KIDS FIRST! News

This summer, experience the epic conclusion to the Jurassic era as two generations unite for the first time. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Oscar®-winner Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, a bold, timely and breathtaking new adventure that spans the globe. From Jurassic World architect and director Colin Trevorrow, Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live–and hunt–alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “Jurassic World Dominion is an action-packed film filled with great comedy and strong actor performances. I also liked how they brought characters from Jurassic Park and World together into one movie.” Tiana S. adds,” Bigger and scarier dinosaurs, heart-pounding sound effects, and plot twists mixed with plenty of adventures are just what you can expect from Jurassic World Dominion! From the beginning to the end of the movie, there are tons of action-packed scenes to keep you literally jumping for more.” Benjamin P. wraps it up with, “The world of Jurassic Park roars back to life with Jurassic World Dominion, a long, spectacle-driven, dino-filled movie  — at times messy and confusing and good reminder of how this film doesn’t quite live up to Jurassic films of the past.” See their full reviews below.

Jurassic World Dominion
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Jurassic World Dominion is an action-packed film filled with great comedy and strong actor performances. I also liked how they brought characters from Jurassic Park and World together into one movie. In this version, humans and all animals learn to adapt to sharing the planet with all species of dinosaurs. 

Continuing from the Jurassic Park, and now World series, this movie is about how Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong) makes a huge mistake when he and Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott) of Biosyn, try to engineer locust bugs designed to eat all the wheat crops, except for Biosyn crops, so they can control the food source. The problem is these giant bugs multiply out of control and threaten to eat all the human’s source of food. You might remember Dodgson from the first Jurassic Park movie, where he was trying to buy dinosaur embryos from an Ingen programmer named Dennis Nedry. The famous Barbasol can with a secret embryo compartment makes a cameo in this film as well. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Alan Grant (Sam Neill) work together again to stop this madness by exposing their plan. While this is happening, Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon) is being hunted down to be studied at the same lab.

The graphics are exciting and just as good as the CGI. My favorite part is when Dr. Ian Malcom (Jeff Goldblum) throws a stick on fire at the T-rex to stop it from eating him. The scene is so realistic and is even better when he starts blowing out fire from his mouth! In comparison with the previous Jurassic Park movies, this film has extraordinary effects. The music is appealing for each scene and the story line is engaging, even though it was a bit predictable. The actors performed their characters very well.

The moral of Jurassic World Dominion is to respect nature and to adapt to changes—we see that message where InGen and Biosyn took dinosaurs for granted when using them to experiment and to try to make money.

I give Jurassic World Dominion 5 out of 5 stars for the finale of this great series of movies. I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Jurassic World Dominion is available in all theatres starting on June 10, 2022.

Jurassic World Dominion
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST Film Critic, age 11

Bigger and scarier dinosaurs, heart-pounding sound effects, and plot twists mixed with plenty of adventures are just what you can expect from Jurassic World Dominion! From the beginning to the end of the movie, there are tons of action-packed scenes to keep you literally jumping for more. Fans of the Jurassic Park franchise will not be disappointed.   

Jurassic World Dominion centers around two different storylines. On one hand, Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon), a teenager, who happens to be a clone of her biological mother, is kidnapped and taken to a company called Biosyn to become a science experiment so scientists can learn how her biological mother created her. On the other hand, her parents, Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), set out on an adventure to rescue her. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) is suspicious of the works of Biosyn and its animal experiments, as well as its attempt to take over the food chain. She brings in Alan Grant (Sam Neill) to help her stop Biosyn from taking over. The two storylines eventually combine for one suspenseful adventure that happens to take place all while dinosaurs are threatening the characters’ existence.  

The main characters in this film are Maisie, Claire, Owen, Alan, Ellie, and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). There are references and character appearances from other movies in the Jurassic Park franchise. I enjoyed seeing how characters from different parts of the film join together to save Maisie and end up trying to save each other and become a family while working together. There are some funny scenes throughout the film, and I loved seeing the characters communicating with the dinosaurs and even making them promises. The movie takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you root for the good guys to not only survive but to win.

This film touches on family and whether or not dinosaurs and humans can co-exist. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out. While I highly enjoyed Jurassic World Dominion, this film may not be suitable for people who have certain fears/anxieties or even suffer from PTSD. Parents should look out for scenes with extreme violence, gory deaths, and loads of jump scares. 

I give Jurassic World Dominion 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film roars into theaters on June 10, 2022.

Jurassic World Dominion
By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

The world of Jurassic Park roars back to life with Jurassic World Dominion, a long, spectacle-driven, dino-filled movie  — at times messy and confusing and good reminder of how this film doesn’t quite live up to Jurassic films of the past.

After the conclusion of the last movie, dinosaurs are now roaming the globe, largely un-checked and causing mayhem as humans and dinos learn they make bad companions. Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) live a humble existence, each adapting to this ecological shockwave in their own way. They’re raising a young girl, who wants more freedom from her protective family unit. She has to live in hiding because her genes may or may not be the key to figuring out how this dinosaur fiasco could help cure diseases and be the key to saving lives. She’s taken and suddenly, Owen and Claire find themselves heading out into this uncertain world of humans and dinosaurs in search of her whereabouts. They’ll need help from a paleontologist named Alan Grant (Sam Neill), a scientist named Ellie Satler (Laura Dern) and a mathematician named Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), who we haven’t seen together since the first Jurassic Park back in 1993.

With a set-up as game-changing as the one set up by the end of the last Jurassic World movie—and the return of the original cast—the pieces seemed to be in place for this to be a home run. Unfortunately, the return of Goldblum, Neill and Dern feels dropped into the plot machinations of the Jurassic World series to attempt to fittingly close out this 6-movie journey. Yet nothing happens to them that changes their characters in any substantial way and while it’s great to have them back, their return lacks purpose within the story of Jurassic World Dominion.

The performances of the old favorites, Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum worked better for me than those of the newbies Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. There’s a tender encounter between Dern and a baby dinosaur that was really affecting—every emotion on her face feels pure and honest. She’s just as compelling in that moment as she is letting out a scream as locusts swarm around her. Sam Neill’s gruffness and grumbly demeanor still makes him a nice foil to Ian Malcom, and Jeff Goldblum feels right at home as Ian. He walks into this movie like a rock star, holding the attention of an auditorium full of enthralled listeners as he lectures in a black leather jacket. I’ll admit, it’s plenty of fun to see the original trio interact with the new Jurassic crew, comparing notes on their adventures and butting heads, but be warned, they don’t run into each other until almost two hours in.

The lesson of Jurassic World Dominion is elusive. At first, it seeks the answer to whether or not we can handle the consequences of what we do to the natural world. However, then, there’s a thread about parenthood that never gets fully developed. Indicative of Jurassic World Dominion’s greatest flaw, the ultimate point of this movie never explicitly reveals itself.  There is some mild violence, as well as some frightening sequences and frequent terror.

I give Jurassic World Dominion 2 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults.  Jurassic World Dominion stomps into theaters June 10, 2022.

Oh no! The mischievous Jabberwock has stolen the dreams of all the inhabitants of the galaxy! Enter Captain Snow White and the crew of the Fairytale Fun Force, the superpowered team of fairytale heroes: King Arthur, Little Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, and Robin Hood! The brave team sets off on a galactic adventure to find out what happened to everybody’s dreams! Will Doodley Digs point them to virtual reality? Or will the Cheshire Cat lead them down into the dark Magic Forest? Maybe Dorothy has seen them in the wonderful land of Oz? Join the adventure and find out in Fairytale Fun Force!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Anna Clara B. comments, “Fairytale Fun Force is a magical film so full of the cutest things that I couldn’t stop looking at the screen.” Ashleigh C. adds, “This film is perfect for a family movie night, with a perfect mix of action, comedy and adventure. Viewers and fans of parodies and remakes such as the show Once Upon a Time will obsess over this movie. While the characters are familiar and recognizable in appearance I love how the writers molded them with new personalities and quirks.” Katie F. adds, “Fairytale Fun Force is a cute and colorful cartoon made to entertain young children. Using our favorite fairytale characters and fairytale places, Fairytale Fun Force is an enjoyable animated film.” Pamela L. wraps it up with, “I really enjoyed Fairytale Fun Force with its upbeat storyline and well developed characters. It is a fun spoof on many popular children’s stories and movies that, when combined, create a unique story.” See their full reviews below.  

Fairytale Fun Force
By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Fairytale Fun Force is a magical film so full of the cutest things that I couldn’t stop looking at the screen.

The film tells the story of five fairytale friends: Snow White, Pinocchio, Robin Hood, Little Red Riding Hood and King Arthur.  They all have a discussion about something they heard that is very strange, and, with that, they must to go to the whole galaxy to check the situation.

I like the film because it reminds me of my childhood, and everything is so colorful! I love the characters because, besides being the cutest, they bring other children’s stories with them. My favorite part is when they are going on one of their adventures, and King Arthur is looking at the beautiful landscape.  I love this because when he’s looking at this, his gaze is fixed, and the enchantment by what he sees is revealed. Something that I also really like is Snow White’s way of handling things—she’s very strong in her actions, and she doesn’t lose the focus in every situation. The CGI is perfect! Very well made. The animation in the background is excellent. The costumes of the characters suit the genre of the film, and it says much about their personality. The special effects are good, and it has magic! The scene transitions are well edited, too. I congratulate the team for this beautiful animation.

The message of Fairytale Fun Force is that we do not always have the right answer at first, and that we always have someone to count on!

I give Fairytale Fun Force 5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend this for ages 5 to12, plus adults. It releases on digital platforms, AVOD and DVD June 7, 2022.

Fairytale Fun Force
By Ashleigh Clyde, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Hilarious and enchanting, Fairytale Fun Force is a fun watch for the entire family.

Familiar storybook characters we all love go on a quest to explore a potential problem that could threaten the universe. Will Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Robin Hood, Pinocchio and King Arthur save the day?

This film is perfect for a family movie night, with a perfect mix of action, comedy and adventure. Viewers and fans of parodies and remakes such as the show Once Upon a Time will obsess over this movie. While the characters are familiar and recognizable in appearance I love how the writers molded them with new personalities and quirks. It is like rediscovering these childhood classic favorites all over again. My favorite character in this film is Snow White. While I might be biased since she is one of my favorite Disney Princesses she brings so much to the plot of this film. Speaking of the plot, it is really exhilarating and kept me on my toes. The comedy and punch-lines landed every-time, which is greatly appreciated.

The message of Fairytale Fun Force is just that – have fun as you journey through the unpredictability of life. See the obstacles as opportunities to learn, grow, make new friends and maybe even save the Galaxy.

I give Fairytale Fun Force 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on digital platforms, AVOD and DVD June 7, 2022. You don’t want to miss it.

Fairytale Fun Force
Katie Francis, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Fairytale Fun Force is a cute and colorful cartoon made to entertain young children. Using our favorite fairytale characters and fairytale places, Fairytale Fun Force is an enjoyable animated film.

When Captain Snow White realizes that her dreams, and her crew’s dreams, have disappeared, she sets off into space to find out if this is happening everywhere. She learns that a strange monster is stealing their dreams. From traveling to the Cheshire Cat in Wonderland to Dorothy in the Great Land of Oz, will they find this monster? And will anyone stop them?

Written and directed by Kelly Little and produced by Albert Burrows, Fairytale Fun Force includes character voices shared among a few people. The main cast includes Kesley Painter, Simon Hill, John Thompson and many more— I love seeing all the different characters together. The animation directed by Emanuel Barros is excellent. The colors and bright lights in this film really draw our attention.

Fairytale Fun Force teaches how when you work together, you will be victorious.

I give Fairytale Fun Force 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases on digital platforms, AVOD and DVD June 7, 2022.

Fairytale Fun Force
By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

I really enjoyed Fairytale Fun Force with its upbeat storyline and well developed characters. It is a fun spoof on many popular children’s stories and movies that, when combined, create a unique story.

Fairytale Fun Force follows five characters from popular children’s fairytales – Snow White, King Arthur, Pinocchio, Robin Hood and Little Red Riding Hood – who are out to save the world from a thief that is stealing dreams.

The film’s structure is well developed and easy to follow. The setting takes place on a spaceship with the characters visiting various fictitious planets that are based on fairytales and popular children’s books. The storyline flows well, draws the viewer into the film and is unpredictable. The characters will be familiar to most children as they are from well-known fairytales that familiar to most audiences. It is easy to recognize the origin of the characters by both their costumes and their language. They are cute and attractive. For the most part, the voices are in sync with the character’s mouths, but at times they are out of sync. The vocabulary is a mixture of familiar words and phrases commonly used by children along with new words they can easily learn. Most are simple enough for young children to understand, while some will challenge children to expand their vocabulary. The images are colorful and bold, which will keep their attention.

The message of the film emphasizes how everyone working together solves problems. It teaches the importance of teamwork, how to work with difficult people and the value of perseverance.

I give Fairytale Fun Force 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases on digital platforms, AVOD and DVD June 7, 2022.

From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event Downton Abbey: A New Era. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “It’s so incredible to return to the Downton Abbey era and the Crawley family. Each one is out of their comfort zone in this new movie, which is absolutely hilarious. It’s beautiful to see how much the characters have changed since the first time we met them in 2010. This movie focuses on relationships and characters that we haven’t seen that often.” See her full review and talent interviews below.

Downton Abbey: A New Era
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

The Crawley family returns once more! Downton Abbey: A New Era brings all our favorite characters together again in interesting circumstances. Fans will love what’s in store in this new film. 

Downton Abbey: A New Era focuses on the secret past of the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith). She comes into possession of a property in the South of France. Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his family head to France to investigate why the villa was given to his mother. Meanwhile back at Downton, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) hosts a crew of filmmakers and actors who use the estate as a set for their new film. 

It’s so incredible to return to the Downton Abbey era and the Crawley family. Each one is out of their comfort zone in this new movie, which is absolutely hilarious. Lady Mary becomes a voice actress temporarily and seeing Robert hate the film crew for taking over his property is as funny as possible. The Crawleys have seen the times change and preparing for cinema to take over is amazing. It makes audiences realize how this generation saw life change so rapidly.

Tom Branson (Allen Leech) is happily married and some new couples flourish in the film too. It’s beautiful to see how much the characters have changed since the first time we met them in 2010. This movie focuses on relationships and characters that we haven’t seen that often. It’s refreshing to watch the pure relationship Daisy (Sophia McShera) and Andrew (Michael Fox) have and I loved watching fan-favorite Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) chase her love. The wardrobe is as spectacular as ever, even adding some Victorian pieces for the film being made at Downton. The comedy is brilliant and cunning, reminding us why we love Violet as much as we do.

There are many messages to take away here. Lady Mary learns to embrace the new era of filmmaking and life as she gets out of her comfort zone and realizes that it’s okay to try new things. Lord Grantham learns that, even though being Earl and having property is a big part of his life, it is not everything. He realizes how important his family is to him.

I give Downton Abbey: A New Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theaters May 20, 2022. 

Theodore Templeton is framed for embezzlement and forced to revert back to his old Boss Baby self and crash with his brother Tim and his two nieces, brainy big kid Tabitha and fellow Baby Corp employee Tina. Together, Boss Baby and Tina co-lead a new Field Team fighting to increase Baby Love while keeping a new group of arch-nemeses – The Uncuddleables – from destroying Baby Corp itself.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Boss Baby: Back in the Crib is a great show for the whole family. This new animated series is the next installment in the Boss Baby franchise and is super entertaining for kids while still staying relatable to parents.” See her full review and interviews below.

The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib is a great show for the whole family. This new animated series is the next installment in the Boss Baby franchise and is super entertaining for kids while still staying relatable to parents.

When Theodore Templeton (JP Karliak) gets framed for embezzlement by his employees, he is forced to turn into his baby self and hide with his brother, Timothy (Max Miittelman) to escape from the FBI. While staying at his brother’s house, he rejoins Baby Corp. and goes on many secret missions and exciting adventures with former characters and a whole new crew.

Since this show is based on The Boss Baby, Boss Baby: Back in Business, and Boss Baby 2: Family Business, I would recommend watching them in advance as the series references characters and storylines from these movies and show, but it is not necessary. And even though there are several different storylines in the Boss Baby franchise, this series still stays fresh and unique. Although it’s not for my age range, it’s is the perfect show for young children and their parents to enjoy.

The strongest performances of the show come from JP Karliak, Mary Faber and Ariana Greenblatt. JP Karliak as Boss Baby is so funny and excellently mimics Alec Baldwin, who voiced Boss Baby originally. Mary Faber voices Tina, and she brings such a happy and sweet mood to the scenes she is in. Ariana Greenblatt in the role of Tabitha has the perfect proportions of clever, smart and caring that a big sister would have. My favorite character is NannyCam No Filter CEO Baby, voiced by Nicole Byer because she is so hilarious and brings a wonderful personality to the long line of Baby Corp CEOs.

The message of The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib to fight for what you believe is right. This show also has great themes of teamwork and friendship, and how everyone deserves love.

I give The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 11, plus adults. It comes out on Netflix May 19, 2022.

Dr. Stephen Strange casts a forbidden spell that opens the doorway to the multiverse, including alternate versions of himself, whose threat to humanity is too great for the combined forces of Strange, Wong, and Wanda Maximoff.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A., comments, “The thrilling Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, writtenby Michael Waldron, keeps you on the edge of your seat—you silently root for Doctor Strange as he embarks on the daunting journey to save America Chavez.” Katherine S. adds, “Right from the start, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the duration. The movie evolves the depth of these Marvel characters that we already know and love, and it introduces us to new characters that are likely to be fan favorites.”

Tiana S. wraps it up with, “This film pulls you right into the multiverse with action-packed scenes from the opening credits right up until the credits at the end. The visual effects and cinematography will have feeling like you’re traveling through your own multiverse.” See their full reviews below.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The thrilling Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, written by Michael Waldron, keeps you on the edge of your seat—you silently root for Doctor Strange as he embarks on the daunting journey to save America Chavez. Not only exciting, this film is also heartwarming, as the characters show the viewers the true importance of love. The acting is emotional and grounded in reality, even though the Marvel world is fantastical. Marvel fans will be fully engaged as they travel through the endless and unknown multiverse with Stephen Strange.

The storyline follows Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he tries to save America Chavez’s (Xochitl Gomez) powers from being stolen by the indomitable Wanda, the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen.) The unlikely duo must travel deep through the uncharted multiverse in order to defeat Wanda, but along the way, how will Strange and Chavez overcome the seemingly impassable obstacles that they will inevitably face? Wanda just wants her children back, but how much is she willing to sacrifice and destroy in order to return to her content family life? 

As usual, Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Stephen Strange’s beautiful complexity with ease, making his work seem simple. I forget he is even acting. To me he is truly Doctor Strange. Xotchil Gomez, although new to the Marvel Universe, starts off with a bang. She acts in a relatable and comical way, and it is impossible not to root for her with every step. The CGI is scarily realistic and absolutely essential to the story.  The marvelous monsters are gruesome, each universe is unique and colorful, and the fight scenes are powerful—all because of the CGI. The music in this movie, by composer Danny Elfman, makes the action even more dramatic and gives the audience a pump of anticipation and adrenaline. Music even plays a pivotal role in one scene as it becomes a tool and a weapon in battle. My favorite part of the movie is the first time Dr.Strange travels with America to a new universe and experiences wonder and fright and ultimately awe.

The message of this film is that love is the most powerful kind of magic. One may be strong or supernatural, but familial love comes before any other superpower. This message is beautiful, relatable, and uplifting, especially for those of us who miss someone we truly love. The film starts really quickly and immediately draws the viewers into to the plot, but there are many macabre scenes that may be frightening to a younger audience. 

I give Doctor Strange, into the Multiverse of Madness 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10-18, plus adults. It released in theaters Friday, May 6, 2022.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Right from the start, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the duration. The movie evolves the depth of these Marvel characters that we already know and love, and it introduces us to new characters that are likely to be fan favorites.

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) encounters fourteen-year-old America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) who has the power to travel the multiverse, but she doesn’t know how. Strange joins his old and new allies to go on a thrilling and perilous adventure that pushes the limits of the multiverse.

The special effects are not just out of this world, they are out of this universe. Everything from intense fight scenes and portals through the multiverse to scary creatures and witchcraft, the CGI lives up to the high standards of a Marvel movie. My favorite performances in the movie come from Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez and Rachel McAdams. Elizabeth Olsen, as Wanda Maximoff, really sheds new light on her character as she displays a more complex personality. Xochitl Gomez plays America Chavez and brings a very refreshing yet powerful performance. Rachel McAdams (as Christine) shows the audience an independent girl-boss side to her character. Make sure to look out for some surprise cameos and always stay for the credit scenes at the end.

The message of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is to try to make the most of your circumstances as “multiversal” travel isn’t usually an option. This movie contains violence and some scenes that will be frightening for the faint of heart.

I give Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Marvel fans will love this movie. It released in theaters May 6, 2022.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
By KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Tiana S., age 11

Four Doctor Stranges, epic battles, twists and turns and dimension travel are just some of the thrills you can expect in the new Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness! This film pulls you right into the multiverse with action-packed scenes from the opening credits right up until the credits at the end. The visual effects and cinematography will have feeling like you’re traveling through your own multiverse. 

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), is having dreams about the universe being in danger and him trying to save a young girl, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). The adventure begins when he encounters her in his real-life universe and learns that she has the power to travel dimensions. They run into Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), also known as the Scarlet Witch, who is on a mission to steal America’s powers so she can re-connect with her two sons. It’s an all-out battle between happiness vs. sadness, evil vs. good and even dreams vs. nightmares.     

The main characters of this film are Stephen “Doctor” Strange, Wanda Maximoff, America Chavez, and Wong (Benedict Wong). I love the different versions of the characters and learning the backstory of each from their own universe. My favorite part of this film is when America and Doctor Strange are falling through tons of dimensions and pass through one that turns them into paint. America even jokes about how hard it is to eat in that universe. The music battle scene between two Doctor Stranges was hilarious and creative. They use their powers to fight each other with music notes while upbeat piano tunes play in harmony. The Marvel character cameos from films such as The Fantastic Four, Captain America, and even a special appearance from the X-men that, once again, will wow Marvel fans.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness shows us that just because someone stumbles, and falls, doesn’t mean they’re lost forever. Many of the characters multi-verse versions didn’t always make the best decisions. People deserve to have second chances to become better. Parents should be aware of foul language, gory scenes, some jump-scares, and violence.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is very entertaining. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for kids ages 13 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness now in theaters only.