KIDS FIRST! News

WADJDA, the first film shot in Saudi Arabia tells the story of an enterprising Saudi girl who signs on for her school’s Koran recitation competition as a way to raise the funds she needs in order to buy the green bicycle that has captured her interest. Nominated for an Academy Award in the Foreign Language category, this is a unique film that offers insight into another culture and understanding of the oppression of women that live there. “It’s mind-blowing to me that a movie about the oppression of women was made in the exact environment it depicts,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Cassandra H.  See her full review below.

WADJDA
Reviewed by Cassandra Hsiao
Video review available here.

A poignantly triumphant movie, the storyline of “WADJDA” is just as phenomenal as the story of how the film came to be. In short, “WADJDA” represents quite a number of firsts. It’s the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, a country where cinema is prohibited. Writer and director Haifaa Al Mansour is Saudi Arabia’s first female filmmaker. It is also the first submission from Saudi Arabia for the Foreign Language Category for the 2014 Academy Awards.

Set in a country known for its repression of women, the movie follows our title character—a 10-year-old spirited girl—in her journey to buy a new bicycle so she can race her best friend, neighbor and crush Abdullah. Even though Wadjda’s mother warns her to stay away from both bikes and boys because of their culture’s strict customs, Wadjda is determined to buy her bike with her own hard-earned money, no matter what the consequences. This, in turn, leads to joining a Koran competition at school. If she wins, she will have more than enough to buy a bike and therefore beat the boy next door.

Subtly, the film explores the repercussions from this society in which girls should only be seen, not heard and, in public, only their eyes should be seen, with the rest of their faces covered by black veils. Wadjda tests boundaries in her search for freedom of expression. Although she discovers the contradictions in her world, she’s determined to challenge women’s traditional roles. The movie covers major topics such as polygamy and child-brides, as well as smaller oppressions such as the restriction of driving and rules of women in the presence of men.

It’s mind-blowing to me that a movie about the oppression of women was made in the exact environment it depicts. On DVD, the making-of featurette explores in-depth the struggles and challenges that faced director Haifaa Al Mansour. The line, “respectable girls go inside,” is said to Wadjda in the film, and Mansour confronted the same problems. She had to direct her cast out-of-sight using a walkie-talkie to communicate with her cast and a monitor to watch the filming. She could not be seen working with men and often, when religious officials would come to inspect the bustle, production would be halted and moved to another location. It took close to five years to make the movie, but the effort is worth it.

First timer Waad Mohammed is perfect as the fun-loving rebel Wadjda. This film is rated PG and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18. The pace may be slow for kids under ten. This is truly a landmark film that the world needs to watch. I give it five out of five stars. Perhaps the most uplifting message is that although the plot is fiction, the remarkable story behind the movie is not, and that shows that revolution is possible. This film played in theaters last year and will be released on February 11 on DVD/Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Cassandra H, age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Directors Stephen Judson and Greg MacGillivary who specialize in these big format nature films really surpass themselves in this incredible Imax 3D film about the South Pacific. You will take an underwater voyage to Indonesia where you learn about its inhabitants such as giant rays and whale sharks as well as efforts being made in the region for ocean conservation. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O says,” Not only that but this film is in 3D as well, together making a spectacular IMAX adventure that make you feel like you’re in the movie.” See his full review below

Journey to the South Pacific
Reviewed by Gerry O, age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Video review available here.
Interview with the director available here.

This documentary, as you can guess from the title, is about fish and sea. Unlike many documentaries, this one doesn’t just educate you it also tells you a warming story.

This film has a lot of different things that everyone would love. It has education, geography, comedy, music, fish, culture and many more things everyone would enjoy.

The story begins when a young boy lives on an island in gorgeous Indonesia. What is very unique about the story is that it follows a boat that travels to different islands and takes kids from each on a “floating school” where they dive, play fun games and, of course, learn about fish. When the young boy goes on this boat, he leaves home for a couple months for a wonderful aquatic adventure.

My favorite scene is when they talk about the corals singing and they show different marine species making sounds with music-like voice overs and, the funny thing is, they do it in a chorus-like rhythm. I love it because it’s light hearted and funny.

Unlike most new movies, this film was taped on a real film, not digital. This gives more in-depth colors. And, it’s shot on Imax film which is ten times larger than 35mm which gives better quality because of the larger frame. Not only that but this film is in 3D as well, together making a spectacular IMAX adventure that make you feel like you’re in the movie. The director does a wonderful job as does the narrator. I’m impressed.

This movie is definitely suitable for ages 1 to 18. Younger kids would not understand it completely but they would still enjoy the colors and the music. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.  This movie is available in select Imax theaters nationwide.

This animated feature is sure to charm your youngest kids and even some pre-teens. The story is about Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel who is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter  – Maury’s Nut Store. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Anthony A (age 11) loved it and recommended it for ages four to 10. See his full review below.

The Nut Job
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda
Video Review here.

This movie is pretty cool. It is funny and has a good amount of action. It is really good and I think you would like it too.

This movie is all about a squirrel named Surly who, at the beginning, fends for himself and only himself (with his friend Buddy) until his actions contribute to the burning of the large tree where all the squirrels live, along with what little food they have left. He is banished to the city and soon finds a shop full of nuts. He makes a deal with another squirrel named Andie that he would get half and they would get half. They run into a lot of obstacles such as mouse traps, rats, guns and people.

The main characters in the movie are Surly (Will Arnett), King (Stephen Lang), Grayson (Brendan Fraser), Raccoon (Liam Neeson), Andie (Katherine Heigl) and Precious (Maya Rudolph). My favorite character in this movie is Precious because she is such a funny dog and helps Surly and loves him after a while. She is also really funny.

My favorite part in the movie is when Surly and Buddy meets Precious because, as I said she is my favorite character, and she is so funny. She thinks she has to hate the squirrels because her owners don’t want animals in their shop but she soon realizes she loves them. She starts showing them tricks likes fetching, playing dead, sitting and she thinks that her tail is amazing because it wiggles a lot. She says it has a mind of its own!

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this movie for ages 4 to 10 because it is really suitable for a younger audience. I think younger kids will really love it.

Based on the hugely popular book series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters is the sequel to the 2010 film Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) , the son of the Greek god Poseidon embarks on a journey with his friends to retrieve the Golden Fleece to save their training ground, Camp Half-Blood. They must travel to the Sea of Monsters, and find the challenges that may await them. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O comments, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is a fun and mythical adventure everyone would love!” Gerry had the opportunity to interview talent from the film as well as preview it. See his full review and his video interview below.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
Reviewed by Gerry O.
Video review available here.
Cast interviews available here.

I loved the first Percy Jackson movie and when I heard I was reviewing the sequel I already knew that it would be an epic and thrilling adventure with a perfect mix of suspense and comedy! And I was right. “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is a fun and mythical adventure everyone will love!

I still did not expect so many surprises in this movie and greatly enjoyed it! The story continues as if it was a day or a week after the first movie which is a good perk as well. Something else that’s very cool is the fact that movie is super close to the actual book!

The adventure begins when Percy (Logan Lerman) is still at camp with his friends, Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) and Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario). Everything is more or less the same. There is a new girl whose name is Clarisse (Leven Rambin). She is the daughter of a human and the god of war. This girl beats the heck out of Percy and is very mean as well. One day there’s a bionic monster outside of the camp, thanks to one of the gods. There is a shield reflecting the bionic nightmare. When the shield is broken, they destroy the machine and Percy discovers that Luke, a villain that tried to over throw the gods, is alive! Annabeth discovers that the tree producing the shield is dying and appears to be poisoned. Annabeth, Percy and not a very happy Grover all go on a quest to receive an artifact that can bring anything dying back to life – The Golden Fleece! Do you believe they can restore the shield and save their camp? You will have to watch the movie to find out!

There is so much to love about this film and maybe only one or two things to dislike. It has comedy, action, adventure, mythical places and items and so much more! One thing I thought was particularly interesting is that Annabeth turns into a blonde in this movie. What is interesting is that in both books Annabeth is a blond, but in the first movie she’s not blond, but brunette! That is really the only thing that confused me. The director, Thor Freudenthal does a fantastic job and so does the cast.
I would have to say my favorite moment in this film is when the gang calls a “taxi” to get them to Florida. The gang is extremely scared of the three drivers wicked driving, and it turns out that the kids don’t have enough money to get to Florida! Uh oh!

I would have to recommend this film to ages 10 to 18. There is very little language or any adult material at all. It may be a little scary for younger ages though. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it was simply brilliant. You can find it in theaters near you on August 7th.

Reviewed by Gerry Orz, age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

As the holidays approach, you are looking for the perfect gift for that niece, nephew, sister-in-law and, of course, your own kids and family members. You probably know what the people closest to you want and need but those further relations are a bit of a challenge. We want to share with you the films and DVDs that we’ve watched this year along with reviews by our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics so you get the kids’ point of view. After all, kids are the audience for these films, so let’s listen to what the kids have to say about them. More film reviews are available at kidsfirst.org. Happy holidays!

FOR YOUNG GIRLS

Dear Dumb Diary
Based on the best-selling series “Dear Dumb Diary” by Jim Benton. Follow Jamie Kelly as she navigates Mackeral Middle School with the help of her best friend Isabella, her nemesis Angeline and the boy of her dreams Hudson. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review. 

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls
Via a magic mirror, Twilight Sparkle travels into an alternate universe in order to recover a crown that was stolen from the Crystal Empire. Upon her arrival she is surprised to learn that she has turned into a teenage girl. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE

Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United
When “Zzzax,” a seemingly invincible, energy devouring monster threatens to destroy the planet, Marvel’s unlikeliest pairing of Avengers is mankind’s only hope. Alone, neither can defeat the awesome power of Zzzax. As a duo, they just might have a chance – if they can find a way to work together without smashing heads before time runs out! Trailer.

Transformers Prime: Predacons Rising
A resurrected UNICRON has taken over the now-lifeless body of MEGATRON to seek vengeance on the AUTOBOTS and ultimately, the destruction of Cybertron. This formidable enemy forces an unlikely alliance between the AUTOBOTS, DECEPTICONS, PREDAKING and two new Predacons, who come together in an epic battle to help protect their newly restored planet! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

The Wolverine
Hugh Jackman returns as The Wolverine and faces his ultimate nemesis in an action packed life-or-death battle that takes him to modern day Japan. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his limits, Logan confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality; an epic fight that will leave him forever changed. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec
An epic tale set in the early part of the 20th century and focused on a popular reporter and her
dealings with would-be suitors, the cops, monsters, and other adventures. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

FOR THE YOUNGER ONES

Planes
A crop-dusting plane with a fear of heights lives his dream of competing in a famous around-the-world aerial race. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

Merry Christmas, Splat…And More Winter Stories
Ready for this season’s holiday family viewing, Merry Christmas, Splat… and More Winter Stories brings best-selling children’s storybooks to life and promotes a love of literature. Includes: Merry Christmas, Splat; Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas; Owl Moon. Trailer.

Thomas & Friends®: 3- Movie Pack
Start your engines for the most-action packed movie night of the year!  Thomas & Friends®: 3-Movie Pack, is filled with rip-roaring adventures, mysteries to be solved, heroic rescues and new discoveries.  Includes: Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery – The Movie; Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels – The Movie; Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue – The Movie. Clip.

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Christmas Bounty
A former bounty hunter turns into an elementary schoolteacher. Determined to have a normal life and keep her bounty hunter past a secret, she reluctantly returns home for Christmas to help save the family business by catching the one bounty that got away. But when her fiancé follows her home for the holiday, she struggles to hide her wild family business and a bounty hunter ex-boyfriend she thought she’d left behind.

The Croods
After their cave is destroyed, a caveman family must trek through an unfamiliar fantastical world with the help of an inventive boy. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

Despicable Me 2
Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff7nDHZPfsU

Epic
From the creators of Ice Age comes a funny animated adventure starring Amanda Seyfried and Beyoncé Knowles. A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world — and ours. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcAZGex5woQ

The Hunters
A family of archeologists hunt down artifacts from fairy tales that have been hidden around the globe. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

Mama Doni’s Jewish Holiday Party
Mama Doni’s “”Jewish Holiday Party”” is her debut DVD with a brand new bonus soulful, acoustic CD soundtrack. From a bluegrass “”Chanukah Oh Chanukah”” medley sing-along to a fun instructional “Making Challah with Mama Doni” video throw-down in the kitchen, this DVD celebrates Chanukah, Passover and Shabbat like never before. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

A Monster in Paris
A 3D-animated movie set in Paris in the year 1910 and centered on a monster who lives in a garden and his love for a beautiful, young singer, Lucille.  KIDS FIRST! Film Critics review.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
The magical, mythical adventures of teenager Percy Jackson — son of the Greek god Poseidon — continue in this heroic, action-packed thrill ride! Out to prove he’s not just a “one-quest wonder,” Percy and his demigod friends embark on an epic, cross-country journey into the treacherous Sea of Monsters, where they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate evil. With time running out, Percy must find and bring home the fabled Golden Fleece, which has the power to save his world…and save us all! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

Pete’s Christmas
An overlooked middle child finds himself in the unexpected spotlight when he realizes his family’s terrible Christmas day keeps repeating. As the only one experiencing the day over and over, he decides to use his unique gift to give the holidays a makeover and his family a Christmas they will never forget. KIDS FIRST! Film Critics review.

The Smurfs 2
The Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette, who has been kidnapped by Gargamel since she knows a secret spell that can turn the evil sorcerer’s newest creation into real Smurfs. Trailer.

Turbo
A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic review.

Brought to you by the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics!