Eleanor The Great * Touching And Complex Story With Deep Emotions, Beautifully Presented
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
In Eleanor The Great, June Squibb brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is a comically poignant exploration of how the stories we hear become the stories we tell.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “I really like the film, Eleanor The Great. It has a simple but yet incredibly complex storyline, and conveys emotion in a beautiful way. It highlights different perspectives, and shows multiple sides to one story. I am really touched by this movie, and feel that it’s important for us as a society to bring more attention to films like this.” Valerie M. adds, “Eleanor The Great is the most heartfelt movie I’ve ever seen. Its story was handled with expert care, and the acting left me in awe…Eleanor is a beautiful character, and June Squibb’s brilliant acting really brings her to life.” See their full reviews below.
Eleanor The Great
Mikella G, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 19
I really like the film, Eleanor The Great. It has a simple but yet incredibly complex storyline, and conveys emotion in a beautiful way. It highlights different perspectives, and shows multiple sides to one story. I am really touched by this movie, and feel that it’s important for us as a society to bring more attention to films like this.
Eleanor The Great follows the life of Eleanor (June Squibb), who is trying to navigate her way through life at its later stages. She recently moved back to New York to be with family, after losing one of her closest friends. While trying to find her place in the big city she calls home, she finds herself recalling old stories with nothing but pure intentions, however her small lies eventually catch up to her, and she must learn the power of honesty and accountability.
Scarlett Johansson’s directing style is a notable standout in this film. This movie highlights the often quietness and loneliness in people’s lives. Each camera angle brings that feeling to the screen. There are so many moments of stillness, where the audience is focused on one thing even, for example, watching Eleanor come back to New York. This is a place that she once called home, and you can really tell how much she’s taking it all in. It feels like I’m really seeing New York City through her eyes. Additionally, I enjoy the simplicity of this movie. It isn’t a huge blockbuster film, and it doesn’t take big expensive sets to make it happen. Everything feels extremely realistic, as if I’m just watching Eleanor’s life right beside her. Something else I enjoy is the storyline.
This is one of the first movies I’ve ever watched with an older woman as the main character. Getting to see her perspective on life is so interesting and refreshing. In most films the older characters are often pushed to the side, and seen as someone who has a lot of wisdom. Here, Eleanor is so much more than that. Of course we get her wise advice, but we also get to understand her life. We learn her struggles and dreams, but also what brings her happiness. Hearing her perspective on why she does certain things is fascinating and educational.
The message of Eleanor The Great is that life is valuable, and a reminder to take in everything, even the small things. Please be aware that this film does contain mentions of the Holocaust.
I give Eleanor The Great 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. This film will be released in select theaters starting September 26, 2025.
Eleanor The Great
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
Eleanor The Great is the most heartfelt movie I’ve ever seen. Its story was handled with expert care, and the acting left me in awe.
The story follows Eleanor (June Squibb), a 94-year-old senior citizen, who lives with her best friend Bessie (Rita Zohar), a Holocaust survivor. One day Bessie suffers a heart attack; she survives, but ends up passing shortly afterwards. Filled with grief, Eleanor moves back to Bronx and accidentally joins a Holocaust support group. Under stress and grief, she feels compelled to share Bessie’s story as if it was her own. A young journalist named Nina (Erin Kellyman) approaches Eleanor after the meeting and asks her for an interview. That’s how Eleanor’s double life begins.
Eleanor is a beautiful character, and June Squibb’s brilliant acting really brings her to life. Right off the bat, I could sense her grief through the screen. Later, after a major event, when her fighting spirit is gone, the vacuum left behind is so palpable that she does not need to say anything to convey. I will go a step further and say that everyone’s performance in this film deserves a round of applause. They all tell this story with an outstanding authenticity that’s not typically found. Their emotions are raw, ugly and justified. I also enjoyed the suspense of Eleanor managing two identities. You can feel the tension building as you see how minor inconsistencies snowball into unbearable contradictions that Eleanor must keep up to maintain these two separate worlds. The measured pacing is the cherry on top. It feels real, as if everything is happening in real time.
The transitions from Bessie to Eleanor after Bessie passes convey so much emotion and the cuts in the middle of scenes are perfectly placed. No one is interrupted, and instead, I was left wondering what they could have said. Another thing I found interesting is Nina’s character being a parallel to Eleanor’s. While Eleanor is old, confident and stands her ground, Nina is young and easily influenced. However, they have both lost someone close to them. They understand and share their feelings with each other, which leads to their friendship. Later, when Nina confronts Eleanor, we see that they are not so different after all.
The film’s message is that you cannot lie forever, and that telling the truth and admitting your mistakes is much more fulfilling. Note that there are discussions of death, mass genocide and references to explicit activities.
I give Eleanor The Great 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. Eleanor The Great releases in theaters on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
A rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, is feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers. Now he’s faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs.
I love the movie Ne Zha 2, because of the humorous touches, incredible animation, and the several meaningful themes, such as family and good versus evil. It is extremely complex, and the characters all have their own stories.
The animation is incredible! This is visual storytelling at its best. This is a heartfelt movie with heartbreaking, yet sweet moments. One thing that really impressed me is how intense this film is; it fully immersed me in the story, as if I was a part of it. The message is inspiring and hopeful, which really gives the movie a meaningful touch. Ne Zha is portrayed as a demon child grappling with feelings of being replaced; Crystal Lee and Griffin Puatu provide the voice of Ne Zha, for his child and teenage form, very well. Michelle Yeoh and Vincent Rodriguez III portray the emotional depth of their characters so well with their voices. Ao Bing, one of the characters with the most internal conflict, is voiced by Aleks Le, whose voice perfectly matches the character. My favorite scene is when Ao Bing and Ne Zha break free of Master Wuliang’s (Robert Clotworthy) trap.
The film’s message is to be yourself. It reminds us of how we are perfect just the way we are. Be forewarned that it has several violent scenes, many deaths, and mild language, making it slightly unsuitable for younger children.
Ne Zha 2 is an epic film about two destined enemies becoming friends. I love this film because of the characters and the emotional aspect.
This film surprised me in all the ways a person can be surprised. Starting with the phenomenal animation, this film truly brings the story to life. The battle scenes in particular are stunning visually and very creative. My favorite scene is the final battle scene. The background music is astonishing and the sound effects are extremely realistic. I really enjoyed watching Lady Yin evolve into the caring mother she was born to be. I also enjoyed watching Taiyi Zhenren (Rick Zieff), taking Ne Zha under his wing. This film is an emotional roller coaster — it made me laugh, cry, and truly brought me joy like I have never experienced before from watching a film. Compared to Ne Zha, Ne Zha 2 is even better. The characters are very similar with some of the same qualities and some differences which made watching the movie fun. Ne Zha 2 taught me life is not in black and white, there is some gray too. The people of Chentang Pass come to understand why people do certain things to protect their people.
The film’s message is that not everyone is all good or all bad. When we see other’s differences and celebrate them, then we can all become one team and defeat the real enemy. Note that there are some violent scenes that are inappropriate for younger children.
A young boy and friends, with the help of his grandfather who served in World War II, his loyal friends, and his love of history, takes on the neighborhood bully and learns the importance of teamwork, family, and friendship.
Operation Friendship is a wonderful film about two enemies becoming friends. Having friends is important but making them is even more important.
This film is fantastic; I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. The costumes are realistic, while none stand out. My favorite character is Phoebe (Gabriella Dillenback) because she doesn’t mind hanging out with all boys if she gets the opportunity to support her friends. The scene that really stuck to me is when Chaz’s dad (James Arnold Taylor) and grandpa (Vincent Dantone) reveal their surprise to prove that they are really on Chaz’s side. My least favorite scene is when Chaz has a nightmare because it seems unnecessary. The actors’ performances are magnificent. They are in character throughout the film.
The grandpa’s acting of Grandpa especially stands out because he can be fun or funny but also has the ability to talk seriously with Chaz, his grandson. Grandpa, dad, and Chaz have a very special relationship. We see this at the beginning of the film when the mom, Lisa Smith (Libby Smallbone) goes to the spa and the boys go have fun together. The background music is superb, especially during the battle scene. It truly adds drama and depth to the plot. The character’s facial expressions also add depth and drama to the plot. I truly enjoyed this film because it surprised me.
I like Operation Friendship because of its faith-based storyline, the honoring of soldiers, and the action-packed thrill. I also like it because of the grandpa who is funny and repeats things over and over.
The main characters are Chaz Smith (Izaak Bellis) and Phoebe (Gabriella Dillenback). I like how Chaz and his grandpa always play with toy army men and how, in the morning, grandpa blows a trumpet to wake Chaz up. I also like that, with the help of his grandfather who served in World War II, and his loyal friends they were able to take the neighborhood bully down. I was confused about exactly what the story is about. Another thing I don’t like is the dream, which I found a bit disturbing. In spite of all his challenges, I like how Chaz stands up for what he believes. It seems that Chaz’s friends criticize Phoebe a lot, which I didn’t care for. I like how the camera zooms in on the dirt to make it look like a real battle field.
The photography is pretty good, especially the shots with the background scenery. The graphics stand out because they are good crisp.
In Freakier Friday, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice.
