her kids hate her.  This movie is very realistic.  My favorite character is totally Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter in real life, because she really portrays her role as Julie and makes me laugh and feel bad for her in some parts of the movie.  I really like Meryl Streep as an actress, but I didn’t buy her being a rock star as much as I would have liked.  The lead band player, Greg, is her boyfriend, and he tones down Ricki’s edgy personality.

My favorite scene is when Ricki and her daughter Julie are at a donut shop.  There is some inappropriate humor in this scene which lays out the first steps to bonding and rebuilding their relationship.

The target audience for this film is definitely for anyone who was alive in the 80’s and it may appeal more to women than men.  There is some adult humor, mild language, and drug use in this film, so I would recommend Ricki and the Flash for ages 13-18.  I give this film 4 out of 5 stars because overall it was a fun movie for the summer.

Come see this movie in theaters, Friday, August 7!

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.

This 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.

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.