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From the minds behind Searching comes Missing, a thrilling roller-coaster mystery that makes you wonder how well you know those closest to you. When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June’s search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it’s too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers…and when June unravels secrets about her mom, she discovers that she never really knew her at all.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Miguel C. comments, “Missing is absolutely breathtaking. There are many suspense films, but the way this one is made is so new and different. It’s a new era of filmmaking because we never see a real shot; it all takes place on a computer.” Zoe C. adds, “Missing kept me at the edge of my seat. Unlike any film I’ve seen before, directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick use a different approach to tell this story. The film is entirely narrated from the perspective of technology. Not once is the camera facing any of the actors. I found this innovative and captivating.” Natalia J. wraps it up with, “This film provides a very significant message, especially to younger viewers – admire, cherish and be grateful for those around you. In a split matter of seconds, you can lose someone you care about. Take the time to show you appreciate their existence every day.” See their full reviews below.  

Missing 
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST!* Film Critic, age 13 

Missing is absolutely breathtaking. There are many suspense films, but the way this one is made is so new and different. It’s a new era of filmmaking because we never see a real shot; it all takes place on a computer. 

The storyline follows Junes’ (Storm Reid) mom, Grace (Nia Long) who goes on a trip to Colombia and mysteriously goes missing. 

This film has a lot of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, plus I cried because there is a very touching mother and daughter relationship. 

This film will most likely become a fan favorite because it has a really good cast and the story line is amazing. I saw some of them coming but I was still shocked at things that happen. It is also super funny. There is a lot of Gen Z slang and different inside jokes that Gen Zers understand. The best part is how the characters look and act in their respective ways. We see a side of different people but we really don’t know if it’s really them or just an act until the end. There is also a lot of suspense and I got scared a lot. It’s also crazy seeing how much Storm has grown up and it’s really cool seeing her appear in more mature and darker roles. She is a great actress who is not afraid to take risks.  

The message of this film is that everyone can know absolutely everything about you from the internet so really look at what you say and post. This movie definitely is on the more dangerous and darker side because it addresses kidnapping and there are parts where we see some hostages and some inappropriate behavior and words such as someone getting shot and other physical violence

I give Missing 4.5/5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Missing comes out in theatres January 20, 2023.  

Missing 
By Nathalia J. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The mystery film, Missing, directed by Nicholos D. Johnson and Will Merrick, is immersive and suspenseful. This film covers familiar grounds, similar to the 2018 film Searching. Missing is held to a high standard which definitely is fulfilled; it hit me with one stunning reveal after another that reoriented my perspective and kept me clinging to the edge of my seat. 

The story follows 18-year-old June Allen as she embarks on an desperate journey to locate her missing mother, Grace Allen, after failed efforts by the FBI. At first, Grace’s disappearance is suspected to be committed by strangers whose only interest was getting money. However, as June begins to broaden her search and look into her mother’s short-term boyfriend, Kevin Lin, she discovers that this mystery is more complex. In fact, the disappearance of her mother is the result of dangerous secrets Grace has kept hidden, which alter the significance and speculation that June is now also in great danger. Her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin, is directly tied to someone from Grace’s past who wants nothing but to destroy her life and Kevin is the perfect asset to this person’s desire for revenge against Grace. 

My favorite character is June Allen, portrayed by the award-winning actress, Storm Reid. Throughout the film, June proves to be persistent, resilient and steadfast. Her eagerness to solve the mystery also provides an opportunity for June to acknowledge her love for her mother. She is driven to solve this mystery by her guilt of how she mistreated her mother before she went missing. I admire June for the mindset she carries within herself; she understands the risk and consequences that come with certain decisions she makes, yet overlooks them and plays an enormous role in solving her mother’s disappearance. Storms Reid executes the role of June Alle with precision.  My favorite aspect of this film is how it immerses the audience – watching this film made me feel as if I was right there with June and at times with the kidnappers.

Directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick make engaging use of technology in this film.Considering the only resource June has right at her fingertips is technology, she spends sleepless nights on her MacBook searching for information. However, every time she acts on it, she is always one step behind. It is as if someone is watching her, and knows her every move. Towards the middle of the film, we begin to get the perspective of the kidnapper and learn that June is in fact being watched, but not in the way she imagines. The person is watching her computer activity, discovering all her resources, information, contacts and future plans, which make it nearly impossible for June to find the person responsible until she comes face to face with death. I would like to admire the editing department for their work; the numerous plot-twists and countless perspectives in this film move at a fast pace and the editors excel in the execution of that. Each moment comes unpredicted or speculated from previous events, and the editing plays a huge role in achieving this. The constant cuts between June to Grace to the kidnapper, allows viewers to never focus deliberately on one character or moment as it’s always in motion. 

This film provides a very significant message, especially to younger viewers – admire, cherish and be grateful for those around you. In a split matter of seconds, you can lose someone you care about. Take the time to show you appreciate their existence every day. 

I give Missing 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film is now available at your local movie theaters. Enjoy!

Missing
Zoë Cannella, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Missing kept me at the edge of my seat. Unlike any film I’ve seen before, directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick use a different approach to tell this story. The film is entirely narrated from the perspective of technology. Not once is the camera facing any of the actors. I found this innovative and captivating.

Missing is a story purely captured through technology. The movie focuses on a young girl named June, Gracefully played by Storm Reid. June’s mom, Grace Allen (actor) and her boyfriend Kevin (actor) go on a vacation in Colombia. After the trip, June waits countless hours at the airport for her mom to arrive and, to her surprise, she never does. From there the investigation begins — conducted by the teenager and helped with tech devices. The film shows her journey tracking down her mom and investigating the mystery of her disappearance, like a modern Enola Holmes. The movie shows how accessible the internet is and all June’s creative tactics her tracing finding her missing mom. This is also the story of a mother and daughter that missed each other when they were together.

This film really goes to show how even without the camera facing any of the actors, there is no absence of storytelling. Presenting this story through technology really adds to the experience of watching it. This film has a great cast as well. Storm Reid as June is a really nice fit; although, her performances in the TV series Euphoria and A wrinkle in Time” showcase her acting more than this film does. My favorite character is definitely Javier played by Joaquim De Almeida. In this film Javier helps June in her journey to find her mom and Joaquin’s performance brings a fresh comedic value to the film. The ending is a bit too drawn out, but the rest of the movie keeps you locked in with all its twists and turns. The cinematography is perfect for the style of the film and the editing works as well. The story is a bit predictable and fortuitous at some moments but overall, it keeps tension and engagement.

The message of the film is never underestimate the joy of living with your parents. 

I give Missing 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theatres January 20, 2023.

Living is the story of an ordinary man, reduced by years of oppressive office routine to a shadow existence, who at the eleventh hour makes a supreme effort to turn his dull life into something wonderful.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, “Living illustrates that films are not just a source of entertainment…This film tells a heartbreaking story about a bureaucrat who learns he has a terminal illness and is then galvanized to make a difference in his life and in those around him.” See her full review below.

Living
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Living illustrates that films are not just a source of entertainment.  They can make us examine social awareness, consciousness and our values.  This film tells a heartbreaking story about a bureaucrat who learns he has a terminal illness and is then galvanized to make a difference in his life and in those around him.  

Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy) is a civil servant in 1950s London whose life is one of dull routine. Once he is notified that he has roughly six months remaining, he realizes that he no longer knows how to enjoy life and has become trapped in a meaningless existence.  He attaches himself to others to observe life and thus makes changes from his friendship with his subordinate, Ms. Harris (Aimee Lou Wood) who notably adds spark to the movie and his life.  He enjoys her appetite for life and remembers what it is to be alive.  This realization motivates him to return to work and make important changes.  His colleagues in the Public Works Department notice his dramatic change and he sets an example for his team to follow.

Living is a historical drama with splendid costuming and detailing in all the various sets used throughout the film.  Every minute detail under director Oliver Hermanus provides the viewer immersion into this period piece.  Costume designer Sandy Powell, along with the various artists who work on hair and make-up support the depth of this story.  Bill Nighy gives a compelling performance as a man who resurrects his life and I particularly enjoyed his singing in this movie.  The cast is very good in this film and it was a pleasure to watch him interact with all of the various actors as they portray various work stereotypes.      

The film’s message is that it is never too late to change the direction of your life and to influence those around you.  Mr. Williams remembers not to push things under the rug and not to shy away from responsibility.  It is an important message and reminder to us all to live life to the fullest. There are no scenes that younger viewers cannot watch, but the seriousness of the film and topic does not lend itself to younger viewers.   

I give Living 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  This movie is available in select theaters January 17, 2023.

Based on the # 1 New York Times bestseller A Man Called Ove, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. Otto is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol. She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life, A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Miguel C. comments, “Tom Hanks excels in his portrayal of Otto. This film really addresses equality and how much things have changed. There is a LGBTQ+ character in it and Mack Bayda portrays him very well.” Julie S. adds, “The character, Otto, is played so well by Tom Hanks that you semi-hate him for his persnickety personality, yet as the story evolves and we learn about the tragic events of his past, the “what and why” become clear.” See their full reviews below.

A Man Called Otto 
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST!Film Critic, age 13

I didn’t love A Man Called Otto as much as I thought I would. It has a lot of funny parts even though it is a really sad movie. The funny parts are where they include different Latinx things and different things we say and do. As a Latinx myself, I had a good laugh, but my eyes did water up.  

First we meet Otto (Tom Hanks), who is a grumpy old man that loves to follow the rules and fights with everyone. Everything is annoying to him and he really doesn’t like people. He’d much rather be alone; he tries to do something many times and, along the way, he meets many people. We see a lot of flashbacks with Otto and his late wife.  

This move is sad and, the way they use dark colors to really make the mood, makes it sadder. Tom Hanks excels in his portrayal of Otto. This film really addresses equality and how much things have changed. There is a LGBTQ+ character in it and Mack Bayda portrays him very well. The costumes are really cool thanks to Mariana Treviño. Not only that, but she brings a Latin feel to the film like in all the different Latino food that is featured.  

The film’s message is that just because someone else’s life ends, yours doesn’t have to. There are so many beautiful and wonderful people on this earth. The one thing parents should be aware of is that there is some self- harm and suicide.  

I give A Man Called Otto 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommended it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters January 13, 2023 

A Man Called Otto
By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

I thoroughly enjoyed A Man Called Otto. Tom Hank’s portrayal of an aging man whose love of his life was taken way too young haunts his character Otto, but thanks to the persistent love of his new neighbors he emerges from his shell as he finds a new extended family.

The storyline follows Otto, a grumpy old man who thinks of himself as the quintessential rule enforces in his neighborhood and elsewhere. The film is filled with flashbacks which reveal the backstory of Otto’s life and how he came to become the grumpy old dude he is.

The character, Otto, is played so well by Tom Hanks that you semi-hate him for his persnickety personality, yet as the story evolves and we learn about the tragic events of his past, the “what and why” become clear. When new neighbors move in across the street, the wife (Mariana Trevino) is persistent in not letting Otto escape her kindness, whether it means bringing him wonderful Mexican food, which Otto begrudgingly loves, or inviting him to spend time with her children. The tragedy of Otto’s love story, which began and ended with his lively and beautiful wife, it is, no less, still a love story. It makes you ache for poor Otto who truly found his soul mate and lost her way too soon. He is bent on taking his own life, but constantly drawn away by his neighbors Marisol and her hubby.

Directed by Marc Forster, the film is beautifully produced with eloquent shots of the landscape of suburban Pennsylvania and sets that show middle class America in its simplest form. My favorite scene is a toss-up between the one with Otto and his neighbor buddy, during friendlier times when they compete for who has the coolest car and when he teaches Marisol how to drive; the speech he gives her about how she is not an idiot is awe-inspiring and afterwards, she loses all fear and drives like a warrior.

What I love most about this film is character. So many mass market films, particularly comic based ones, lack depth of character and this one delivers it in Otto, but also in Marisol and Anita, even Malcolm and Jimmy. Everyone evolves here and becomes more substantial than they are at first glance. Be forewarned that there are suicide attempts shown and some profanity.

I give A Man Called Otto 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It’s rare to find a film with such substance. We laughed and cried, then did it again and again. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!

A joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female R&B pop vocalists of all time, tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kendall B. comments, “Naomi Ackie’s performance as Whitney Houston is breathtaking. You can tell she studied Houston very closely. Whitney’s relationship with her best friend, Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams) is focused on very heavily in this film, and I loved it.” See her full review below.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody
By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a new film about the life of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices of any generation. It portrays Houston in a new and exciting way that all audiences will love to see.

Raised by famous singer Cissy Houston (Tamara Tunie), Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie) had a powerful voice from the time she was little. After being discovered while singing in her mom’s place by record executive Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci), Whitney quickly became a huge singer all across America and around the world.

This movie follows her life from the beginning to the end and shows what happened behind the cameras, closely following her relationship with her husband, family, and friends.

Naomi Ackie’s performance as Whitney Houston is breathtaking. You can tell she studied Houston very closely. Whitney’s relationship with her best friend, Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams) is focused on very heavily in this film, and I loved it. There is lots of tension between the actors and it definitely makes the film better in so many ways.

Another relationship that is focused on in this film is Houston’s relationship with Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders). Ackie and Sanders both put lots of effort into their roles and it pays off. The film I Wanna Dance With Somebody does an astounding job when it comes to Whitney’s performances. It feels like you’re really there watching her perform. My favorite scene — and it’s really breathtaking to watch it.

The message of I Wanna Dance With Somebody is that fame can change a person’s life for good and for bad. Whitney Houston got lots of money and fame from her singing career, but it also messed with her in horrible ways. A few things for parents watching with children to be aware of is that there is lots of swearing in this movie and drugs are used towards the end of the film.

I give I Wanna Dance With Somebody 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters December 23, 2022.

An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N., comments, “Matilda the Musical is full of nostalgia and catchy songs, giving a new generation the chance to experience Matilda and her magic. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy being a little naughty sometimes?” See her full review below.

Matilda the Musical
Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 15

Matilda the Musical is full of nostalgia and catchy songs, giving a new generation the chance to experience Matilda and her magic. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy being a little naughty sometimes?

Matilda the Musical is the retelling of the classic 1996 film, Matilda. Matilda (Alisha Weir) is a young girl with a brilliant mind and a vivid imagination. After meeting a kindhearted and loving teacher named Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), Matilda finally gets to go to school and get relief from her neglectful parents. It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, however, as she soon finds herself fighting back against the merciless principal of the school, Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson.)

Matilda the Musical is a musical whose songs will stick in your head all day. The casting for this musical is perfect for the characters and the story, especially in the roles for Alisha Weir and Lashana Lynch. They are both able to convey the delicate and innocent personalities that are Matilda and Miss Honey. When they are on screen together, the only thing the audience thinks about is how they want everything to work out for them. Matilda and Miss Honey are the definition of lovable characters.

The process of Matilda developing telekinesis seems somewhat rushed, though — it is such an important factor to the original story, and it might feel random or as though it came out of nowhere for some. We don’t see Matilda building up her skills, so that is rather abrupt. The choreography, by Ellen Kane, is intricate and advanced.

One of the concluding songs, Revolting Children, led by Hortensia (Meesha Garbett) and Bruce (Charlie Hodson-Prior) has choreography that has already become a fan favorite. The moves—combined with the talented dancers—capture everyone’s attention. 

The message of Matilda the Musical is that if there is something in your life that you believe is detrimental, or not adding value, it’s okay to move on. Matilda the Musical shows the audience that you don’t have to feel bad for choosing something better for your life.

I give Matilda the Musical 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Matilda the Musical is available now on Netflix.