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This is a wonderful, feel-good movie that will bring tears to your eyes. Based on a real story and a #1 New York Times best-selling book by the same name, it brings to the screen the true story of a small-town preacher and father who has to look deep inside himself to deal with his son’s experience of seeing heaven after a near death experience. Great cast, especially the young boy played by Connor Corum. The pace is a bit mundane but the story is exhilarating.

“Heaven Is For Real is a loving story about a community that experiences something extraordinary,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, age 12. See Gerry’s full review below.

Heaven Is For Real
Reviewed by Gerry O. age 12
Video review available here.

I thought this film would be about a 9-year-old kid dreaming about heaven and speaking about it across the country. Boy was I wrong! Heaven Is For Real is a fantastic movie that people of all religions and walks of life will appreciate! It gives us hope.

This film has a lot to offer; more than people think. Heaven Is For Real has action, adventure, family, comedy, religion and drama.

The film starts with a look into a day of a Reverend. He has a wife, a 4-year-old son and a daughter. Soon however, the 4-year-old son gets very sick. However, while he is in surgery, the little boy has an out-of-body experience which he later shares with his Dad. What happens next is truly remarkable and unexplainable by all laws of science. If you would like to see it for yourself – you have to watch the film.

My favorite scene is right before the little boy gets sick. The family takes a vacation to Denver. On the way, they sing different songs. Then the boy asks, “Can we sing ‘We Will Rock You?'” Everyone looks at each other for a second and then they all sing out of tune, “We Will Rock You.” It’s funny and lighthearted.

This film may seem like its all about God and heaven, but really, it’s not. Heaven Is For Real is a loving story about a community that experiences something extraordinary. I think the fact that they made a movie based on the real story is fantastic! It also benefits the film that the actors are so in touch with their roles and the camera shots are one of a kind and perfect for the scenes.

This film has a bit of mature content so I give it an age rating of 9 to 18. Also this film deserves 5 out of 5 stars. Heaven is for Real is in theaters now.

With Super Heroes all the rage, Antboy is a bit different – in a good way. Based on a popular Danish comic, this is a good film for younger kids who may find the super charged super hero films like Spider-Man, Captain America and The Avengers a bit too much action for them. The story follows a young boy who is bitten by and ant and develops super powers. He is aided by a comic book nerd and, of course, has to deal with a super villain. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Anthony A, age 12 says, “I think this movie is pretty cool. It is funny and has a small amount of action.” His full review is below.

Antboy
Reviewed by Anthony A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12.
Video review available here.

Antboy is based on a popular Danish comic book series and although I have never read the comic series, I think this movie is pretty cool. It is funny and has a small amount of action. It is really good and I think other kids would enjoy it too.

This movie is about a boy named Pelle who is bitten by a rare and genetically altered ant. This ant gives Pelle superpowers. Eventually, Pelle realizes these super powers only work when he eats sugar. He finds out his real powers when he runs into a boy named Wilhelm, who later becomes his friend and helps him discover what super powers he has. Pelle decides that his super hero name is going to be Antboy. When a super villain named “The Flea” captures a girl and invades the school, Antboy has to figure out how to stop him.

The main characters in the movie are Pelle, Wilhelm, Ida and the Flea. My favorite character in this movie is Wilhelm because he is a really nice guy and he is the reason Pelle decides to help people and become Antboy. He also loves comics and, while I wouldn’t say I love comics, I do like them.

My favorite part in the movie is when Pelle figures out his super powers. He can bite through hard things. He can climb walls. He is really strong and his pee is acid. Sadly, his super hero powers only work when he has eaten sugar. Sometimes he doesn’t realize he has eaten any sugar at all. Sometimes he sleepwalks and eats all the candy in the house.

I recommend this movie for ages 5 to 10 because it is really good with a lot of weird and quirky action. It is more of a movie for younger kids since teens and adults usually prefer films with more action. Antboy is playing in theaters now.

In an epic story, Disneynature’s new film, Bears showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two young cubs are taught how to make their way in the world. Set in the grandiose Alaskan wilderness, the film follows them as they emerge from hibernation and experience the incredible world they live in complete with predators, avalanches and the search for food. “Bears is a fantastic and inspirational wild life adventure that many people will adore and watch again and again,” notes KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, age 12. See his full review below.

Bears

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

Video review available here.

I thought this documentary would be like a usual educational lecture-like film about bears and the life of a Mama-bear. Boy, was I completely wrong. Bears is a fantastic and inspirational wild life adventure that many people will adore and watch again and again.

The movie has a mix of action, thrills, adventure, education, comedy and, of course, adorable human-like cubs. They make you fall in love the second you see them on the screen.

The story begins when a brown bear who lives in Alaska’s national park has just gave birth. She is planning to leaves her winter nest soon with new born cubs (Amber and Scout). Then she begins her big and hard journey trying to store enough food through the season. Her name is Sky. She meets a couple of friends and protects her little ones from predators. 

This film has crazy close-ups on the bears. At one point I swore the bear was less than an inch from the camera. Unlike other documentaries, this one has a storyline. Honestly, I thought that this fit better as a movie. The narrator makes us believe that the bears have feelings. I would love to know how the cameramen got so close to the bears and watched bear when she was in her winter den. That was perfect and nearly impossible. Kudos to Disney Nature for bringing us this unforgettable experience.

My favorite scene is when they search for salmon. Scout and Amber go to the beach for the first time. While Amber keeps close to mommy, Scout is in the water getting clams stuck to his claws. The scene shows that there is some family fun time anywhere in the world. Even with bears. 

This movie has some thrills and some violence, remarkable since it is unscripted. I recommend this for ages 9 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Coming out in theaters April 18.

Noah is based on the Biblical story and greatly influenced by the graphic novel “Noah: For the Cruelty of Men.” This film has been greatly criticized for its deviation from the Biblical story. It’s good to remember that it’s not a documentary. It is a Hollywood film and, as such, a great piece of filmmaking. Enjoy it for what it is not for what it isn’t. Noah is the story about a man who is chosen by the Creator to undertake a momentous mission to rescue the innocent before an apocalyptic flood cleanses the wicked from the world. “This is an unexpected, thought provoking film, based loosely on the biblical story, and I was pleasantly surprised,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B, age 13. See his full review below.

Noah

Reviewed by Keefer B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Video review available here.

This is an unexpected, thought provoking film, based loosely on the biblical story, and I was pleasantly surprised. The world was created and mankind was born. Soon humans became wicked and made the world black. The Creator tells Noah (Russel Crowe) that Earth will be cleansed through a flood. Noah and his family build an ark to save the innocent. The journey begins as Noah wrestles with what the creator is asking of him.

This is not a family film, nor is it a film based entirely on the Biblical story. It is a movie. The word God is not used. Instead, the word Creator is used which opens the film to audiences of any belief. The story shows the joy of a second chance but gives a gruesome look at the world. The film follows Noah and his incredible journey. Noah witnesses the barbaric nature of the people and it’s hard to watch, however necessary. It makes Noah question if mankind should live at all and how far he’ll go to fulfill his task.

The actors portray their roles marvelously. The women cast members are particularly outstanding. Emma Watson ( Lla) and Jennifer Connelly (Naameh) are both fantastic. Connelly simply blows you away showing the strong partnership she has with Noah and the struggle that results from it.

The cinematography is grand. The locations are unlike anything of this world from the flourishing mountains to the desolate black-paved land. The ark is beyond compare in its massive size. I only wanted them to show us more of the vessel.

My favorite character is Noah. Playing a figure of faith is no small feat. Crowe shows the drive and love for the Creator but also the obsession and confusion of his task. This is what makes him human and an interesting character.

My favorite scene is when one of the fallen angels, known as The Watchers, tells Noah the tale of how they were cursed. I enjoyed the interesting designs of these characters and their tragic story. It made me empathetic with them.

The main message is, “Higher power is a guide, but it’s your personal choice that makes the final decision.” Noah is told, through a dream, that the world will be cleansed. Noah is the one who figures out to build the ark. The Creator doesn’t give clear instructions and, in the end, you’re still left wondering what the higher power really wants.

I rate this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to 14 to 18-year-olds. This film has violence, disturbing images and brief language. This film took a risk that I highly respect. It sends a Biblical message but is executed differently.

This sequel to the 2011 movie Rio, takes the loveable Blue Macaws, Blu, Jewel and their three kids on an adventure in the wilds of the Amazon. They are faced with adversity in the form of an overbearing father-in-law but, more importantly, some humans who are cutting down the trees where the Macaws live. “I like the story line which has lots of humor as well as some amazing songs which really enhance the film,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B, age 14. And critic Jeremy B (age 7) adds, “Another thing I really enjoy is the setting. The Amazon is so colorful and beautiful. The brightly colored birds and butterflies are incredible!” Their full reviews are below.

Rio 2
Reviewed by Brianna Hope B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Video review available here.
Cast interviews available here.

Rio 2 is a wonderful animation with great comedy for the entire family. Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (voiced by Anne Hathaway) are back in Rio 2 with their three children. Their kids really need to learn to live like actual birds so Jewel insists that the family take an adventure to the Amazon where she is from. However on this trip there are some dangers that could lie ahead for them like meeting the revengeful Nigel (voiced by Jemaine Clement) and other things. Will they survive the jungle?

I like that this film is a clear continuation of the first one. It’s just not about Blu and Jewel but it also lets us know more about their family and their roots. I like the story line which has lots of humor as well as some amazing songs which really enhance the film. I love the romance and really love all the dancing in the rain forest. It’s so pretty, especially in 3D. The animation is stunning with lots of bright colors and spectacular attention to detail, especially of the Amazon.

I truly like everything about this film but my favorite part is in the beginning when we hear the first song, “What is Love” by Janelle Monae. This song puts me in an upbeat and happy mood. I knew immediately that this was going to be a great film. My favorite two characters are Pedro (voiced by Will I Am) and Nico (voiced by Jamie Foxx). These two are so hilarious to watch especially when Nico tries on different items he wants as a hat.

Director, Carlos Saldanha, directs a much bigger and better film in Rio 2 with sounds, exciting new songs and great comedy. A message in this film is that “Family is extremely important and you need each other to support each other.”

I recommend this film for ages 6 to 15 and anyone that loved the first Rio. The whole family will definitely enjoy it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars because everything about it is great.

Rio 2 3D
Reviewed by Jeremy B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 7.
Video review available here.

Rio 2 (3D) is an adventurous, exciting and funny animated film.  It has a lot of music, dancing and fun! The music director (John Powell) chose fun and festive music that plays throughout the film.  Be careful, you might want to get up and dance right along with the characters!

The story line is about Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), his wife Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and their children who travel to the Amazon to find other Blue Macaws who might be family.  Once they arrive they find that some bad people are cutting down trees where the Blue Macaws live.  They must work together to stop the humans and save the rainforest.

I really enjoyed this film. The 3D animation is incredible!  The images pop right off the screen in front of you. I like the new characters added in this film from the first Rio movie, especially Eduardo the father-in-law (Andy Garcia) who is very funny. I also like that some of the old characters reappear such as Nigel (Jemaine Clement), Nico (Jamie Foxx) and Rafael (George Lopez). They bring lots of humor and excitement to this film.  Another thing I really enjoy is the setting. The Amazon is so colorful and beautiful. The brightly colored birds and butterflies are incredible! There lots of great parts in this movie but my favorite part is when the Blue Macaws and the Parrots play soccer in the Pit of Doom.  It is so crazy and suspenseful!

This film has a couple really good messages. One is that it teaches us to always put family first.  If Blu does not learn this he will end up alone.  Another one is to believe in yourself.  Blu has to prove to himself that he is important no matter what anyone else tells him.  You have to watch the movie to see what happens in the end!

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.  It is funny, exciting and adventurous.  Kids and adults will love it, especially those who love nature, music and Brazil!  I recommend this movie for ages 5 to 18. I think young children will Anreally like the music, the colorful setting and all the animals throughout the film.

Additional video review by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O.
Additional Rio 2 cast interview by Gerry O.
Interview with Rachel Crow (Carla) from Rio 2.