KIDS FIRST! News

The Muppets, with its perennial cast of beloved characters, come back to the silver screen this week with a new film from Walt Disney Pictures, “The Muppets Most Wanted.” The storyline finds The Muppets wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. With a stellar cast headed off by Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey, we might all be crowding into the local theater to catch a glimpse of this PG-rated release. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jeremy P. (age 7) says, “This movie is so exciting and also very funny.” Gerry O. (age 11) adds, “I love this film. The idea is priceless and original…” Morgan B (age 9)  continues, “From beginning to end it’s a ton of fun for everybody. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a new quirky joke to tell everyone.” And Simone (age 13), sums it up, “This film is fantastic because it has the perfect combination of catchy songs and talented actors. It keeps you on the edge of your seat because you never know who was going to show up next.” Their full reviews are below along with a link to Keefer B’s cast interviews at the premiere. Enjoy.

Muppets Most Wanted
Reviewed by Jeremy Badour, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 7
Full video review here.

“Muppets Most Wanted” is a very suspenseful and entertaining movie.  There is a lot of fun singing and dancing throughout. The music director (Christophe Beck) does a great job choosing the right music at important moments in the film. Parts that are suspenseful have dramatic music to go along with it.

In the movie, “Muppets Most Wanted,” the Muppets go on a worldwide tour to become famous. They team up with Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) who sends Kermit the Frog (Steve Whitmore) to jail and switches him with the world’s number one criminal, Constantine (Matt Vogel). Dominic and Constantine use The Muppets and their performances to try and steal the Crown Jewels.

This movie is so exciting and also very funny. It takes you to a lot of incredible places like Berlin, Germany; Madrid, Spain; Dublin, Ireland; and London, England. All the adventures keep you wondering where they will end up next and if the bad guys will get caught.  I also think it is cool the way the Muppets are so real in their roles with all of the other actors. There are a lot of awesome celebrities who have bit parts with the Muppets too, such as Salma Hayek, Lady Gaga, Usher and Celine Dion! There are many great parts in this film. My favorite part is when Constantine and Dominic Badguy break into a museum to steal a gold key and a gold locket. The key and locket help them disable traps so they can steal the crown jewels. I was so nervous and excited the whole time.

There are a couple of really good messages in this film. One is that your true friends will always believe in you and will do anything to help when you need them. The second message is a reminder to always tell people you love them and don’t take them for granted. Kermit experiences both of these in the end of the movie when his friends surprise him by standing up for him. It made me feel really good inside.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars because it is very funny and exciting. I think younger children might find some parts of this movie too scary so I recommend it for kids ages 7 to 18.

Muppets Most Wanted
Reviewed by Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Full video review available here.

I did not know what to expect from this movie. Believe it or not, this was my first experience with the Muppets. I kind of thought it would be a show for little kids, but boy was I wrong. “Muppets Most Wanted” is a great family movie many people would enjoy.

This film has quite a bit to love. It has action, adventure, comedy, mystery, suspense, thrill, romance, history and of course everyone’s favorite, The Muppets.

The adventure begins when Kermit and the Muppets are about to begin a world tour. However at their first destination, something terrible happens to Kermit. If you want to find out what happens, you got to watch the film.

I love this film. The idea is priceless and original and of course, just the concept of Muppets is fun. The directing is fantastic – the Muppets move, run, kiss, jump and fall smoothly and realistically. The Muppets are hilarious. The voice talent also are fantastic. You can’t loose with a cast that includes Ty Burrell, Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey just to name a few.

My favorite scene is when there is a crime at a famous European museum. The European agency and the CIA are at the scene. Two of the agents are seeing who has the bigger badge. It looks like a the French agent wins but, 5 minutes later, A UPS guy (What is he doing here by the way?) comes with a big box. The CIA agent pulls a rope and a gigantic badge is there. It’s funny, lighthearted and the idea alone is kind of ironic.

This film is meant for younger kids but is a bit of violence in it. So I recommend it for ages 9 to 18.  I also give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I’m sure that this new Muppet adventure will very quickly become a favorite among families everywhere and I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for our beloved Kermit and Piggy – will they finally get married and perhaps go on their honeymoon? Stay tuned.

Muppets Most Wanted
Reviewed by Simone Sharrieff, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Full video review available here.

The Muppets Most Wanted is a fantastic movie packed with comedy and excitement. The crowd was laughing so loudly that sometimes it was hard to hear the movie. This film is fantastic because it has the perfect combination of catchy songs and talented actors. It keeps you on the edge of your seat because you never know who was going to show up next.

The Muppets are back for the eighth time and before they finish catching up with each other, they meet Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais.)  Dominic convinces the Muppets to go out on a world tour. At the same time Constantine, the world’s most dangerous frog, escapes from prison and hatches an evil plan to hide his identity. Constantine kidnaps Kermit and takes over Kermit’s identity. Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and is sent to prison. This leaves Constantine free to steal the crown jewels of England. It is up to the Muppets to save Kermit and stop Constantine before the world’s most beloved puppets become the world’s most wanted criminals.

The scene where the inmates put on a show in prison is hilarious. It’s my favorite part of the movie. Watching scary looking men sing and dance like they are on Broadway is priceless.  I also enjoyed watching Constantine act like he is Kermit. You will laugh out loud when you see what happens to him as he gets ready to go on stage during a musical performance.

All the actors do an amazing job in this movie. One actor who really stands out for me is Ty Burrell who plays Jean Pierre. His witty comments and funny attitude really add to the comedy. My favorite actress in this movie is Tina Fey who plays Nadya. What makes her performance great is that on the outside she is so strict, but on the inside she is really very warm and caring. Her accent is so realistic that I thought she was actually from Russia.

The message of this movie is that true friends will always be there for you no matter how bad things get. “The Muppets Most Wanted” is perfect for both boys and girls ages 8 to 16 and I give it five out of five shimmering stars. You definitely don’t want to miss this one.

The Muppets Most Wanted
Reviewed by Morgan B., age 9, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Full video review available here.

It’s time to think green. It’s March and we have Saint Patrick’s Day, the beginning of spring and March 21st Kermit will be on the big screen once again in The Muppets sequel “Muppets Most Wanted.”

Can you say World Tour? Kermit finds he’s been confused with the world’s most dangerous frog “Constantine.” Constantine has a diabolic plot that involves fleeing a Siberian Russian Gulag and taking the Muppets from Kermit. He needs a good cover while he and his side kick #2 use them as a cover to steal the crown jewels. First, he and #2 must travel the world unraveling the clues. They need to find a way to open the secrete passage way into the Tower of London where the jewels are kept.

I really enjoyed seeing the Muppets in many different settings around the world. It just proves the Muppets are loved every where they go. My favorite scene is when Kermit tries to get Constantine away from Miss Piggy at their wedding. That’s right, there is a huge wedding between Kermit and Miss Piggy, kind of. Miss Piggy has the most beautiful dress and Kermit looks so handsome in his tuxedo. We were lucky enough to see this movie at the El Capitan in Hollywood, California. They have the costumes and props on display there including her elegant wedding dress.

I was a bit disappointed that Miss Piggy didn’t give anybody her famous “Hi yea” karate chop. My favorite character of course is Miss Piggy. She’s unbeatable in her duet with Celine Dion. There are so many guest appearances I can’t even list them all here. You’ll have to see the movie to see who all shows up for cameo appearances.

The cast itself is awesome. Ricky Gervais is brilliant as Dominick Badguy (pronounced as Bad G; it’s French). I love Tina Fey as Nadya. She is adorable and has a great singing voice. Ty Burrell as Inspector Napoleon is very funny.

In true Muppet fashion the music is terrific and I enjoyed the “Sequel” song in the beginning of the movie. It’s the best. It is wonderful seeing the whole Muppet gang back together again.

From beginning to end it’s a ton of fun for everybody. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a new quirky joke to tell everyone.

I recommend this to ages 5 to 18 because all your favorite Muppets make an appearance in the movie at some point in time. I give this movie 5 out of 5 twinkling stars.

Mr. Peabody, an icon of my childhood, is a business titan, inventor, scientist, gourmand, two-time Olympic medalist and genius – who also happens to be a dog.  In this feature film, Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman hurtle back in time in his WABAC machine to to experience world-changing events first-hand and interact with some of the greatest characters of all time. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 11 says, “I love how they take twenty five-minute shows that had old, colored 2-D animation and turn it into modern 3D animation with the use of modern technology.” Jeremy B., age 7, adds, “(This) is a great movie!  The characters scripts are funny and the 3D animation is incredible.” And Haley P., age 11, sums it up, “I like this movie because there is back-to-back on-going adventure.” Their full reviews are below.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Reviewed by Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Full video review available here.
Talent interviews here.

I saw the trailers and I expected it to be more concentrated on time travel and not have much of a story line. Well there is. A fantastic one at that! “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” is a wonderful story about a dog who adopts a boy.

The film also has lots of animated things to love – like history, comedy, romance, suspense and so much more. To make it even better – characters come to live thanks to the brilliant voice-over actors such as Ty Burrel and Max Charles.

The film starts when a young puppy is growing up in different shelters. From a very early age he shows everyone how very special he is. He is intelligent, athletic and smooth. He wins many prizes, but his greatest adventure happens when he adopts a boy. Together they go through multiple adventures and troubles but able to stay together.

I love so much about this film. The film itself is fantastic! I love how they take twenty five-minute shows that had old, colored 2-D animation and turn it into modern 3D animation with the use of modern technology.

My favorite scene is when they show the story of how Mr. Peabody adopts Sherman. They show points throughout Sherman’s little life of great moments, like his first step in 1709.  Then it shows how he finds Sherman. That is definitely a sweet and loving part!

This movie has a bit of violence in it, therefore I recommend it to ages 5-18. I also believe that adults who admired this cartoon kids, will love this new version of these beloved characters. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Reviewed by Haley P. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11
Video review available here.

The movie “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” is absolutely fantastic!  This movie is about an exceptionally smart dog that adopts a boy because, when he was a kid, no one would adopt him. Mr. Peabody makes a time machine called the WABAC so Sherman can learn all about history. They travel to different time periods all over the world. However, when Sherman tries to impress his classmate, Penny, to prove he is no different from her, things go terribly wrong because he shows Penny the WABAC.

I like this movie because there is back-to-back on-going adventure.  Sherman and Penny almost kill themselves while in Italy when Penny tricks him into taking Leonardo Da Vincci’s flying machine without permission.  They soar through the air but eventually crash after Sherman loses confidence in himself about flying the machine.  Mr. Peabody and Sherman also have to save Penny in Egypt before she marries King Tut. The wildest scene is when they all end up in the middle of the Trojan War!  It is a disaster waiting to happen. I love the way this movie mixes history with fun such as when Sherman takes Penny back in time to prove to Penny that George Washington did tell him he didn’t really chopped down the cherry tree.  It’s like getting a fun history lesson without having to be bored in school.

All the characters are great! Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell), Sherman (Max Charles), Penny (Ariel Winter) are my favorites because they play their part exactly like what you would see in real life. The animation is outstanding and the 3D special effects make everything pop right out which keeps you drawn into the movie.

The moral of this story is no matter who your parents are listening will keep you out of trouble. This movie is perfect for ages 5 through18. Both boys and girls will enjoy it because it is animated, adventurous and best of all, in 3D. I give it five out of five dazzling stars!  Mr. Peabody and Sherman will be released in theaters on March 7, 2014.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman 3D
Reviewed by Jeremy B.KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 7
Video review available here.

“Mr. Peabody and Sherman 3D” is a great movie!  The characters scripts are funny and the 3D animation is incredible. The images pop right off the screen and I loved it.

“Mr. Peabody and Sherman” is a film about a Nobel Prize-winning dog named Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell) who adopts a human boy named Sherman (Max Charles). Together they travel to different time periods to learn about important historical events.  When Sherman uses the time machine without permission he accidentally rips a hole in the space/time continuum.  Mr. Peabody and Sherman must team up to fix the hole.

This movie is so exciting.  I really like all the adventures that the characters go on.  They travel to amazing time periods such as Ancient Egypt, Italy during the 1500’s and Troy during the Trojan War. It has a lot of educational facts throughout.  Even the jokes are based upon facts from the different time periods.  While I found the jokes to be really funny, I think that young children might not understand them. Older children and adults that know a lot about history will understand more of the jokes and find them hilarious.

Along with being educational, this film is also very adventurous. My favorite part is when Mr. Peabody and Sherman travel to Troy and fight in the Trojan War.  It is so funny to see little Sherman fighting with the huge Greek warriors. I loved the animation and the special effects with the Trojan horse. At one point it looks like the horse is rolling straight toward you and is going to squish you. I loved that!

I also love the message in this film.  It shows that families can come in all different sizes and varieties. It teaches us that it if someone’s family is different than yours, it is not right to treat them badly or tease them.  Sherman experiences being bullied by a classmate because his family is different. This happens a lot in the real world, but in the end it is important to learn that it doesn’t matter what others think.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars.  It is adventurous, funny and educational.  I recommend this film for kids ages 9 and up.  Mr. Peabody talks really fast and uses big words which might be difficult for some younger kids to follow and understand.

With Lent starting tomorrow, this film is timely and appropriate for Christians. The life story of Jesus is told from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jailene A., age 13 says, “This is the most eye-opening, magnificent film I have ever seen.” See her full review below.

The Son of God
Reviewed by Jailene A.
Full video review here.

This is the most eye-opening, magnificent film I have ever seen. “The Son of God” is about the story of Jesus. This movie modernizes the scriptures of the Bible along with showing everyone the miracles of Jesus. This movie really touched me because of the intensity and power it contains. From the minute Jesus is born, this movie shows every sin he forgives to the crucifixion and resurrection of the Holy Spirit. This movie will make you want to learn more about the Bible and everything about religion. I think the entire cast does such a great job portraying such powerful characters and I think everyone should watch this movie.

This movie has so many qualities that make it great but a key quality is the incredible location where they shot the movie. The movie is filmed in Morocco which is an incredible touch because it really makes the surroundings look like Jerusalem. I really like how Diogo Morgado, who plays Jesus in the film, really got into character and prepared fr such a powerful role.
My favorite character is Mary Magdalene because of her bravery and intense courage. She was one of Jesus’ disciples. She is the first one to find out that Jesus has resurrected and she never had one doubt about who Jesus was. I admire her loyalty and I think she doesn’t get as much recognition as she should.

My favorite scene is when Jesus gets into Peter’s boat and Peter says that there are no fish in the lake anymore. Jesus puts his hands in the ocean and in a matter of seconds; Peter’s net is filled with tons of fish. Peter asks what they are going to do and Jesus says that they are going to change the world. I think this is the best scene because of how touching and inspirational it is. It really shows that if you have faith and believe in the Son of God, anything is possible. This scene is the start of something powerful and I loved it.

I recommend this movie for audiences 13 and over because of the intense and bloody depiction of the Crucifixion and other violent scenes. This movie is very touching and inspirational. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars because I enjoyed it a lot and it makes me want to know more about the life of Jesus and more of his miracles. This movie is in theaters February 28, 2014 so make sure you check it out!

“Non-Stop” is an intense thriller that features Liam Neeson as an air marshal who springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account. Rated PG-13 for action, violence, language, drug reference and sensuality, it’s not for your younger kids but for older kids, and yourself, it’s worth checking out. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. says, “The movie keeps your attention and you really want to know what’s going to happen.” Gerry O. adds, “”Non-Stop” is a great action packed dramatic film many people will want to see over and over and over again.” See their full reviews below.

Non-Stop
Reviewed by Keefer C. Blakeslee, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
See full video review here.

This is a suspenseful film that keeps you guessing until the end and it had me biting my nails from the beginning. This plot starts with an air marshal named Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) who is on a plane from New York to London. On the flight he receives a disturbing text that tells him, “I’ll kill someone every 20 minutes,” if he doesn’t do what the person says. While trying everything to find the person who’s sending him these messages, the passengers, crew and his boss start to think he’s hijacking the plane. Even Bill starts to question himself. So with no one to trust and everyone against him, he must try to stop this anonymous character in this crowded plane.

With a plot like this, how can you not be somewhat interested? The movie keeps your attention and you really want to know what’s going to happen. This movie’s atmosphere is uncomfortable, which it’s supposed to be. The wide angle lens is appropriate and makes the confined space even more real. The script is terrific! It’s a perfect example of a movie where, once you watch it, you want to watch it again. All the pieces of the puzzle come together. There are reasons and evidence that lead you to the outcome without giving it away. That’s a sign of a great mystery.

The acting in this film is fantastic and all the actors like Julianne Moore as Jen Summers, who had to act in these claustrophobic sets, do an impressive job portraying their roles. I enjoy Liam Neeson and fully appreciate his acting skills in this film. He shows why he continues to be a top rated star.

My favorite scene is when Bill thinks he’s found and stopped the terrorist. For a moment Bill is relieved it’s over. Then he hears his phone bing an incoming text and the music gets your heart racing.

The moral is, “Honesty is the best policy.” The passengers and crew are against him because Bill’s hiding the truth. As humans we automatically think the worse if we have to piece a situation together. Bill finally realizes that.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this to 12 to 18-year-olds. There is smoking and intense moments that are not intended for kids. This is a investing and spine tingling film that is worth checking out in theaters February 28.

Non-Stop
Reviewed By Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
See full video review here.

I expected this movie to be about a plane hijack, that sort of thing. It was that, but WITH A HUGE TWIST! I was so surprised and lots of other people will be too. “Non-Stop” is a great action packed dramatic film many people will want to see over and over and over again.

Non-Stop has an extremely great selection of styles as well, there is action, drama, romance, suspense, adventure, education and so much more to wrap up in awesome movie.

The story is about an Air Marshal with a kind of dark history. He’s on a plane to London. So far so good – it’s a normal flight. Soon he gets a text on a strict network threatening him. Chaos strikes the plane as he tries to find the culprit. Will he (or she) be caught? Or will something even more terrible happen? You have to watch the film to find out.

This movie must have been hard to make with the plane action and the fighting and crashing and all the special effects, but they pull it off. I came out of the theater feeling like I had been on the plane and it was different than just walking out of a movie theater. I could barely walk. The main character Bill (Liam Nelson) is fantastic and, I was amazed by the camera work. Not one shot could have been better.

My favorite scene is when everybody is thinking he’s a terrorist, because of spoiler reasons, so he stops looking and tells everyone his past and what he is doing. I love that scene because his story is close to my heart and very sad too.
However, it’s probably one of the most important scenes in the plot of the story.

I’d say this movie is definitely for older ages, so kids 11-18 would be comfortable with the style of the movie. I give “Non-Stop” easily 5 out of 5 stars.

This beautiful new film from India explores the relationship between a young housewife and a newly widowed man. They are connected quite by mistake when Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system delivers the lunchbox to the wrong person. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B comments, “For anyone who has lost a loved one, you can really identify with his (Mr. Saajan’s) emptiness.” See Keefer’s full review below.

The Lunchbox
Reviewed by Keefer C. Blakeslee
Full video review available here.

This movie creates a touching new twist on a story that might have come across as corny, but doesn’t. Mr. Saajan (Irrfan Khan), a retiring accountant, is grieving over the death of his wife and Lla (Nimrat Kaur), a young mother, desires more attention from her husband. Lla sends her husband a special lunchbox and, by accident, the lunchbox is delivered to Mr. Saajan instead. Realizing the meal was misdirected, Lla writes a letter, places it inside the next day’s lunchbox and what unfolds are sincere and beautiful messages that changes their lives.

The plot’s not unique, but the writers produce an atmosphere in this script that sets it apart. Shot in Mumbai City, India, we roam through the streets and are allowed to observe the people, their traditions, their homes and their work establishments. The dialog is in English much of the time but at times in Hindu with English subtitles, which immerses you further into the culture. Irrfan and Nimrat’s characters have their own stories that are spectacular to watch and, once these characters start writing to each other, we see a whole new side to both.

My favorite character is Mr. Saajan. Khan creates this man who reaches out to someone who he does not even know. His role is heartbreaking to see and you feel the emotions he is experiencing. For anyone who has lost a loved one, you can really identify with his emptiness.

My favorite scene is when Mr. Saajan is watching a show that his wife had taped. He remembers watching her and watching the show that made her laugh. You see his face change as he understands the joy she got from the comedy. We see how, a moment that brought joy in the past can still bring joy now, only in a different way.

The message in this story is, “Sometimes the wrong train can bring you to the right station.” Lla is unsure what to do when she realizes the lunchbox is going to a perfect stranger. Mr. Saajan is not sure what to do when the notes start to touch his heart. So they both feel they are on the wrong train.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this to age 11 to 18. There is use of cigarettes and subject matter that is not appropriate for younger audiences. Check it out to see what I’m talking about.