Innocence is a thrilling new film based on the best selling novel by Jane Mendelsohn. After her mother dies unexpectedly, 16-year-old Beckett moves to the city with her father to get a fresh start. When she begins attending a prestigious preparatory school, Beckett becomes consumed by the past as a string of mysterious suicides unfold at Hamilton Prep and Beckett is determined to get to the bottom of it before this mystery claims another life, or even worse, her own.
Innocence
Reviewed by Raven Devanney
I really enjoyed this film. Director Hilary Brougher creates a suspenseful, psychological teen thriller while also keeping it very grounded and real. I love the cinematography. It’s dark and overcast, which is my favorite type of weather and the rainy feel of the film adds an eerie element of fear. The sound effects are also a huge part of the thrill and suspense. From attention grabbing bass to shrill and off-putting violin notes, the musical score and sound effects gave me chills and captivated me from the very beginning.
My favorite character is Beckett played by Sophie Curtis. She goes through so much over the course of the film and does a wonderful job of subtly showing what she’s going through. She’s in shock from watching her mother die, then she is trying to fit into a new home and a new school, and on top of that she witnesses a suicide and begins hallucinating and hearing voices! As if that is not enough to make someone lose their mind, I don’t know what is. She is very closed off and doesn’t want to speak out about what she’s going through, but you can still sense her inner turmoil. She is very relatable and unique from most leading ladies you might find in teen films. Not all of us can be bubbly and confident all the time. Beckett shows the shy, quiet side of young girls, but also proves that she has the power to take on whatever comes her way.
I recommend this film for ages 14 to 18. It is definitely in the horror/thriller category and will scare younger kids, plus it has mild language and sexual situations. I give Innocence 4 out of 5 stars. This film opens in theaters on Sept 19.
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My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic: Spooktacular Pony Tales is a sure hit with fans of the franchise. It’s collection of spooky tales includes Boast Busters, Stare Master, Luna Eclipsed, Sleepless in Ponyville, Castle Mane-ia and Bats! And, there’s a sing-along. Your younger kids, as well as older fans will find this collection a charming addition to fall and Halloween stories. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kendyl P (age 12) comments, “This series is a Halloween/spooky edition, but don’t worry it is not scary at all, but there are a few really great lessons in each series. ” See her full review below.
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Spooktacular Pony Tales
By Kendyl P.l, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 Video review here:
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Spooktacular Pony Tales is a clever and amusing collection. This exciting and adventurous DVD is comprised of six episodes and a bonus sing-along. When you watch this DVD it surely makes you smile with great delight.
This series is a Halloween/spooky edition, but don’t worry it is not scary at all, but there are a few really great lessons in each series.
My favorite episode is Boast Buster. It is really interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The Boast Buster episode teaches you a really impressive lesson, which is do not boast or brag instead remain humble. If you have a special talent or, if you learned how to do a really cool trick, do not use your talent to make others feel bad. Another lesson you will glean from this particular episode is to have an admirable spirit and use your special talents for good and not just to show off or brag that you are better than others.
My favorite character is Apple Jack, who is very enthusiastic, gracious and good-natured. Everyone loves her. She has a very unique southern accent that brings a new style to the My Little Pony series.
The voiceover actors Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball and Andréa Libman are simply stupendous at making each pony unique and special.
My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic: Spooktacular Pony Tales is definitely an entertaining series that you will not want to miss. I recommend this DVD series for ages 5 to 12, probably more to girls than boys but, who knows. And, I give it 5 out of 5 shining stars. This DVD will be in stores September 9, 2014 so go check it out.
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In this sequel to the popular film, Dolphin Tale which follows the rescue and recovery of the beloved dolphin Winter, young Sawyer Nelson and the dedicated team at the Clearwater Marine Hospital face another crisis when her surrogate mother, the elderly Panama, passes away. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I love this film! It is a fun and heartwarming movie that I think families will love too.” Samantha A., age 11 adds, “Dolphin Tail 2 is a movie based on a true story that teaches you about friendship, to NEVER give up and ALWAYS HAVE HOPE – literally. See their full reviews and Gerry O’s coverage from the World Premiere below.
Dolphin Tale 2
By Katherine S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
I love this film! It is a fun and heartwarming movie that I think families will love too. It is a sequel to the original film Dolphin Tale, where Winter, a stranded dolphin was injured and a team of people care for and give her a prosthetic tail. It is now three years later and Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff return as Sawyer and Hazel along with star studded cast of Morgan Freeman as the Doctor, Ashley Judd as Hazel’s mom, Harry Connick Jr. and Kris Kristoferson as Sawyer’s dad and grandfather. This time, Winter’s mother dies and the team needs to find her a new companion or they will lose her to another aquarium. Soon, they get a call about a new dolphin they are thinking of putting her with. Now the question is will it work out?
Sawyer is also faced with an opportunity of a lifetime, but he struggles with the decision to stay and care for Winter or, go on a new adventure.
My favorite part is when Sawyer swims in the tank with Winter and the real Bethanie Hamilton, who quest appears as herself. I also love when they rescue Mandy, another hurt dolphin and potential companion for Winter. And, the Pelican provides great comic relief – it is especially funny when they are x-raying a rescued sea turtle and the pelican goes crazy!
My favorite character is Sawyer who does an amazing job in this film, showing a range of emotions – looking worried, happy and confused as he faces tough decisions for Winter and for his future.
The sets in the film are spectacular – at both the ocean and inside the aquarium. The Cinematography by Daryn Okada is awesome, especially the underwater photography.
One of the main messages in this film is “to never give up.” Another is that “Change is good. But, to experience new things, sometimes you have to leave old things behind.”
Dolphin Tale 2 is a great family film. I recommend it for both boys and girls ages 6 to 18 but, adults will love it too because, who doesn’t love dolphins? I rate this 5 out of 5 stars.
Be sure to check out Dolphin Tale 2 which will be in theaters nationwide on September 12. Reviewed by Katherine Starr, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9.
Reviewed by Samantha A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11Dolphin Tail 2 is a movie based on a true story that teaches you about friendship, to never give up and always have hope – literally. In this sequel to the first movie, Dolphin Tale, the Clearwater Rescue Team bands together because of a tragedy that involved the death of Winter’s best friend Panama, which leaves Winter without the only pool mate she has ever known. Winter goes in deep depression and the clock is ticking. They need to pair Winter with another dolphin fast.
Dolphin Tale 2 is one of those movies that might not catch your eye because it doesn’t appeal to you, or it just doesn’t look like much but trust me, I thought the same thing and this movie changed my mind fast. It’s one of my favorite movies now because it’s so much more than just an average movie about a dolphin that needs help. It’s also an educational, feel-good movie. And, it has messages about companionship and love, about never giving up and about exploring new possibilities. This movie is not only fantastic, it is also hilarious, mostly because of a crazy pelican that flies in and out of the aquarium and does unpredictable and wild things. For example, it steals food from unsuspecting visitors and stands guard over a wounded turtle that was found in wrapped in fishing line.
I was really excited to see Dolphin Tale 2 because the first one was so good. It is really fun seeing what happened to Winter and everybody at Clearwater Aquarium. This movie isn’t just heartwarming and fun, it is also such an emotional roller coaster when something unexpected happens (which is often). My eyes were glued to the screen. I learned that dolphins have feelings to and, as Sawyer says “That’s not a bad thing”.
Dolphin Tale 2 is a phenomenal film. I would give it 4 out of 5 golden stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18 because some scenes are a little mature and might be scary for any kids under 7.
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Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football, an EPIX Original Documentary, will make its World Premiere on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 8PM ET. The 60-minute documentary, narrated by Jeffrey Wright tells the little-known story of four outstanding and brave African American men – Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Marion Motley and Bill Willis – who broke the color barrier in pro football in 1946, one year before Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey were credited with integrating Major League Baseball. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. comments, “This proves the impact that these four football players had on history and I thank this film for bringing this information to an audience.” See his full review below.
Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football
Reviewed by Keefer C. Blakeslee
Unforgettable! This documentary literally tackles the history of the first four African-American pro football players during the time of segregation.
Most people know that Jackie Robinson was the first African-American baseball player on an all white team. However you may not know that Kenny Washington, Marion Motley, Bill Willis and Woody Strode were the first African-American football players on major teams. Branch Rickey, who signed Jackie to the Dodgers, was part owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers football team and once told Marion Motley, ”Had I not had the experience of seeing you and Bill Willis play in a contact sport, without incidence, I might not have had the courage to bring Jackie Robinson up into the majors.” This proves the impact that these four football players had on history and I thank this film for bringing this information to an audience.
The film expresses the passion and philosophy of playing football in an honorable matter. I’m not much of a football fan or sports fanatic in general, but this film swayed me into believing how important football is to sports enthusiasts. The film teaches audiences that football is not just men running back and forth tackling each other, it is a way of life for the people who are good at it.
There were hard times for people like Kenny Washington and the film does not hide this. It provides pictures of African Americans being hanged or even burned and footage of African slaves working in plantations. After slavery ended, the world turned into a segregated society. Coloreds and whites were separated from each other. They couldn’t even use the same drinking fountain. You’re thinking to yourself, “I already know this,”. Most of you do, but I give regards to the film for reminding us of that. If they didn’t begin the film this way, the story of Kenny Washington or Bill Willis wouldn’t be as remarkable. When Marion Motley and the rest of the African players stepped onto the field, they are not only representing themselves, but their whole race. Just imagine the weight of that responsibility.
This film not only recognizes the players, but Paul Brown, coach for the Cleveland Browns – the man who brought them together in the first place. I admire this man not just for his determination and teaching skills but, for his desire to win with the best players no matter the color of their skin. That belief, during that time, was unthinkable and courageous. That is why he is my favorite person in this film.
My favorite part is when Jim Hardy, one of the white players for the Los Angeles Rams, talks about the abuse Kenny Washington took from his own team mates. While playing a game one of the players “knocked down Kenny flatter than a mackerel.” After the game, Jim placed his arm on Kenny’s shoulder and said, ”We got beat today but, I’ve never seen anybody play as good a football game as you played today.” Kenny responds, his eye watering, ”Jim, it’s hell to be black” Hearing Kenny’s emotional words made me melancholy.
The moral of this documentary echoes words from the Declaration of Independence, ”All men are created equal.” These four pioneers were all great at what they did and because of the color of their skin they were rejected. This tarnished everything our country stands for.
If you’re amazing at what you do, you should do it, despite what you look like.
I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. And, I recommend it to 12 through 18-year-olds. There are images and language that might not be appropriate for younger audiences. Although I do believe that kids need to watch this film and learn about the four men who opened the door to a brighter world.
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What If is a new romantic comedy about best friends Wallace and Chantry who have to face the fact that they might have deeper feelings for each other than they imagined. Wallace, played by Daniel Radcliffe, is a med school dropout who has become very anti-social after his serious girlfriend breaks his heart. One night, at his best friend Allan’s party, he meets a girl named Chantry. They have an instant connection, but when Wallace learns that she has a long time boyfriend, he decides to focus his energy on being her best friend instead of her lover. The two of them grow closer and closer while still trying to keep the boundaries of “just friends,” but will they be able to deny their feelings forever? KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D., age 17, comments, “I really enjoyed this film. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but the plot is wonderful, the cast is amazing and the story is very touching and funny.” See her full review below.
I really enjoyed this film. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but the plot is wonderful, the cast is amazing and the story is very touching and funny. The cinematography is great. I especially love the fact that there are some whimsical elements added to the visuals to help tell the story. Chantry is an animator, and occasionally her drawings come to life in the movie, adding a really cool multi-media element to the film.
My favorite character is Chantry played by Zoe Kazan. Chantry is a very fun character and Zoe is perfect for the role. I am a big fan of Zoe Kazan and love her work in Ruby Sparks and The Pretty One. She never fails to entertain me. One thing I love about Chantry is that even though you can tell she starts to grow romantic feelings for Wallace, she never crosses the boundaries from platonic to romantic while she’s in another relationship which is very cool. I’ve seen a lot of films where two friends have feelings for each other and they act on it even though one of them is in a relationship with someone else. In this film, it is stated many times that Wallace and Chantry are very against cheating, especially since Wallace’s ex cheated on him. I really admire that even though these characters are fictional, they still have solid moral standards.
Daniel Radcliffe also does a wonderful job in this film. His character, Wallace is very witty and cynical, adding a lot of comic relief to more intense interactions. He works wonderfully with Zoe Kazan and you can really see the chemistry between their characters. Daniel also pairs perfectly with Adam Driver, who plays his best friend Allan. The two of them make a hilarious combo and any scene with them together is sure to make you laugh.
What If is a heartfelt, genuine, feel-good film that I really enjoyed. It is definitely geared more towards adults, in my opinion and I believe 20-year-olds will probably enjoy it the most. My mom loved it and was even brought to tears because it is so sweet. However, I love it as well, so I recommend it for ages 15 to 18. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, so make sure you don’t miss this gem in theaters now!
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Innocence is a thrilling new film based on the best selling novel by Jane Mendelsohn. After her mother dies unexpectedly, 16-year-old Beckett moves to the city with her father to get a fresh start. When she begins attending a prestigious preparatory school, Beckett becomes consumed by the past as a string of mysterious suicides unfold at Hamilton Prep and Beckett is determined to get to the bottom of it before this mystery claims another life, or even worse, her own. 
