Storied Streets explores homelessness across America by telling the stories of those who live it every day. Storied Streets explores the issue of homelessness across the country. The journey starts in LA and ends in New York covering 13 cities across the country. The film will shatter the stereotypes most of us have about the homeless population. Their stories are real, raw and compelling. These stories, coupled with the fact that right now homelessness is growing at an unprecedented rate in America, is the genesis behind this film. It will provide a window into their struggles, question stereotypes and change the way you feel about homelessness. Directed by Thomas A. Morgan & Jack Henry Robbins. Executive Produced by Susan Sarandon & Morgan Spurlock.
Storied Streets
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Critic, Age 13
This film completely destroys the stereotypical image of the homeless and makes you rethink what you should have said to that person you saw on the street. Storied Streets is truly inspiring and I believe everyone should watch it.
This is a documentary. But, it tells stories like none other that are not only terrible and sad, but also inspirational and heartwarming. The story looks at different homeless people and shows that they are not people who are lazy and just want to make money without any work. It shows hard working people who just, sadly, can’t afford a home. And, because of that, they are dehumanized and try not to appear homeless because they believe it is shameful.
This documentary not does a phenomenal job of showing statistics and evidence of this problem and what should be brought to our attention. It also shows how we as normal, every day people can easily fix it. This is something that a lot of documentaries don’t have. This film is well produced and directed which makes it enjoyable to watch and thought provoking at the same time.
One of my favorite stories in the film is about a boy who is now around 18-years-old. His mother abandoned him in his freshman year of high school and, instead of finding her, he concentrated on his education and worked hard. He doesn’t appear to be homeless and is pretty much the complete opposite of what you might think to be a homeless person. I was happy to see that he is now going to college.
This film is rather mature so I recommend this to ages 12 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. It is a well told story and also offers good pro-active solutions for dealing with homelessness. This film is playing in select theaters now and is available for digital download and streaming.
Share this page on:
Posted in Feature Film Reviews | Comments Off on Storied Streets completely destroys the stereotypical images we have about the homeless
Veteran documentarian Albert Maysles shares the life story of Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even at Iris’ advanced age, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. Iris portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment. Despite the abundance of glamour in her current life, she continues to embrace the values and work ethic established during a middle-class Queens upbringing during the Great Depression. I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows. KIDS FIRST! Critic Kendyl P. comments, “Iris is very witty, funny and inspirational. Even in her 90s, she continues to educate young aspiring fashion designers.” See her full review below.
Iris
Kendyl P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
Iris is a great documentary, particularly if you have a passion for fashion. Iris Apfel is a 94-year-old woman who embraces her unique eye for fashion and style. She takes the simplest things from shops and stores all over town and dresses them up in a variety of ways. She accessorizes her clothing by accenting them with very large and unique pieces of jewelry. Large pearl necklaces with big, bright colorful bracelets are only a few items that Iris uses. She believes each outfit needs to have color and sometimes lots of it. A lot of designers and fashion icons love her style and creativity.
The message of this documentary, produced by veteran documentarian Albert Maysles, is “success is a sacrifice.” Iris talks about how she always wanted to have kids, travel and have a successful career. She realized that she could not have it all and be successful. She did not want her kids to be raised by someone else. So, she chose to purse her career and travel the world with her husband, Carl Apfel. Although Iris did not have kids as she once hoped, she still feels successful and that her life has made a positive impact in the fashion industry.
Iris is very witty, funny and inspirational. Even in her 90s, she continues to educate young aspiring fashion designers. She believes it will be a lost art if people do not learn the history of fashion and its origin.
The film Iris is a wonderful documentary. It is perfect for girls and boys ages 13 to 18-years-old who aspire to learn more about the fashion industry. Even if you are not in the industry and want to watch a good film about a wise woman who continues to inspire others, this film is a perfect selection. Iris will be released in select theaters April 29, 2015. I give this movie 4 out of 5 shining stars.
Share this page on:
Posted in Feature Film Reviews | Comments Off on Albert Maysles Reveals the Magic of Fashion Icon Iris Apfel
This documentary from Disneynature follows a newborn monkey and its mother as they struggle to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop, a dynamic group of monkeys who live in ancient ruins found deep in the storied jungles of South Asia. Directed by Mark Linfield and Alastair who also directed Bears and narrated by Tina Fey. KIDS FIRST! Critic Haley P. comments, “This is a great nature documentary, especially if you like monkeys and, contributions from ticket sales of this movie will help save the monkeys in south Asia.” Brooke S. added, “This movie is an outstanding film. It made me happy, sad, angry and even touched my heart. I also laughed and cried on some parts.“ See their full review below.
Monkey Kingdom
Reviewed by Haley Powell, KIDS FIRST! Critic, Age 12
Monkey Kingdom opened my mind to learning about animals in the wild! This is a great nature documentary, especially if you like monkeys and, contributions from ticket sales of this movie will help save the monkeys in south Asia.
Monkey Kingdom begins with an explanation of how a certain group of monkeys live. Specifically, it focuses on Maya and her baby, who are considered the lowest of the group. It discusses their lifestyle, their routines and how they have to deal with the different seasons and the weather. They also talk about their struggle for survival. Finding food, especially for the ones at the bottom of the tree, is a challenge. These monkeys have a king and three queens. It is amazing that even though they are monkeys, they still have a social hierarchy.
My favorite part of this movie is when all the monkeys are playing with each other and swinging from their homemade “original” jungle gym. I also like the part when the lower class runs out of food and have to find a way to survive. They locate the humans’ house and raid their kitchen. They even confiscate all the eggs from the hen house!! It is hysterical to see a monkey running off with a sub sandwich.
My favorite character is Kip, Maya’s son! He is a cute baby monkey that is so innocent and, most of the time, has no idea what is going one. He depends on his mom for protection. Maya is on the low end of the social hierarchy. She is a female monkey with a nice personality unlike the three sister queens who act as if they own everything. I love how Maya protects her baby at all costs. Tina Fey is a wonderful narrator for this, giving a clear understanding of what is taking place.
The thrust of this documentary is to raise money to help maintain the habitat of monkeys that live in the jungles of South Asia. I recommend this film for kids age 6 through 18. Both boys and girls will enjoy it because, who can resist watching monkeys play. I rate this movie a five out of five dazzling stars! Be sure to check it out when it comes out in theaters on April 17, 2015.
Monkey Kingdom
By Brooke S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Monkey Kingdom is directed by Mark Linfield and Alstair Fothergill and narrated by Tina Fey. It is a documentary about an adorable baby monkey named Kip, his sweet mother Maya as they struggle to survive. The film follows other monkeys in the troop and their daily lives also.
The movie takes place in ancient ruins in the Jungles of Asia. During the movie you will meet lots of monkeys. For instance, Kumar, who is an outsider and has tons of personality. Then there is Raja who is the King of the troop and very strong, always has an attitude and lets every one of the monkeys in the troop know he is in charge. Raja has three sisters who are the queens. They are sassy, bossy and act like Cinderella’s stepsisters. The queen’s act like they actually run the troop. Next, there is grandpa. Grandpa is so calm, and kind of lazy. He likes to sit around and waits for everyone to bring him food. It is amazing how monkeys are so much like people. Socially, they have groups like lower and upper class, and everyone seem to know their roles. It is so unfair how some of the monkeys are treated. It breaks my heart to see anyone or anything treat like that.
This movie is an outstanding film. It made me happy, sad, angry and even touched my heart. I also laughed and cried on some parts. The directors appear to have a lot of patience because I can tell it took a long time to get so much footage of the monkeys. The camera crew capture some awesome shots of the monkeys in trees and even underwater. Tina Fey does a fantastic job narrating the film. She brings loads of humor and the voices to the animals. She even changes her voice on parts that are very sad and dangerous.
I really love nature movies. Monkey Kingdom has become one of my favorites. I also think it is amazing that Disney donates money to help our environment. In the future, I want to help raise money to help our environment as well. Animals are beautiful creatures and we should always help to keep them happy and safe.
The message in the movie is: no matter how bad things seem or how hard things get, never give up. I recommend this movie for ages 4 to 18 and even adults. I rate the movie 5 out of 5 golden stars.
Share this page on:
Posted in Feature Film Reviews | Comments Off on Monkey Kingdom – Raising Awareness and Funds for the Habitat of Monkeys
The story follows a young rickshaw-puller in Bhopal who gets a menial job at a chemical plant, but in December of 1984 a chemical spill in India takes the lives of almost 15,000 people and injuring more than 100,000. The film follows how the industrial disaster in the city changes his life and those of others. KIDS FIRST! Critic Gerry O. comments, “This film is an incredibly sad story. My least favorite is when the accident comes to the attention to Warren for the first time.” See his full review below.
Bhopal A Prayer For Rain
Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This documentary drama is about something everyone should know about and make sure the human race should not repeat. What happened 30 years ago should have never happened and it is truly sad this film is based on this true story. Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain is not only a reminder of what happened, but a story we must remember, so we do not repeat it.
This film is a documentary, but is also a story and a drama. There is no comedic relief. There is strong messages and lessons to be learned.
The story begins when a multinational company, Union Carbide India opens a chemical factory which contains the number one most dangerous chemical to humans in the world. The company responsible for the factory is sadly not making much money and, as a result, they cut their safety regulations. This does not end up as a good idea for, in 1984, the factory had a major leak and the deadly chemical called MIC quickly shot into the air, and into the surrounding air which covered a major town called Bhopal. Thousands die while hundreds of thousands are injured and even today, 30 years later, are still ill.
This film truly shows this event well and shows how many people were effected by it and what the company who caused it did to help the victims. Nothing. Warren Anderson (Martin Sheen) not only doesn’t help them, but the India court accuses him of mass murder and the “corporate shield” protects him so he is not affected whatsoever. Martin Sheen plays this role with true conviction.
This film is an incredibly sad story, I cannot choose a favorite scene. My least favorite is when the accident comes to the attention to Warren for the first time. Anyone would expect that he would be in shock or cry or just try to help them. What he does is blame the workers because he gave them an opportunity and they “ruined it.” Then, he flees the country when he sees all the dead bodies and is accused of mass murder. I do not like this scene for I believe he should have at the least go to jail for the rest of his life.
This film is very mature so I recommend it for ages 13 to 18. I also give it 5 out of 5 stars for they did a wonderful job retelling this horrid event. This film is playing in select theaters and is available for digital download and streaming.
Share this page on:
Posted in Feature Film Reviews | Comments Off on Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain – A Heart-Wrenching Tragedy
Based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Longest Ride intertwines the love stories of two couples, decades apart, in this romantic drama. Starring Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson and the imitable Alan Alda as the curmudgeonly old man, you’re almost certain to shed a tear or two. KIDS FIRST! Critic Keefer B. comments, “There are many morals in this movie. The one that stands out to me is, “Focus on the things you have, rather than the things you don’t.” Gerry O. adds, “This new romantic drama is a fantastic mix of adventure and romance. Although it is a romantic film at heart, there are many other aspects that will make everyone find something they like about it.” See their full reviews below.
The Longest Ride
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This new romantic drama is a fantastic mix of adventure and romance. Although it is a romantic film at heart, there are many other aspects that will make everyone find something they like about it. It has a little sparkle of comedy, which makes it entertaining and great story line. There is a true feeling of thrill with a core of adventure and heart-warming discoveries.
The film is about a famous bull rider named Luke Collins who, after one year of recovering from an accident, is back on the bull again trying to make a comeback. At his first match, he has to climb the fence to escape a bull and accidentally throws his hat to a girl named Sofia. They end bumping into each other later and start dating. On the way home from the first date, they rescue a elderly man named Ira from a car on fire. And that’s what starts the beautiful double plot story that comes to an unbelievable culmination at the end of the movie.
This film is breathtaking. Produced by the same people that gave the world The Fault In Our Stars, they created something unique by running the two stories in parallel. The director also makes it so each story has vivid colors so you concentrate on specific points and makes you feel like it is a certain time or age which I think is a wonderful idea. The acting is phenomenal and in both stories they fill in each others gaps making it very entertaining. Speaking of entertaining, even though it is called a romantic drama, I think it is just a heart-warming story that has potential to become a classic.
My favorite scene is when Sofia and Luke meet. You think it is very coincidental which kind of makes it funny. However it’s well done and shows how they were meant to be together. I also like it because Sofia, an urban girl who always puts school first, hooks up with Luke, a cowboy (yes, a true cowboy) who lives on a farm and rides bulls. It is completely unexpected. However, when they meet, you see how it can become true.
This film is very mature and has quite a bit of sexuality displayed so, I recommend it for ages 14 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
The Longest Ride
By Keefer C. B., KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 14
This heartfelt film takes two love stories and combines them into one. Luke (Scott Eastwood) and Sophia (Britt Robertson) are two people with different goals that stay connected after saving an old man, Ira (Alan Alda), from a car accident. Sophia visits Ira in the hospital and reads letters that reveal the history of love and challenge between him and his wife Ruth (Oona Chaplin).
The most investing and romantic tale is Ruth and Ira’s which starts in the 1940s. Their story is the highlight of the film. However, the film’s greatest aspect is it’s downfall. As I listen to Ruth and Ira’s tale, I’m captivated by their story and feel wrenched away from the lovers as I am brought back to Luke and Sophia touching story line. I understand the concept is used to connect the two similar love stories, that eventually intertwine. But, the film’s main focus is towards Luke and Sophia and I feel the real story is about Ruth and Ira.
Both stories have huge potential for being their own film. At times, it feels as if the film makers force these two stories together to make them work as a whole. I know this script is based on a popular book, by the same name, written by Nicholas Sparks. I also know that a book and a movie are two different things and are perceived in two different ways.
Every actor in this film puts on believable performances. The heart and tender romance between each couple is honest and loving. I love a good romantic film and the couples in this movie are a lovely addition to the world of cinema.
My favorite scene is when Ira is given a simple portrait of his wife’s face. Ira and Ruth spent their life together collecting irreplaceable works of art, but this painting reminds him that the true work of art is the life they made together. This is one of the rare times that a film made me cry.
My favorite character is Ira (Alan Alda and Jack Huston). Both Jack and Alan’s performances are outstanding. Jack, who plays the young version of Ira, shows the supportive loving husband. Alan, who plays the older Ira, starts out as a bitter old man but, as he shares his story with Sophia, he becomes more open. Both performances make for one great character.
There are many morals in this movie. The one that stands out to me is, “Focus on the things you have, rather than the things you don’t.” Ruth and Ira try everything to have children, but can’t. They’re distraught, but remember they have each other and that’s enough.
I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this to 14 through 18-year-olds. There are sensual scenes and partial nudity in the film that are inappropriate for younger kids, but it’s a memorable film for couples ages teen through adult. There’s plenty of love and passion to makes this a another great romance film. This can be seen in theaters April 10th.
Share this page on:
Posted in Feature Film Reviews | Comments Off on The Longest Ride, A Romantic Drama With a Heart-warming Message
Storied Streets explores homelessness across America by telling the stories of those who live it every day. Storied Streets explores the issue of homelessness across the country. The journey starts in LA and ends in New York covering 13 cities across the country. The film will shatter the stereotypes most of us have about the homeless population. Their stories are real, raw and compelling. These stories, coupled with the fact that right now homelessness is growing at an unprecedented rate in America, is the genesis behind this film. It will provide a window into their struggles, question stereotypes and change the way you feel about homelessness. Directed by Thomas A. Morgan & Jack Henry Robbins. Executive Produced by Susan Sarandon & Morgan Spurlock.
