KIDS FIRST! News

Next up in the Fast & Furious series is Furious 7 starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson. Dominic Toretto and his crew thought they left the criminal mercenary life behind but now, Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This action-packed series returns with another intense and fantastic film and the only way to describe it is amazing – loaded with awesome looking cars, adventures and action scenes. You will not be bored once in its entire 137 minutes.” Brandon C. adds, “The action is fantastic, as director James Wan and editor Christian Wagner have created something spectacular for the eyes.” See their full reviews below.

Furious 7
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This action-packed series returns with another intense and fantastic film and the only way to describe it is amazing – loaded with awesome looking cars, adventures and action scenes. You will not be bored once in its entire 137 minutes. Furious 7, like all the other Fast and Furious films, beats its predecessor.

There is much more to this movie than just action scenes. There is a story with morals and family, for the group is growing up. Nothing can stop that. They are having kids and starting a family. There is also (like the other Fast and the Furious films) some comedy but, not to the point where you don’t take the action seriously. All together, it is an adventure.

The story begins when the crew is separated and starting their own lives with jobs, kids and other normal day-to-day things. However, they must stop their peaceful lives (and some are happy about that) when a man named Deckard Shaw seeks revenge for the death of his brother who was a mercenary. So the crew is forced to take him down. Full of cars, action and fantastic rock songs, it is truly a fast and furious experience.

This film is fantastic. Something I have to mention is Paul Walker’s job. He played Brian O’Conner who dies in a tragic accident mid-filming. Amazingly, directors and producers were able to use the magic of editing, CGI and doubles. In some scenes, they use Paul’s brothers as doubles, putting Paul’s face onto the brothers via CGI. They do it so well I hardly even noticed the difference and it felt great to see him as part of the movie and being remembered. The cars are as awesome and as fast as ever with cars ranging from a minivan (yes, a minivan) to a 3.4 million dollar super car that drives through three skyscrapers. This is the longest Fast and the Furious film yet at over two hours. However, I think the length is perfect for this is a massive story to tell. The acting is phenomenal. Jason Statham (Dekard Shaw) plays a great bad guy. I also have to mention how they wrap everything together with transitions that are just amazing, camera shots that are breathtaking and directing that is spot on. It wraps up to be a perfect action packed and fast-paced movie.

My favorite scene is when they are trying to get a program, which hacks into anything and tracks someone and can find anything or anyone on Earth in less than an hour. However the program is hidden inside the mechanics of a Lykan Hyper-sport, which is a Middle Eastern car – also considered a super car for its ridiculous speed. This specific model is located in the penthouse of a prince who lives in a tall building with two other towers right next to it. They get the car while a party is going on. However, it’s not very sneaky. They have to flee but the only way is out of the building. They drive the car through two of the skyscrapers and jump out at the third one while the car plummets to its destruction. I love this scene because it’s intense, action packed, and just plain awesome.

This film is definitely meant for adults. There are adult related jokes, intense action packed scenes, and situations not suitable for younger children. I recommend it for ages 13 to 18. I also give it 5 out of 5 stars for a job very well done. Something I liked was how, at the end, the filmmakers surprised us by showing about five minutes of scenes with Paul’s character, Conner, as a memorial and also dedicated the entire film to him.
I would like to dedicate my review to Paul as well. Paul, you are missed and the Furious team is never going to be the same without you. Hope you found peace and are racing the coolest cars up there.

Furious 7
By Brandon C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Furious 7 is the seventh installment of the Fast and the Furious movie series. This movie is also the last movie to feature leading actor Paul Walker who died last year in a car crash. The movie pays homage to Paul at the end of the movie by having a montage of different clips from the original Fast and the Furious movies with Paul Walker, ultimately leading up to a final message at the end of the movie simply saying, “For Paul.”

Furious 7 is an action-packed fun movie with B+ actors all around. It is the perfect summer blockbuster that is released pre-summer. The movie revolves around Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) as he and his crew are hunted down by an angry Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). Shaw is the brother of Owen Shaw from Fast and Furious 6, who was defeated by Dominic and his crew.

There is an enormous amount of talent in this movie from Dwayne Johnson playing Luke Hobbs, to Paul Walker playing Brian O’Connor, to Michelle Rodriguez playing Letty Ortiz. Another great thing about this movie is that there is no one location for the movie, as the movie takes place in Los Angeles, London and even in the Middle East.

The action is fantastic, as director James Wan and editor Christian Wagner have created something spectacular for the eyes. Also, the music is superb throughout the entire movie. Musical director Brian Tyler selects great music applicable to every scene and every action, which gives everything a great and awesome flow. I loved seeing Dwayne Johnson perform the Rock Bottom in one of his scenes against Jason Statham. Also, Ronda Rousey’s appearance is a personal highlight.

However, there are some big lowlights in Furious 7. The dialogue could use some improvement. The story gets stuck due to the dialogue and the actors seem to just throw out one-liners over and over again to fill up time. Also, the fights are too unrealistic. After every brutal fight, the characters have only small bumps and a little bit of blood on their faces, which is completely unrealistic.

Overall, this movie is intended for dudes. I recommend it for guys age 13 to 18 because of how it portrays women, includes lots of cars and lots of fighting

From Dreamworks comes a new animated feature, Home with an adorable misfit from another planet who lands on Earth, makes friends with the locals and everyone discovers the true meaning of the word Home. Starring Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin, this film is filled with music and humor and is perfect for you to share with the younger members of your family. KIDS FIRST! Critics Harmony M. comments, “The film serves as great entertainment with its loveable characters, hilarious dialogue and feel good tone.” Madeline R. adds, “The message of this film is that family is important and it’s good to face your problems or fears instead of running from them.” See their full reviews and Gerry O’s interviews with cast and crew below.

Home
By Harmony M., KIDS FIRST! Critics, age 15

From DreamWorks, comes the delightful film Home. The film serves as great entertainment with its loveable characters, hilarious dialogue and feel good tone. The film is about an alien species, called the Boov, that invade planet Earth in an attempt to hide from an evil monster called the Gorg. By doing so, the alien race makes themselves at home and relocates all the humans elsewhere. While all the humans are transported, a young girl named Tip gets left behind and later encounters a Boov named Oh. Oh and Tip join together in search of Tip’s mother who got taken away during previous alien invasion. A lot unfolds when Tip’s mother is not the only one who needs saving.

It is very enjoyable and even shocking to hear familiar voices in the film such as Jim Parsons who plays Oh, Rihanna who plays Tip, Steve Martin who plays Captain Smek and Jennifer Lopez who plays Lucy. Jim Parsons is delightful as the voice of Oh. They couldn’t have chosen a better actor for that role. Oh is an overly friendly, silly, trouble-making, outcast, who not only steals the hearts of the audience with his facial expressions and personality, but also with a voice that fits that perfectly. Fans of The Big Bang Theory will be so pleased to see his character, Sheldon in cartoon form. Home is Rihanna’s first role in an animation film. Considering that, her portrayal of the sassy and adventurous Tip are spot on.

I find it very unique that the Boovs change colors depending on their emotion, especially because I have not seen that feature in any other type of film. The dialogue is really funny because the Boovs speak with improper grammar which adds a comedic touch that all ages will love. The futuristic technology shown in the movie is fascinating, it will be especially appealing to the younger crowd.

The film is entertaining to watch and one I would enjoy watching again. Although the film is very good, it’s not good enough to be a new classic or one that will be very memorable in the long run. It is cute, friendly, very funny, has amazing messages and puts you in a good mood.  I recommend this uplifting film to people of all ages, especially between the ages of 5 and 11. Overall, I give the film a 4 out of 5 stars. It is playing in theaters now.

HOME
By Madeline R. KIDS FIRST! Critics, Age 10

Home is a new animated family film from Dreamworks.  The screenplay was written by Tom Astle and Matt Ember and he film was directed by Tim Johnson.

I love this movie!  It is a fun, action-packed adventurous movie the whole family can enjoy together.

Home is about an alien named Oh who runs away from his own people, the Boovs who are trying to hide from the Gorg.  He lands on Earth and meets an adorable and feisty girl named Gratuity Tucci, who everyone calls Tip.  Oh and Tip form an unlikely friendship and go on an exciting adventure together to find Lucy, Tip’s mom.

Home features a star studded cast.  Jim Parsons is brilliant as the voice and personality of Oh and Steve Martin is hilarious as the voice of the Captain Smek, the cowardly leader of the Oh’s.   Rihanna plays the fun, yet determined Tip and Jennifer Lopez plays her sweet Mother, Lucy.

As a special bonus, both superstars perform original songs for the film which adds a lot of emotion and drama.  Be sure to listen for Rihanna’s new single “Towards the Sun” and Jennifer Lopez’s new song “Feel the Light”.

The animation is spectacular.  I love how Oh and Tip ride in Tip’s newly “fixed” car powered by multi-flavored slushis.  My favorite scene is when Tip tries to teach Oh jokes to help make him feel better.  She does the “Interrupting Cow” Knock Knock joke. It’s really funny because it takes him a while to get it!

The message of this film is that family is important and it’s good to face your problems or fears instead of running from them. Home is great for families of all ages, especially for families with kids between 4 and 14.  I give Home 5 out of 5 stars. I love it and think you will too!  Home is in theaters nationwide now.