KIDS FIRST! News

Three kids discover a magical raincoat that transports them into the body of its former owner: a cursed magician last seen in the 1930s. With a scorned witch hot on their trail, they must solve the mystery of the raincoat and break its curse before it’s too late.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoey F. comments, “I love The Magician’s Raincoat. It is such A Great Movie, With Witty Humor, Amazing Graphics, And Many Plot Twists! The humor in this movie is what I am most impressed with. My favorite scene where this is shown is when Mrs Weaver’s cat puts on the raincoat and is turned into Semprini.” Josephine K. adds, “What a spectacular film! The Magician’s Raincoat is a magical and fantastical journey. The special effects are on point and look very realistic. The plot, sets, and script are all spectacular and organized in a way that ties the storyline together.” See their full reviews below.

The Magician’s Raincoat
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love The Magician’s Raincoat. It is such A Great Movie, With Witty Humor, Amazing Graphics, And Many Plot Twists!

The plot follows the magician Augustus Semprini (Cory Philips) as he performs one of his magic acts. Desperate for money, he steals a golden pin from a woman named Gertrude Cambellton (Ashton Leigh). She approaches him after the show, asking if he stole her broach. He denies her accusations, causing her to harness her witch powers and trap him inside his raincoat. The only way he can free himself is to return it. Almost 86 years pass and we meet Jack, a simple high schooler. Jack (Jake Alexander William) and his siblings come across the raincoat in their grandmother’s attic. The raincoat possesses the ability to turn the wearer into the spitting image of Augustus Semprini. A seemingly normal, but mean middle school teacher, Mrs Weaver (Laura Shatkus) is not that normal after all. She is a witch, and also after the raincoat!

The humor in this movie is what I am most impressed with. My favorite scene where this is shown is when Mrs Weaver’s cat puts on the raincoat and is turned into Semprini. The actor’s performance really convinced me that he was a cat, just in a human body. I also love that this movie has amazing actors that can really make these scenes come to life. Along with the acting, the graphics, costumes and sets of this movie are amazing. When the setting is in the 1900s, there are fitting sets and costumes that make this film come to life. The background music is always extremely fitting. When Mrs Weaver fights Jack, there is suspenseful music to match it. And when there are happy scenes, there is jolly, happy music.

The theme of The Magician’s Raincoat is that not everything is always as it seems. Augustus seems like a perfectly reasonable man, but he steals just to get money. Mrs Weaver seems like a normal teacher, but she turns out to be a witch.

I give The Magician’s Raincoat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available for streaming beginning September 3, 2024.

The Magician’s Raincoat
By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

What a spectacular film! The Magician’s Raincoat is a magical and fantastical journey. The special effects are on point and look very realistic. The plot, sets, and script are all spectacular and organized in a way that ties the storyline together.

This story begins with a magician (Cory Phillips) performing his show in the late 1920s. He doesn’t have the money to stay in the magic business so he pickpockets his attendees for money. Then, one of his victims turns his life into a disaster. So 86 years later, in present time, three siblings work together to help save the magician from an eternity of tragedy.

This film is high quality, and the plot is creative and fun. What stands out most are the camera work, acting, and storyline. The camera work is excellent and provides a variety of angles perfect for the scenes themselves. For example, when the kids are riding their bikes, the camera provides a bird’s eye view that follows them on their journey. The acting is exceptional and the actors are well cast and their portrayals are believable. Olivia (Taylor Bedford)  is brilliant and the actor who plays her shows this during a discussion with her science teacher (Laura Shatkus). I also like the part when the cat puts on the raincoat and “becomes” the magician; Cory Philips, who portrays him, is excellent.

The story is clear, enjoyable, innovative and intriguing, providing for the overall excellent experience. My favorite part is when Jack (Jake Alexander Williams) tries to talk to his crush, Kristy (Jenna Thaxton) and is not successful, which makes for a hilariously embarrassing scene.

The film’s message is that, over time, comes forgiveness, and eventually desperation. There are also strong themes of the importance of family.

I give The Magician’s Raincoat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available for streaming beginning September 3 2024.

Sophomore year brews lots of changes for Monster High. The power of three is put to the test as Clawdeen, Draculaura, and Frankie face monstrous challenges this year–new students, new powers, evolving friendships, and a mysterious threat that could not only tear their friendship apart, but also change the world forever.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “Monster High 2 is an impressive film that takes audiences into an immersive experience within this world of monsters. It has fantastic special effects and a character …One of my all-time favorite parts of this film is the choreography.” See her full review below.

Monster High 2
By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

L-R: Miia Harris as Clawdeen Wolf and Ceci Balagot as Frankie Stein in Monster High 2 on Nickelodeon and streaming on PARAMOUNT+. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman/Nickelodeon/Paramount+.

Monster High 2 is an impressive film that takes audiences into an immersive experience within this world of monsters. It has fantastic special effects and characters that left me on the edge of my seat.

Monster High 2 is the sequel to Monster High in which Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris) is a half werewolf, half human that is running for prefect of Monster High against the new student Toralei (Salena Qureshi). Toralei ends up getting magic banded at Monster high so Draculaura (Nayah Damasen) runs off with a boy who promises that he can reunite vampires and humans as fellow witches. From there the chaos of this movie continues to unfold.

One of my all-time favorite parts of this film is the choreography. It’s all very fun to watch and also believable and makes sense within the context of the storyline. The vocals, combined with the choreography, make it even better. Two of my favorite songs from the film, for both vocals and choreography, are “Reason We’ve Got Magic” and “You Don’t Know.” They both add so much to the story and are very engaging to watch. Definitely keep a look out for those in the movie.

L-R: Kyra Leroux as Demi Boovais and Miia Harris as Clawdeen Wolf in Monster High 2 on Nickelodeon and streaming on PARAMOUNT+. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman/Nickelodeon/Paramount+.

Something else I love is the costumes and sets. The whole show is set at the mythical school of Monster High and thus, they must have very elaborate costumes and sets in order to bring this school to life – the movie really pulls that through. Toralei and Draculaura have some of the coolest costumes in the film. Finally, the characters are terrific; each character is so well fleshed out and their personalities add so much to the film.

The message of this film is you don’t have to change who you are for anyone else. Stay true to yourself always.

Monster High 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Available now on DVD.

For more reviews of the latest films rated PG13 or younger, be sure to visit https://www.kidsfirst.org. Support our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic by donating to our annual fundraising campaign: https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal?ref=ab_bCo1e4

A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman João (Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife’s (Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed.  When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, João believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on a true story and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, “I love My Penguin Friend!  By the time this charming and heartfelt true story was over, I wanted my own cute and curious penguin pal. The thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim.” Hanadie K. adds, “My Penguin Friend beautifully illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship and love.” Their full reviews and Braedyn’s interview are below and here is Zoe C.’s interview with the star and director:

My Penguin Friend
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I love My Penguin Friend!  By the time this charming and heartfelt true story was over, I wanted my own cute and curious penguin pal.

The story revolves around Joao (Jean Reno), an old fisherman who has been lonely most of his life.  That is, until he meets Din Dim the penguin.  Drenched in oil, the frail penguin is taken care of by Joao till he regains his strength.  While caring for Din Dim, Joao begins to feel an emotion he hasn’t felt in a long time – happy.  When Din Dim leaves unexpectedly one morning, Joao is certain he will never see Din Dim again.  However, unknown to Joao, a bond has been formed that not even the widest ocean can break, and it is only a matter of time before the little one returns.

The thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim.  I’m not sure if an actual trained penguin was used in this film or very sharp CGI.  I’m guessing he’s real.  Din Dim is very excited while exploring Joao’s house, even though Joao’s wife, Ma (Adriana Barraza) doesn’t approve.  He rummages through toilet paper, scarfs down fish, and makes a burrow out of old trinkets he finds.  He is quite humorous and cute at the same time.

I also really like the credits at the beginning; it has a cool painted compass design, with lots of details.  The plot is a bit hard to follow at first, and I didn’t understand it fully till later in the film.  But, the chemistry between Joao, Maria, and Din Dim is spot on.  Joao cares for the penguin deeply; Maria only tolerates having a wild animal in her home. And, Din Dim causes loads of chaos, making it lots of fun for everybody.  The background music, composed by Fernando Velázquez, really brings everything together with music that highlights what an emotional story this is.

The film’s message is about the loyalty that comes from caring for an animal. Joao cares for Din Dim, and the little penguin becomes a companion to Joao, making both of them very happy.  After a while, even Maria starts to play with Din Dim.

I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. My Penguin Friend releases in theaters on August 16 2024.  Go check it out!

My Penguin Friend
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 13

What a heartwarming and captivating film! My Penguin Friend beautifully illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship and love.

Jean Reno delivers a deeply moving performance as João, capturing a man’s despair and the joy that blossoms as he bonds with this penguin. The film’s breathtaking cinematography, set on the beautiful coast of Brazil and Argentina, further enhances the emotions of this true story. It’s a touch that’s an inspiring story, perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt adventures.

My Penguin Friend follows the true story of João, a fisherman struggling with loss and isolating himself from the world. His life takes a surprising turn when he rescues a penguin named Dimdim, who’s been caught in an oil spill. As João cares for Dimdim, the bond they form helps him heal and rediscover happiness. When Dimdim returns to the wild, the story takes an emotional twist, highlighting the strength of their unique friendship.

What a perfect family film that offers a moving story which resonates with viewers of all ages. The lead characters in My Penguin Friend are brought to life by a talented cast. Jean Reno shines as João, perfectly capturing the mix of sorrow and hope in his character’s journey. Adriana Barraza delivers a strong performance as Maria, João’s wife, whose skepticism about the penguin adds depth to their relationship. The coastal locations in Brazil and Argentina are stunning and provide a beautiful backdrop for the story, making the film visually captivating.

My favorite part of the movie is when João tries to return Dimdim to the wild, only for the penguin to find its way back home miraculously. This moment highlights their unbreakable bond and is a powerful reminder of the unexpected connections we can form with animals. This is a heartwarming, family-friendly film that leaves you with a sense of hope and warmth. It offers a positive and uplifting message that encourages viewers to embrace life’s unexpected connections that can restore meaning and happiness.

The movie promotes positive social behavior, emphasizing the importance of empathy, family, and resilience.

The message of My Penguin Friend centers on the transformative power of love and connection, regardless of where it comes from. It reminds us of how, even small acts of kindness, like rescuing an animal in need, can lead to profound, life-altering relationships.

I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch this delightful movie in theaters starting August 16, 2024.

For more reviews of the latest films rated PG13 or younger, be sure to visit https://www.kidsfirst.org. Support our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic by donating to our annual fundraising campaign: https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal?ref=ab_bCo1e4

The all-new Paramount+ original 2D animated series, Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, explores the adventures of everyone’s favorite pizza-loving heroes as they emerge from the sewers onto the streets of NYC. Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey are faced with new threats and team up with old allies to survive both teenage life and villains lurking in the shadows of the Big Apple.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan M. comments, “KICK! SMASH! And Pizza! You know what this calls for?  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! They are back with a lot of battles against… robots. This series is really good. I just love how each ninja has its moment. It is just so amazing – especially learning the reason that each of them has their own friend or has created something. This story is a new story. There are no monsters but a lot of robots.” See his full review and talent interviews below.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles streaming on Paramount+ 2024. Photo credit: Paramount+

KICK! SMASH! And Pizza! You know what this calls for?  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! They are back with a lot of battles against… robots. As a big fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a lover of action animated series, I love Tales Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The storyline follows Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu) writing an adventure story about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles where a lady named Bishop (Alanna Ubach) wants to eliminate them for destroying her lab. In the adventure, they all learn from different experiences: Raphael (Brady Noon) learns how to distract; Donatello (Shamon Brown Jr) learns how to go beast mode; Michelangelo (Micah Abbey) finds out how to make better strategies and Leonardo unlocks his independence. Plus, they team up to fight Bishop.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit:Paramount+

This series is really good. I just love how each ninja has its moment. It is just so amazing – especially learning the reason that each of them has their own friend or has created something. This story is a new story. There are no monsters but a lot of robots. The story was written by Seth Rogen. It is just amazing how we dig into Leonardo’s comedic personality. That is really cool. The animation is really cool. One of my favorite parts is when Leonardo explains to the Turtles how to take down Bishop — such a good plan. And, I also love that the background is not perfect 3D or perfect 2D animation; it is a

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit:Paramount+

comic sketch in the background. They tried to make it resemble a comic book and I love that. I really love how every character except Leonardo makes a plan on their own and they all use the same line: that Leo’s job. When they get back together and fight Bishop it is the best fight of the series and is awesome. The character animation by James A. Castillo is outstanding; I love the suits they have at Bishop’s factory.

The show’s message is to always take advice because you never know when you will need it – just like every ninja. There is some negative language used; at some times the word idiot is used.

I give Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This film begins streaming on Paramount+ August 9, 2024.

A young boy, grieving the recent loss of his mother, attempts to contact her with the help of his friends.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Emma O. comments, “The Spirit of Friendship is incredibly cute and entertaining. Like friends should be, it feels good and has lots of charm. It also has a unique storyline which made me laugh throughout.” Zoey F. adds, “I like Spirit of Friendship because of the gorgeous scenery, appeal to kids, fitting background music and meaningful theme. This is a film about friendship; we watch Billy’s friends help him deal with his grief and support his ideas about talking to his mom’s spirit.” Josephine K. wraps it up with, “The movie Spirit of Friendship offers a unique look at a child mourning the loss of a loved one. The message and plot have a lot of potential and a great message.” See their full reviews below.

The Spirit of Friendship
Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Spirit of Friendship is incredibly cute and entertaining. Like friends should be, it feels good and has lots of charm. It also has a unique storyline which made me laugh throughout.

The story follows two siblings’ experience with the loss of their mom. They turn to their dad, Billy (Jeremey London), for comfort.  The dad offers support by telling how he experienced loss when he was a child.

The film is cute, unique, and interesting. When a brother and sister experience the loss of their mother, a story within a story ensues, as their dad retells how he coped with his own loss as a child. We go back in time to see a younger Billy (Carter Grassi) losing his mother as a child and his friend (Dante Corticelli) suggesting a ritual to communicate with the dead. While performing the ritual, the friends scatter because they think they’re in trouble. Billy remains behind, upset that his attempt to reach his mother has failed. The story develops and, rather than being caught, Billy and an old man, Leonard (Sal Rendino) develop a friendship. They meet to share their memories and favorite moments. Billy lost his mother, and Leonard lost his wife, Margret. The two share a common thread; the people they lost both loved doing crossword puzzles. This similarity brings Leonard and Billy closer together as friends. When Billy wants his new friend, Leonard, to meet his neighborhood crew, Leonard never shows. The magic of this movie is the reveal at the end. There are moments of friendship, bullying, crushes and heartache. We see how the bond of friendship can withstand loss.

The film’s message is to cherish and value friendships; to cherish memories of those we lose, and not let that loss affect your happiness or positivity.  It is okay to grieve over a loved one, but they would not want you to let the past affect how you feel for the rest of your life. Charming as this film is be aware that there is profanity in a couple of scenes plus a few violent interactions such as fighting, bullying and harassment.

I give Spirit of Friendship 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

Spirit of Friendship
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like Spirit of Friendship because of the gorgeous scenery, appeal to kids, fitting background music and meaningful theme. Although there are some awkward moments, it is a good family friendly film.

The storyline follows Billy (Jeremy London) recalling his experience dealing with his mother’s death. Twelve-year-old Billy (Carter Grassi) and his friends, Mike (Luca Corticelli) and Jake (Dante Corticelli), try to communicate with Billy’s deceased mom’s spirit and meet two women, Emma (Delaney Miclette) and her friend Abby (Brianna Gleason) – Emma is sympathetic, but Abby is disrespectful and mocks him. As he struggles to cope with his emotions, a mysterious man named Leonard (Sal Rendino) mysteriously shows up to help Billy deal with his grief.

This is a film about friendship; we watch Billy’s friends help him deal with his grief and support his ideas about talking to his mom’s spirit. One thing I like about Spirit of Friendship is the scenery and gorgeous sets that make this film look real. When Billy and his friends are walking through a forest trail, there are spectacular trees with autumn leaves falling everywhere. The background music always compliments the scenes. For example, when Billy is having fun with Mike and Jake, there is upbeat pop music. I like that this movie includes contemporary slang that kids can relate to. Mike and Jake use words like “mid” – for mediocre. This is relatable because kids actually use that slang. I am impressed with the acting of Sal Rendino who plays Leonard. He serves as Billy’s role model, which makes a lot of sense. There are some awkward moments such as when the actors repeatedly stutter their lines or times when the acting seems awkward. Whenever Emma talks to Billy, it feels off. The emotional connection that Emma and Billy are supposed to have does not quite come off as real and this makes their dialogue feel corny.

The film’s message is to value the people around you. It is important to treasure the people who love you especially when you are suffering from a loss. Be forewarned that there is some harsh language and minor swearing.

I give Spirit of Friendship 3.5 of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.

Spirit of Friendship
By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The movie Spirit of Friendship offers a unique look at a child mourning the loss of a loved one. The message and plot have a lot of potential and a great message. I liked the beginning, but towards the middle, I lost interest.

This story follows a father (Jeremy London) whose kids are trying to get over the loss of their recently deceased grandfather. The father tries to help his kids by telling them how he got over the loss of his mother when he was a child. He tells about how his younger self (Carter Grassi) and his friends helped him try to contact his mother after her death. Over a series of events and with the help of a wise stranger, Leonard (Sal Rendino), the father’s younger self realizes the truth about keeping her memory alive.

The script is rather repetitive and the acting falls short, but the message, the costumes and sets are all excellent. I love the girls’ costumes, especially Emma (Delaney Miclette). They are very modern. This film has breathtaking sets, which are a bright spot. It is set in fall, which provides stunning scenery. The cemetery and all its pathways are particularly pretty. The acting in the film is its weakest aspect; the actors don’t give much emotion to their performances, especially the child actors who seemed to not really know their lines or say them so fast that they lack impact. There are three actors that stand out for their performances and they are all adult actors. My favorite character is Leonard because he is wise and has a good perspective on life. Also, Sal Rendino, who plays him, delivers all of his lines so well and every word feels like it has meaning.

The film’s message is that loved ones are always with you even if they have passed away. This is an uplifting and relatable message.

I give Spirit of Friendship 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on August 13, 2024.