KIDS FIRST! News

“After Earth” is a glimpse of post-apocalyptic earth, showing us what it might look like years after humans no longer live on our blue planet. Will and Jaden Smith bring their own brand of humor to this dramatic story of father and son working together to save mankind. Including a genre for almost every movie-goer, this PG-13 movie provides us with drama, “adventure, comedy and Sci-fi all in one!” Gerry O., 11-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, warns us that this film may be a bit intense for younger viewers, but claims, “if you like adventure and action you will adore this movie!”

Listen to the KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions Radio Show episode where our film critics discuss the film. Read Gerry O.’s full review below and visit www.kidsfirst.org to see our other critic’s reviews of the film.

“After Earth”

Reviewed by Gerry O.

Click here for Gerry’s full video review!

“After Earth” is a combination of adventure, comedy and Sci-fi all in one! If you love adventures, you would love this movie. It begins one thousand years after humans are forced to leave Earth because they destroyed it. They reach a new planet. Humans think they are safe until they find an alien species that are putting humans in danger. General Cypher Raige (Will Smith) has to find a way to defeat the aliens. The General’s son, Kitia Raige, (Jaden Smith) goes on a trip with his father and the ship crash-lands on Earth! Cypher’s legs are broken and Kitia has to go far away to retrieve an emergency beacon! Can he do it? Would they be able to survive in this dangerous environment?

I loved “After Earth!” This film is a mixture of everything! It shows what can possibly happen to humans. I personally adore Will and Jaden Smith. Any movie where they are together makes it a fantastic and funny movie. What makes the movie better is that they play father and son, when in real life they are just that! Father and son.

Also interesting is how many birds, animals and whales were in the movie, clearly showing what our planet would be like without human interference.

There are a few scenes with Cypher and his wife, Faia (Sophie Okoneda) where they have a very cute and adorable conversations showing General’s soft side. My favorite character is Kitia. He is scared and frightened a lot. He is alone at a young age, on unfamiliar Earth, one thousand years after humans left. It would be scary! Kitia grows quickly and learns many things on this hunt for the beacon.

My favorite scene is when Kitia does not listen when his father orders him to come back, and instead jumps off a very tall cliff and tries to make it to the beacon without proper gear. He is chased and caught by a giant eagle that decides to adopt Kitia, and even helps him along the way. Kitia’s camera, that Cypher is using to see what’s going on, is destroyed and he must continue his journey without his father’s guidance.

I recommend “After Earth” to ages twelve and up. This movie is very graphic and may be a bit too intense for younger kids. If you like adventure and action you will adore this movie! I give “After Earth” five out of five starts because it was so great in many ways. This movie comes out in theaters everywhere May 31, 2013.

Check out these other great video reviews from KIDS FIRST! Film Critics

Anthony A., age 10

Keefer B., age 12

Raven D., age 15

Teens and adults will love “Now You See Me” a hilarious and entertaining story about street magicians turned crooks. With an all-star cast and unending surprises, twists and turn that KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D. likens to a “pretzel” there isn’t a dull moment in this new film. As 15-year-old Raven D. tells us, “it keeps the audience guessing the whole time and hits you with major shock factor.” Rated PG-13 for violence and mature language, “Now You See Me” is a unique and entertaining story that is not to be missed. Enjoy Raven’s full review of the film below.

“Now You See Me”

Reviewed by Raven D.

Click here to see Raven’s full video review!

I absolutely love this film. “Now You See Me” is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It tells the story of a group of magicians called The Four Horsemen who use their skills to pull off some of the greatest international robberies of their generation. Featuring Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKenny (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), the Four Horsemen make a dream team of street magicians. Since they have made their stunts public, allowing the world to “witness” the robberies, authorities are in hot pursuit of the four wanted criminals. Detective Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) is accompanied in his search for the illusive magicians by Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) and French Detective Alma Dray (Melanie Laurent.) Will the Four Horsemen be able to pull of their final act without being caught or will it be curtains for the criminal performers?

The plot is so original and full of fresh ideas and witty comedy. I love how fast paced this film is, there isn’t a dull moment from beginning to end. The plot itself has so many twists and turns like a pretzel, but it keeps the audience guessing the whole time and hits you with major shock factor. The acting in this film is incredible. It features a group of incredible actors – Morgan Freeman, Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson and many others. I love how each character has a unique quirk and personality that you can really see, but they all work together so well. The cinematography and special effects in this film are phenomenal. It is bursting with rich colors and textures, drawing you into the magic and making the illusions appear real. The soundtrack is also amazing. It is suits each scene very well, while keeping a consistent theme and feel throughout the movie. “Now You See Me” is definitely not one to miss.

It’s hard for me to pick a favorite character because I love all of the Horsemen, but when it comes down to it I have to say I like the characters Daniel Atlas and Jack Wilder. Daniel (Jesse Eisenberg) often tries to assert himself as the head of the Four Horsemen. He is controlling, very specific and difficult to deal with, but he is also the funniest character, which is attributed to all of his demanding qualities. I love every film Jesse Eisenberg is in and I think he is perfect for the role of Daniel Atlas. I also like Jack Wilder, played by Dave Franco, because he is the craftiest of the magicians. He isn’t the “card trick” or “read your mind” type; he’s just a good old-fashioned pickpocket for whom no door is ever locked. He is sort of the “muscle” to the operation because he is able to help the horsemen get out of tight situations and is also very funny.

My favorite scene is when the Four Horsemen have to escape from the FBI after their second robbery. Jack Wilder has to stay behind to burn secret files. When he has an unexpected run-in with Detective Rhodes, an action filled fight sequence and high-speed chase follow. This scene is filled with suspense, action and incredible stunts and it shows that the Horsemen are always two steps ahead.

I recommend this film for ages 12 and up because of violence and mild mature language. Overall I give “Now You See Me” 5 out of 5 stars, so be sure to catch the magic in a theater near you when it takes over the big screen on May 31, 2013!

“Space Warriors” is a live-action film about kids who attend Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. Though it is a fictional story, it is based on a real place and according to KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 11, it “feels very real and positive.” All of our film critics agree that this is a fun and exciting film that inspired them to want to visit the real Space Camp. Adam C., Age 7, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic tells us that they even fact-checked the story with NASA “and it was plausible that this could have happened in real life.” Proving that it has multi-age and gender appeal, 13-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Cassandra H. calls this “a fun and unexpectedly down-to-earth film for all ages.”

Airing on May 31, this Hallmark Channel Original Movie is perfect for the whole family. You can hear our discussion about this film on the KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions Radio Show. Check out Cassandra H.’s full review below and many of our Film Critic’s full video reviews as well.

“Space Warriors”

Reviewed by Cassandra H.

See Cassandra’s full video review by visiting www.kidsfirst.org

Space geeks will envy the rip-roaring adventures in the movie, “Space Warriors.” I was pleasantly surprised to see that the plot was simpler than I imagined. Before I watched the movie, the title made me cringe, suggesting that it was about teenagers battling aliens in a cheesy rampage through outer space. Clearly, I was wrong to judge a movie by its poster. “Space Warriors” is a fun and unexpectedly down-to-earth film for all ages.

Jimmy Hawkins (Thomas Horn, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”), the son of a retired NASA astronaut, is a complete astronomy geek. His dream is to go to space, and the opportunity arises in the form of Space Camp, where teams can compete for the chance to go to space. His parents, played by Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino, forbid him to join Space Camp fearing for his safety, but Jimmy joins anyway. At Space Camp he meets the brightest, nerdiest group of astronomy-lovers, called Space Warriors. They have to learn to work together as a team not only to win the competition, but to save the lives of three astronauts along the way as well.

Colonel Manley (Josh Lucas), one of the commanders at Space Camp, is one of my favorite characters – he’s witty and smart with just a touch of dry humor and sarcasm. Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer”) is the director of “Space Warriors.” Along the same lines of “Soul Surfer,” this movie has many great themes that include teamwork, leadership, overcoming fear, thinking outside the box, making wise choices and most importantly, it shines a positive light on youth. The Space Warriors don’t let anyone look down on them because of their age – they prove to the entire world that age doesn’t matter as long as you have passion, a love of discovering, and an open mind.

The movie incorporates footage from history in outer space and was shot on-location at the Space Camp in Alabama. For science-lovers, this movie is the ultimate “easter egg” hunt, where geeks will want to shout and announce to other viewers, “That’s the actual footage of landing on the moon!” or “I’ve been on a moon-gravity stimulator just like that!” I found myself thinking that if I could go to a Space Camp that looks even half as fun as the one in the movie, it’d be the best summer of my life.

I recommend this movie for all ages, especially for aspiring scientists. I give it four out of five stars. “Space Warriors” will inspire viewers to look up and rekindle an excitement for learning about the unknown universe of space. Learn more about a world outside our own that we’ve barely begun to discover and catch “Space Warriors” on the Hallmark Channel, airing May 31!

Check out our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics full video reviews of Space Warriors!

Adam C.

Keefer B.

Gerry O.

Stacy and Valdi B.

“Iron Man 3” is the newest edition in this exciting superhero series. Rated PG-13 for intense and somewhat violent scenes, this film proves that a sequel can more than live up to it’s predecessors. Age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D. was extremely impressed with the action and says the “special effects, are outstanding and I absolutely love all of the different suits that Tony has created in this movie.” Equally impressed with the suits and special effects, 12-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. notes “the way they move, attack, fight and look is wonderful” and tells us that the film is funny as well.

Iron Man 3

Reviewed by Keefer B.

See Keefer’s full video review here!

“Iron Man 3” is a blockbuster, serge forward, non-stop action movie with a few surprises, a couple disappointments and wallop of bigger-than-life, special effect-filled screens.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is back, and after fighting with the Avengers, faces a new threat, a terrorist named Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and a new foe Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce).We also see James Rhodes/Iron Patriot ( Don Cheadle) who helps Tony out in his time of crises. Not only is Tony facing the anxiety of keeping Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) safe, but also learns that it’s the man that makes the suit.

I love the special effects in this flick. The suits get better and better. The way they move, attach, fight and look is wonderful. Robert Downey Jr. continues his character development as Tony Stark and I love every minute he’s on screen. Gwyneth Paltrow is fantastic. She’s not just a damsel in distress. She saves Tony two different times and has a likable, lovable personality. The story is very engaging and the dialogue is great. The one thing I don’t like is the intellectual twist. I have mixed feelings about the turn of events in this film. My inner die-hard, comic book-loving side is disappointed, but my film critic side sees it as genius.

My favorite character is Harley (Ty Simpkins), a boy who befriends Tony and helps repair the Iron Man suit. Harley is bright, independent and a little too much like Tony. When you put the two together, you get non-stop laughter.

The moral of the story is: it’s not the suit that makes the man, it’s the man that makes the suit. Tony can’t sleep because he gets nightmares, so he spends all his time at night making more suits to protect himself and Pepper. The truth is, he saves Pepper without the suit.

My favorite scene is the final battle. The action is larger-than-life. The different suits, the way they fight, make you want to cheer. It gets you to the edge of your seat; it’s intense, fast and action-packed .

I recommend this to 11 year-olds and up. Bad language is low and the action not too intense for this age range. They will love the comedy. I give this 5 stars. Even if the twist is a little disappointing, it’s still amazing.

Also check out Raven D.’s full video review here!

Journey down under and meet a whole new breed of hero in "Koala Kid," a laugh-filled, action-packed animated adventure with a rare white koala bear who just wants to fit in. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Canela R likes this movie "because it has a funny story and at the same time, action and suspense is thrown in with lots of twists and turns."

Koala Kid by Canela R

See Canela’s full video review here!

“Koala Kid” is a animated film about a white Koala who doesn’t he think he fits in with his community of gray Koalas and comes to believe that he has special talents which he thinks can prove to everyone that he belongs. He does this by going on a miraculous journey to defeat an evil crocodile named Bog.

The Koala Kid’s name is Johnny and he’s voiced by Rob Schneider. As his journey continues he meets Miranda, a gray Koala (Yvonne Strahvoski), Hamish the Tasmanian Devil (Bret McKenzie) and his Monkey Photographer Lokie (Charlie Bewley). They battle with their wits and through action with Bog the villainous Crocodile (Alan Cumming, the Bad Guy from Spy Kids!) and his chief henchman, Blacktooth the Dingo (Tim Curry).

There is one moment that seems to capture the humor and suspense of this movie perfectly. When Bog the evil Croc is sleeping, the tiny wombats take Snorkles into the pond and capture Bog with a net. When Bog awakes, he shrugs them off of him as if it is nothing. I didn’t want to laugh because the Wombats are so cute, but it is funny.

I really like the animation in this film because it feels as if you’re really in the hot outback with all these fun characters.

The colorfulness adds to the fun I experienced. There is also one song in the movie which continues the colorfulness and had both me AND my mom tapping our feet, “Do You Come From a Land Down Under.” I think I’m still tapping my feet.

I think the message of this movie is no matter what you look like, you can always become a hero.

If you like adventurous cartoons as much as I do, then “Koala Kid” is the movie for you. I recommend this to kids ages six to sixteen because as much as it is a lifelong lesson that you can always use. There are some suspenseful moments that could be scary to the younger ones.

I rate this movie five out of five stars because it’s hilarious and colorful which speaks to the mind of kids and teens.

Koala Kid is available now on DVD.

Check out KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O’s Koala Kid interview here!