KIDS FIRST! News

“A Place at the Table” completely transformed my paradigm of America. When I hear the words “hunger” and “starvation,” images of ravenous, malnourished, dying children in Africa instantly pop into my head. However, this poignant, simple, and impacting documentary showed me that “hunger” could be sitting right next to me in school. This 84-minute documentary details with moving austerity how and why even in America, the world’s richest nation, children are going hungry.

Featuring Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, the founder of the End Hunger Network, “A Place at the Table” follows people, all from different towns and cultural backgrounds, who are food insecure. In other words, they have no idea when and how their next meal is going to come in. 50 million people in America are food insecure. This not only stunts physical development but mental development as well. Take Rosie, a fifth-grader growing up in rural Colorado. She tries to focus in school, but hunger pains cause her to zone out or to imagine her friends and teachers as fruits. Her dream is that one day, her kids can do what they want to do and what they need to do without going hungry.

Another instance is Barbie, a single working mother with two kids. Her toddler son mumbles and has an attention-deficit symptom. This is because of the lack of food for Barbie and her family when he was born. The lasting effects of hunger in a child’s first years impact a child much more deeply in the brain than the body. It’s an emotional moment to see Barbie break down into tears in front of her kids, exhausted of the intense struggle to make ends meet.

The documentary grippingly touches on so many different issues. It clears up myths and breaks stereotypes. A false paradigm that America blindly looks through is that hunger doesn’t exist because children struggle with obesity.  However, obesity, hunger, and being food insecure go hand-in-hand. Because of a low income, families on a very limited budget shop for the cheapest foods in store – chips, cookies, and ice cream. Produce is simply too expensive.

Hunger exists not because there is not enough food. Hunger exists because it isn’t a big enough issue on the political agenda. The documentary is packed with real statistics and visuals that are not just standard, cold numbers, but the toll of hunger is shown in the glimpses of families scrambling to break the cycle of poverty.  This film calls out to audiences to end hunger in America by alerting politicians and the government. “It’s just appalling,” says actor Jeff Bridges. “You know if another country was doing this to our kids we would be at war. It’s just insane and it doesn’t have to be that way.”

“A Place at the Table” will truly open your eyes to the harsh realities of a food insecure nation. I am determined to push forward in this fight of ending hunger, and I believe our nation can rise out of the pit we’ve buried ourselves in. America’s youth has a passion and an unbendable will to fight for what’s right, and if pointed in the right direction, I believe that the American Dream of prosperity can come true. The only thing standing between now and the extinction of hunger is the hurdle of ignorance, clouding youths’ and the government’s minds. Share this documentary with friends and family – I recommend this for all ages. If we act with urgency and boldness, perhaps one day, everyone will have a place at the table.
Reviewed by Cassandra Hsiao, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

This film, based on the iconic 1950s TV series gives the Native American warrior Tonto, played by Johnny Depp, top billing. “The Lone Ranger” tells the story of lawman John Reid and how he transforms into the Wild West legend known as the Lone Ranger. When justice is threatened by Butch Cavendish, John (Armie Hammer) teams up with Native American Warrior Tonto to save the day. The story is told by an elderly Tonto years after the Lone Ranger’s reign and begs the question, “Is the legend just a fable? Or, did this crusader of justice really roam the Wild West?” Our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics viewed it last week and, all of them loved it. “This movie is fantastic to its core!” claims Gerry O, age 11. “It is funny, entertaining, and very thrilling,” remarks Raven D, age 16. See their full reviews below.

The Lone Ranger
By Gerry O, age 11
Video review available here.

I already had an idea what this movie would be like, cowboys fighting each other. Based on all the stories about Lone Ranger, I also anticipated one of the characters would be the Indian, Tonto. I was right! This film is worth waiting for – amazing adventure, action, romance. It is funny and has the most gorgeous horse ever!

At first I thought this movie was about a cowboy and Indian fighting bad guys, I was very wrong! It starts off so nicely and ends so action packed!

The adventure begins when it’s 1930 and there’s an old western amusement park. A child is walking around dressed like the Lone Ranger and he goes to this exhibit where he finds Tonto the Indian. Tonto tells this boy about the story of the Lone Ranger who was being held captive in a train. The criminal escapes and a man helps Tonto escape as well. The train crashes but they and the passengers don’t get hurt. This man joins his brother to look for the criminal. The brother and everyone else in the group die but the man, whose name is John, lives. Tonto escapes jail and finds John and what’s called a spirit horse. The two men and the horse go on many adventures and run into many problems (that the horse usually ends up fixing!) as they search for the criminal. Along the way, they get a little surprise!

The movie is immaculate. The actors are great! I mean who doesn’t like Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp?! The cinematography is stupendous! Everything is just fantastic! There’s really nothing to complain about in this movie.

My favorite scene is when Tonto finds all the dead rangers. He digs up little graves and tries to take what he can from them. Thinking all of them are dead he goes to John and he tries to take something and then John wakes up. Tonto is all surprised and just knocks him out and starts putting sand back on him.  The house saves John in this situation, but you have to watch the film to see the most hilarious scene of all.

Since this movie has quite a lot of action and quite a bit of violence as well, I recommend it for ages 12 and up. This movie is fantastic to its core so I give it 5 out 5 stars plus a few more if possible. This movie will be available in theaters everywhere July 3rd

The Lone Ranger
Reviewed by Raven D, age 16
Watch Raven’s video review here.

“The Lone Ranger” tells the story of lawman John Reid and how he transforms into the Wild West legend known as the Lone Ranger. When the justice is threatened by Butch Cavendish, John, played by Armie Hammer, teams up with Native American Warrior Tonto, played by Johnny Depp to save the day. The story is told by an elderly Tonto years after the Lone Ranger’s reign, so is the legend just a fable? Or, did this crusader of justice really roam the Wild West?

I enjoy this film a lot. I feel that the costumes, set and film location stay very true to the style of old westerns while also keeping the visuals interesting and giving it a modern quality. I really like all of the scenery shots, especially in the desert. The arches and wildlife views make good transitions and I enjoy the artistic vibe it brings to the screen. I love the makeup and prosthetics that were used on Johnny Depp when he plays the elderly version of Tonto. It is so realistic and incredible that I could hardly even tell it was Johnny Depp! I also really love that Silver, the Lone Rangers trusty steed, does the craziest things throughout the film. At the most random times Silver will just be in a tree, on a roof, wearing a hat…and nobody questions it. It brings a sense of playfulness and lightens the mood and seriousness of the film.

My favorite character is Tonto because Johnny Depp does an excellent job portraying this character. He says the funniest things and makes very comical remarks throughout the film, which I really enjoy. I did think this would be a serious film, but it was actually quite humorous and light-hearted and Tonto has a big part in that. Tonto has a dead bird that he wears on his head and he always tries to feed it which was hilarious to watch!

I recommend this film for ages 13 and up because of violence that typically goes along with westerns. I think “The Lone Ranger” is funny, entertaining, and very thrilling. I give it 4 out of 5 stars so be sure to check out the “Lone Ranger.”

Following on the heels of the highly loved “Despicable Me,” comes the sequel, Despicable Me 2 which, as our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D says, “is a very cute sequel and, good news, the minions are in it even more!” “Despicable Me 2” follows Gru, the girls and those crazy minions on yet another mission of madness. This time Gru is teaming up with the Anti-Villain League to save the world from bad guy El Macho. The Anti-Villain League recruits Gru to help find El Macho since Gru is an ex-villain and knows what goes on behind the mind of a bad guy. But Gru is having a hard time balancing his career and his new full time job as being a dad to Margo, Agnes and Edith. Plus, Gru finds himself falling for his partner in anti-crime, Lucy. Will this lovable hero save the day in time to tuck his girls in for bed? Read Raven’s full review below.

Despicable Me 2
reviewed by Raven D, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Watch Raven’s video review here.

I think this film is a very cute sequel to “Despicable Me” and good news, the minions are in it even more. The 3D animation is wonderful in this movie and the designs and colors are very fun visually. I can tell the creators of this film paid attention to what audiences enjoyed most out of the first movie and that is what influenced a lot of “Despicable Me 2.” I think all of the voice actors suited their characters perfectly. This film brings back the familiar voices of Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Carell and Russell Brand, while also adding in newer characters such as Lucy voiced by Kristen Wiig, Antonio voiced by Moises Arias and many others.

My favorite character is actually all of the minions. I loved them all so much in the first “Despicable Me” and I think it was a great decision to include them for in the sequel. Their banter is so funny, even though I can’t understand their gibberish, their motions tell the story of what they’re trying to communicate. I think the way they work together and fight is very comical and all of their interactions are very funny. The minions really are the perfect side kicks to Gru since he is so wacky.

My favorite scene would probably be when Gru finds out that Margo is on a date. He freaks out so much and goes running around the mall trying to stop the two of them from being alone. It’s really funny and although it is a bit over exaggerated, it still shows what all fathers go through when their daughters start showing an interest in dating. I also think it’s funny how Margo’s sisters react to her new romantic interests. Edith, being a total tomboy, thinks that it is disgusting for her sister to go on a date with a boy. Agnes on the other hand thinks it’s the cutest thing and immediately starts saying that they are in love, which only worries Gru even more. The entire scene is filled with very funny, memorable dialog and interactions between the main characters and is definitely a scene that stands out for me.

I recommend this film for ages 6+ and anyone who enjoyed “Despicable Me” will absolutely love “Despicable Me 2.” I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. It has the perfect mix of humor for children and adults so it makes for an enjoyable experience for all. So go check out Gru and the girls for more minion madness in “Despicable Me 2!”

“Man of Steel” is a story about more than just good guys and bad guys, like most superhero films. In fact, it’s very different from Superman stories of the past. Yes, Superman is still trying to save Earth, but “Man of Steel” also tells the story behind the hero. This addition of a more personal storyline adds a more human touch to the superhero we have come to know and love through the years. “Man of Steel” is rated PG-13 for intense and violent scenes.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Gerry O., age 11, says, “the events, the story line and amazing effects will blow your mind” and Anthony A., 10-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic also likes the special effects saying that Superman, “has cool powers such as superhuman strength, x-ray vision, ability to shoot lasers from his eyes and of course, he can fly!” You won’t want to miss this new film after reading and watching Gerry’s review below.

“Man of Steel”

Reveiwed by Gerry O.

Click here to see Gerry’s full video review!

If you have seen the Superman films and read the comics, you will hear about this film and think to yourself – another Superman movie?! My moms are big fans of Superman so I was positive I knew what to expect. Well, I was in for a huge surprise.

This movie is not at all like other movies about famous superheroes. It starts by showing where Superman is born on another planet and what happens to his home. It touches your heart to see what sacrifice his real parents go through in order to save his life.

The movie shows Superman’s life from a little kid to a grown man; how he has to adjust to Earth’s atmosphere and learn to control his powers. Other kids think he is weird and pick on him, but his earth parents teach him to be patient and not to attract too much attention so he can grow up and fulfill his destiny. You probably would like to know what his destiny is, but you have to watch the movie to find out. The events, the storyline and amazing effects will blow your mind, especially if you get chance to see it in 3D.

I like this film for number of reasons. The graphics and storyline are very engaging. I also think they couldn’t have done a better job with the cast. The funny and courageous reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams), proud warrior and real father of our famous superhero Jor-El (Russell Crowe), Clark’s earth father (Kevin Costner) and a new face on the Hollywood horizon, Henry Cavill, who plays Superman.

My favorite scene is when Clark surrenders to FBI so he can save the Earth and while he is there, FBI agents observe him through a one-way mirror window. Superman has super powers so he can see through the glass. He starts making funny comments and shocks the FBI agents with his skills. But best of all is the reaction of the agents on the other side of the glass. You can see that they struggle to believe that this is real and they are also amazed and fascinated by Superman.

I recommend this great movie to ages 10 and up. It has elements of violence and a bit of harsh language. The graphic depiction may be too intense for a younger audience. I love the film and would definitely enjoy watching it again, though it does get a little predictable in the last 15-20 minutes. You can catch this film in theaters everywhere starting Friday, June 14, 2013!

You can also see Anthony A.’s full video review here.

Everyone’s favorite monsters from “Monsters Inc.”, plus a few more, are back in “Monsters University.” This time, instead of telling the story of what happened next, they’ve created a prequel to show us how the monsters first became friends and give us more insight into the characters. Mike, Sulley and the gang bring a ton of laughs to the screen as they learn how to become “scarers” and become best buddies in the process. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jailene A., age 13 especially loves the animation in this film, “every character has its own personality and special features, as none of the monsters look exactly the same.” She was excited to see an advance screening of “Monsters University” and shares her thoughts below.

“Monsters University”

Reviewed by Jailene A.

Click here to see Jailene's full video review!

I just watched “Monsters University” and it is an amazing prequel to Disney Pixar’s classic “Monster Inc.” “Monsters University” is the back-story of how Sully and Mike Wazowski became the best friends they were in “Monsters Inc.” It all starts in college, from day one Mike has been a perfect student ever since he decided he wanted to be a top scarer when he grows up. That is his dream and he works hard to accomplish it. Sully, on the other hand thinks everything is going to be handed to him because he’s a Sullivan and his father is the ultimate top scarer. Everything changes when both of them get kicked out of the scare program. This is when Mike and Sully must work together to prove they can be worthy of scaring. There’s a surprise plot twist at the end that you’d have to watch to see what happens.

I like the concept of “Monsters University” just as the original “Monsters Inc.” touched the hearts of many in 2001. However, no one really knew how they became best friends in the beginning. This is what makes the concept of this movie so interesting because of the fact that normally you would see the movie of how they met first and then see them continue their life in a sequel. I also like the animation in this movie. Every character has its own personality and special features, as none of the monsters look exactly the same.  Some have tentacles, some have more than two eyes and some monsters are scarier than others, but everyone has something in common: they all want to be a scarer.

All the characters are very amazing but my favorite character is Mike Wazowski. When Mike was little, everyone always made fun of him for being too small and no one thought he would accomplish anything in life. He works hard to get into Monsters University because he is determined to succeed and in the end, he may not get what he wants but he is still happy, and that’s what is important.

My favorite scene is when Mike and Sully are in the first round of the scare games and they have to race through a dark tunnel with spiky balls on the floor that make you blow up like a marshmallow. Both of them come out of the race with a puffy lip and swollen legs because they touched the spiky balls and they could barely talk. It made me laugh a lot.

I recommend “Monsters University” for ages 6-14. It is an amazing family movie and kids will love it. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars so go check it out. Make sure you get to see this amazing movie when it releases in theaters on June 21, 2013.