KIDS FIRST! News

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.

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.