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Captain America returns in this political thriller with a compelling story line where Steve Rogers, awakening after decades of suspended animation tries to catch up with pop culture while facing a world of multiple threats and moral complexities. This film is rated PG-13 for good reason with lots of violence, gun-play and action throughout. “This film has everything I look for in a superhero film. The characters are already established which allows the writers to explore these characters and to introduce more personalities.” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. See his full review below.

Captain America: Winter Soldier
by Keefer C. B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13.
Video review available here.

Another action packed Captain America movie, full of twists and turns and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Captain America aka Steve Roger (Chris Evans) has new enemies to fight – not only a deadly adversary, Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan) but S.H.I.E.L.D. itself. Roger can’t trust anybody in his battle to crack the secrets of the world in which he now lives.

This film has everything I look for in a superhero film. The characters are already established which allows the writers to explore these characters and to introduce more personalities. I get a kick out of their relationships and the witty remarks they share with each other. Action is essential in a film like this and I appreciate how the Captain’s shield is used in these sequences. How it bounces back and forth, hits a target and returns to Roger is impressive. The camera angles show everything that’s going on. It’s fast paced, entertaining and not just mindless violence.

The story, while based on the comic book, stands on its own. This film captures the sheer mystery and conflict between the characters. Even if you’re a not comic-book fan, you can still be shocked by the twists this film throws at you.

My favorite character is one I’ve loved for a long time, Falcon aka Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). As a fan of Marvel, I’m ecstatic to see this character re-imaged. Mackie performs exceptionally in this part; he is dignified, smart and an expert in high flying combat. Seeing him soar though the skies and fight alongside Captain America ignites my inner geek.

My favorite scene is when Nick Furry (Samuel L. Jackson) is out-numbered and fights for his life during a car chase. This has amazing action and shows Jackson being awesome. It’s primitive, but it’s true.

The moral here is, “You don’t have to destroy an old philosophy to create a new one.” Captain America is stuck in his old ways. Fury says “You need to look at the world as it is, not as you would like it to be.” While to some extent that’s true, Roger needs to show them that sometimes it’s not.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this for 11 to 18-year-olds. There is violence and occasional language, but kids can enjoy seeing their stars and stripes hero back in action and be excited for “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Whether you are a Marvel fan or not, you’ll find the latest installment of Captain America to be a great political thriller with a compelling story line. There are a few twists, some expected, some not. The story revolves around Steve Rogers struggling to embrace his role in the modern world, dealing with S.H.I.E.L.D., and battling the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier. This is rated PG-13 for good reason. From the very start, there is lots of action and violence but it’s not graphic. “The special effects are completely off the charts!” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. See his full review below.

Captain America: Winter Soldier
Reviewed by Gerry O, age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Video review available here

I heard there was a comic book where Captain America (Chris Evans) is a soldier working with another super hero before he turned into a super human. I expected movie to be like that but I was brutally wrong. “Captain America: Winter Soldier” is a cool movie many Marvel fans and non-fans will enjoy.

This film has lots to offer for all fans. This blockbuster includes action, romance, conspiracy, adventure, comedy, thrill and, of course, super heroes.

The story starts when Captain America is doing his thing – saving everyone. Soon however, Shield starts to act more privately about a new project that is being formed. Something is going on that worries Captain America. What is it? And how does he fix it? To find the answer to these questions you must watch the movie.

This movie has a great cast (Robert Redford, Scarlett Johansson) and a great concept. However, because we all know how amazing this super hero is, the ending is somewhat predictable. Some moments drag a bit but the special effects are completely off the charts. The story line is well conceived. However, I would have liked this movie more if it was not told from Captain America’s point of view. I think this film would be fantastic if it was told from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)’s point of view. Some camera shots are so fast that they are a bit difficult to follow but overall, the special effects are spectacular! The technology alone in this movie will satisfy even the most discerning sci-fi fans.

My favorite scene is when Captain America is in an elevator and all kinds of people equipped with weapons enter on different floors. This is when Captain America realizes for the first time that something is not right. Finally, Captain America asks, “Does anybody want to get off before we start this?” Then, all people in the elevator attack him. It’s an amazing action scene. I don’t think this has ever been done before – such a complex fight scene in the tight space inside an elevator. The director and editors make the whole movie not only very engaging but very funny too which is a great mix of emotions.

This film has tons of action, gunplay, death and some intense violence, so I recommend it for ages 9 to 18 and I would rank it 4 out of 5 stars.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Reviewed by Brianna Hope Beaton, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14.
Video review available here.

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is a great Sci-Fi film with lots of adventure and action. Steve Rogers AKA Captain America (Chris Evans) is quietly living in Washington D.C. trying to adjust to his new world. However one of his S.H.I.E.L.D. associates is not doing so well and is being attacked. A lot of things are happening that are putting the world, as we know it, in danger. Steve gets help from Natasha Romanoff AKA Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) to reveal what is going on and try to save millions of lives.

This film is easy to understand and follow, even if you’re not a die-hard Marvel follower. It’s good! I like the overall story line, the pace of the film and the costumes. The fighting scenes and stunts are well choreographed and really keep the action going. The actors’ performances are truthful and show real dedication to the characters to the point that you totally dislike the villains. My favorite actor is Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon) because he is funny with some of the expressions and words he uses. Also, I like his Falcon suit that gives him the ability to fly around like a bird. I have a lot of favorite scenes in this film, but one that stands out is the elevator scene. It starts off with Captain America on the elevator and at each floor more and more people get on. Captain America senses that something is about to happen and knows he will have to defend himself as usual. So, right before the fight breaks out, he gives says, “Before we start, does anyone want to get off?” I like this scene because it has lots of action in such a small and confined space.

A message that I get from this film is “Stand up for what is right even if not that many people are standing with you.” It’s a good message and one I can relate to.

I recommend this film for ages 12 to 18 and anyone who loves The Avengers and Marvel. It’s rated PG-13 for some very intense violence scenes with a lot of gunplay.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar comes out in theaters April 4.  Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman narrates Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, which profiles nature’s greatest explorers – lemurs. Shot in IMAX 3D, the film explores the remote world of Madagascar and its primate inhabitants – lemurs – who first arrived as castaways millions of years ago and have evolved into hundreds of diverse species, now endangered. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, says, “I love this film. The most mind-blowing part is how the camera crew gets so close to the wild, and sometimes posing, lemurs.” See his full review below.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar
Reviewed by Gerry O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12.
Video review available here:
Interviews at junket:
Interviews at premiere:

I thought this movie would be a story of a specific lemur living in Madagascar, but I was very wrong. Nothing could have prepared me for the wonderful adventure I experienced. “Island of “Lemurs: Madagascar” is a fantastic documentary that every animal or nature lover will enjoy.

This documentary has more to offer than lemurs. It has action, comedy, adventure, thrill, education and so much more. Of course, who could possibly know that there are so many species of lemurs – the unforgettable bamboo lemur, the brown lemur, the hustle lemur and the adorable and my personal favorite – the mouse lemur.

The story begins when a scientist by the name of Dr. Patricia Wright goes to Madagascar to study lemurs. She goes to the wildest part of the vast jungles to look for one thing: bamboo lemurs, which were thought to be extinct. Lucky she proves them wrong and spends many years saving their species from extinction. We join her on her adventure and learn about the real dangers to the cute and furry animals and hear about her stories in Madagascar.

I love this film. The most mind-blowing part is how the camera crew gets so close to the wild, and sometimes imposing, lemurs. There are some angles that look simply impossible to accomplish with wild animals. The film is enhanced by the narration of Morgan Freeman which makes this documentary truly unique. The filmmakers are so smart, using simple ways to get their dream shots. The entire cast of lemurs (no, they are not paid actors) are adorable and, the coolest thing is, they are not trained. Every lemur in the movie is wild.

My favorite scene is when they talk about the adorable, but powerful hand-sized, smaller primate, the mouse lemur. This little guy is captured in a trap that does not hurt him and then is taken to a place where they study and scan him. Then, he is released back to the wild with a story to tell his family.

This movie is meant for all ages but does have a bit of intensity. So, I recommend it to kids ages 6 to 18. This move also easily deserves 5 out of 5 stars. The only thing I would add is that it was too short. I wish it was longer because it is so good and interesting.

Disney has a pretty good grasp on stories about fairies and pirates and their latest release, The Pirate Fairy certainly reflects that. Tinker Bell plays a leading role in coming to the rescue when mischievous fairy Zarina steals Blue Pixie Dust and flies away to join forces with the pirates of Skull Rock. “This movie is full of excitement the entire family should enjoy, ” claims KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kendyl P. and her twin, Kayla adds, “The message of this film is that you should not turn your back on your friends when you do something wrong.” See their full reviews below along with a link to their interviews with the cast members, director and producer at the premiere.

Disney’s The Pirate Fairy        
Reviewed by Kayla and Kendyl Powell, Age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Premiere coverage here:
Video review here:

The fairies are coming, the fairies are coming. That’s right Disney’s The Pirate Fairy is a phenomenal film. This movie is full of excitement the entire family should enjoy. There are fairies for the girls, pirates and adventure for the boys and great comedy for the parents.

Disney’s The Pirate Fairy is about a pixie dust fairy name Zarina (Christina Hendricks) who has a lot of great ideas. Zarina wants to use some of her creativity to make new things for the town of Pixie Hallow. She makes a few mistakes and runs off and becomes a Pirate Fairy. Zaina partners up with a pirate named James (Tom Hiddleston) who is actually the younger Captain Hook. Once again Zarina finds herself in a lot of trouble. Now it is up to Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) and her friends to help save the day.

The message of this film is that you should not turn your back on your friends when you do something wrong. In the film, Zarina turns her back on her friends and then later regrets her actions and her friends continue to be there when she is in need. Zarina does not expect the other fairies to be nice to her after what she did to them. The voice actors, Christina Hendricks, Mae Whitman and Tom Hiddleston deliver spectacular performances and really bring their characters to life.

My favorite character is Tinkerbell because she is very determined to help her friend Zarina even though Zarina left and was the best friend at the time.

My other favorite character is Zarina because she likes to take charge and is really determined to accomplish her personal goals and ambitions. That’s what I like about her.

My favorite part of the film is when they play the Pixie Hallow games. I really enjoyed the figure skaters and all their cool tricks. I was awed by their performances.  

We recommend Disney’s Pirate Fairy for ages 4 to 10.  We give this movie 5 out of 5 SHINING STARS!!!!!! You can watch Disney’s Pirate Fairy in Movie Theaters on April 1st, 2014. Reviewed by Kendyl and Kayla Powell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics.

 photos: top – Kayla Powell, bottom – Kendyl Powell.

Based on the young adult novel by the same name, this PG-13 rated film follows the life of Tris who lives in a world divided by factions based on virtues. Tris learns she’s Divergent and won’t fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it’s too late. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D, age 16, commented, “I really like this film. I went into it not knowing anything about the book trilogy so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was pleased with the outcome.” For her full review, read below or click on the link to her video review.

Divergent
Reviewed by Raven D., age 16, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Video review here.
Cast interviews here.

Based on the wildly successful novel by Veronica Roth, “Divergent” tells the story of teens struggling to find their place in post-war Chicago. Society is separated by factions based on personality traits and virtues in attempts to keep the peace and encourage the population to participate equally in maintaining a functioning community. When a person turns 16, she takes a test to determine what faction best suits her characteristics to help her decide whether she should stay in her home faction or move elsewhere. Tris, played by Shailene Woodley, is a modest girl from Abnegation, but her entire life is turned upside down when the test reveals something about her she didn’t know was possible. She is a Divergent, which means she does not fit into any category, therefore cannot be controlled and is a threat to the system. With the advice of an older faction member, she is warned not to tell a soul or her life will be at risk. Young Tris then decides to leave her home of Abnegation and transfer to Dauntless, a fiery group of individuals that show no fear and protect the people. There, she has to learn to fit in and test herself physically and mentally, all the while guarding a dark secret.

I really like this film. I went into it not knowing anything about the book trilogy so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was pleased with the outcome. The visuals are interesting because even though this film is set in the future and it features some advanced technology, everything is kept quite simple looking. There are, however, some flaws with the visuals and effects because at times it is very apparent that green screen is in use. The soundtrack is absolutely incredible. It features a variety of artist that I really enjoy and I’ve already downloaded music from the film because it is something I actually listen to on a daily basis which isn’t the case with me for most motion picture soundtracks.

My favorite character is surprisingly not one of the leads, but a supporting role. I like the character Will, played by Ben Lloyd-Hughes, who is a boy Tris meets during her training in Dauntless. Will is a sweet, kind-hearted person who is always very supportive of Tris and her friend Christina, played by Zoe Kravitz. He is very level headed and is someone you can always count on. I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Lloyd-Hughes and I think he is perfect for the role of Will. The rest of the cast works very well together. Shailene Woodley does a great job portraying her emotions and showing Tris’s character development. She goes through quite a lot over the course of the film and Shailene is really able to embody Tris and show how she transforms from a timid, modest Abnegation, to a fearless young woman who is not defined by anyone or anything. The only problem I have with the casting is that Four, played by Theo James, is supposed to be 18 in the book series. However in the film, he appears to be in his mid 20’s, since Theo is 29 years old. He does a wonderful job playing his character, but it makes the romance between him and Tris really uncomfortable.

My favorite scene in the film is when Tris and the rest of the new members of Dauntless are heading back from playing a capture the flag like war game. They each strap up to a high-speed full body zip line that goes rocketing through the empty city. I think this scene is visually appealing even though it is very short and has really no importance to the film. The CGI and landscape in this scene is just well done.

Since I have not read this trilogy, I was a little let down with certain aspects of the film. In “Divergent” the film, the whole movie is mainly Tris training in Dauntless and it feels like the plot takes far too long to develop. The last 15-20 minutes of the film is where the action and the conflict begins to happen and then the movie is over. I found out that this is how the first book is written as well, but as someone who has very little prior knowledge of the series, it seems a bit odd. The second thing that threw me off was that it seems as if quite a bit of the dialogue is taken directly from the book. This is something that fans of the book will love since the films stays so true to the novel. However, from my point of view, a lot of the dialogue does not translate very well to the screen and appears a bit cheesy and forced at times. Like I said, this is really only an issue for me since I have not read the series nor was I a fan prior to watching the film. Overall, I was entertained despite these points.

I recommend this film for ages 12 to 18 or for anyone who has read the novel. The movie gets a bit violent during training scenes and towards the end but is nothing too bad and if you’ve read the books you know what to expect. Overall I give Divergent 4 out of 5 stars because it is entertaining and I’m already eager for the next installment in the series. Plus I and all my friends that saw the film have been quoting the movie non-stop and making “Divergent” references in almost every conversation, so it clearly left its mark on us! Be sure to check out “Divergent” in theaters on March 21st.