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Based on the bestselling novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro and written and directed by Academy-Award® winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), Klara and the Sun introduces audiences to Klara (Jenna Ortega), an Artificial Friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught relationship with her mother (Amy Adams) and they’ve suffered great loss, but Klara’s innocent wonder and unwavering loyalty begin to heal the family and bring light to Josie’s complicated world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “Can a machine love us more deeply than a human? The timing of this film couldn’t be more perfect, since our current world is quickly being taken over by AI…” Valerie M. adds, “I love Klara. She is a fun, relatable character that gives the film an interesting perspective. Watching Klara explore her new world as she moves into the house, was like watching a young child learning about the world…” Julie O. wraps it up with, “The film’s message is about how grief can change people and the importance of relying on others to get through difficult times. Parents should be advised that this film deals with death, sickness, and loss as well as mild violence and injury.” See their full reviews below.

Klara and the Sun
Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Can a machine love us more deeply than a human? Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel, Klara and the Sun reimagines science fiction by asking whether kindness matters more than being gifted. The timing of this film couldn’t be more perfect, since our current world is quickly being taken over by AI and, although the film is depicted as dystopian fiction, it could very well be our reality soon.

In a future where Artificial Friends (human-like robots) accompany youth, solar-powered robot Klara (Jenna Ortega) is chosen by Josie (Mia Tharia), a lonely, sick girl ailing from genetic “lifting.”

Despite initial skepticism from Josie’s busy mother (Amy Adams), Klara becomes a devoted companion. Meanwhile, Josie’s unlifted friend Rick (Aran Murphy) uses custom drones to apply to an elite academy. When Josie’s health declines, her mother considers a plan by Mr. Capaldi (Steve Buscemi) for Klara to replace Josie if she dies. Devoted to Josie, Klara risks her own life and prays to the Sun to save her.

Klara and the Sun is so emotional and thought-provoking. The cast is phenomenal; Jenna Ortega plays Klara with such optimism that I truly felt her warmth, sincerity, and humor as she wins over Josie’s family. It really made me fall in love with the idea of having an AF who is such a loyal friend. We see the world through Klara’s pixelated eyes, and see her struggle with even the simplest tasks like climbing stairs. One particularly funny moment is when Klara, despite feeling pain at losing her fellow AF friend, is asked by Rick to say some parting words. Since Klara is a robot, she simply says, “You’re dead,” which shows us the emotional limitations of being a robot!

Aran Murphy plays Rick so genuinely, and the most moving scene is when he is with other lifted children, who are cruel and treat their AFs badly, questioning whether being gifted is worth it if humans lose their basic quality of kindness. The pace of the film is perfect, giving us enough time to let the plot sink in while still enjoying the characters’ growth throughout the film, especially Klara’s.

This film questions whether being lifted is worth it if someone loses their kindness in the process. The finale is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and it left me with a huge question: can an AI actually love, or is it just sophisticated programming?

I rate Klara and the Sun 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

Klara and The Sun
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 13

Klara and The Sun is a beautiful film! It is visually stunning, has relatable characters, relevant themes and a powerful message that make the film unforgettable.

In a dystopian future, an older model of a solar-powered Artificial Friend, aka AF, named Klara (Jenna Ortega) is waiting to be purchased. She believes the Sun has godlike powers and can grant wishes. Eventually, a sickly teenage girl named Josie (Mia Tharia) and her hesitant mother Chrissie (Amy Adams) buy Klara to take care of Josie. As Klara learns about Josie and her health, she starts to look for ways to get her wish to save Josie to the sun.

I love Klara. She is a fun, relatable character that gives the film an interesting perspective. Watching Klara explore her new world as she moves into the house, was like watching a young child learning about the world and being hopeful of all the good that can come from it. Speaking of the world, the scenery and visual design of the sets are amazing. The bright city streets, retro interiors of the house, and surrounding vast fields enhance the story. I like how the use of special effects, like glitches in her eyes as Klara takes in new spaces, helped me see the world from Klara’s point of view. It gives the film more depth without being overstated. The build-up and reveal was shocking. At first, I was just enjoying the little adventures Josey and Klara were on. But when all the little pieces clicked into place, and I saw the whole picture, the emotional payoff was surprising. While I love this film, it is certainly not perfect. First, the pacing is a bit off in the beginning, with some scenes feeling undercooked. The film also condenses a lot of information into explanatory monologues which made me feel like I was being talked at.

It’s important to note that this film is not a faithful adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s original novel of the same name. However, even with its faults, I still love the film.

The film’s message is that true love is not something that can be manufactured, and sometimes people can be so heartless they act like robots. Note that there are themes and visuals of death, blood, explosions, abuse and self-harm.

I give Klara and The Sun 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on October 23, 2026.

Klara and the Sun
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I absolutely love the beautiful film, Klara and the Sun. It is an exciting futuristic sci-fi drama that emphasizes the power of love, friendship, and coping with grief.

The storyline follows Klara (Jenny Ortega), an AF (Artificial Friend) robot, that was designed to be a friend to a teenager to help them through their lonely awkward teen years. She spends years waiting to be selected until one day a girl, Josie (Mia Tharia) picks her to be her AF. Josie and her mom, Chrissy (Amy Adams) are still dealing with the death of Josie’s older sister. As Klara adapts to life in the real world she learns about love, friendship, and loss.

Klara and the Sun takes place in the future and I like that much of the futuristic technology is only slightly more advanced from the technology we have today which makes the film feel relatable. For example, every car is self-driving. The imagery in the movie is really beautiful and adds to the overall beauty of the film. I especially love the scenes where Klara explores nature. I also love that the camera angle switches to first person when Klara is calibrating her new surroundings and we get to experience what she sees and how she adapts. I really like the storyline of the store manager (Natasha Lyonne). She adds a lot of humor and sweetness. I love how she has so much compassion for the B1 model AF’s she sells and how she cares for them. I genuinely love every part of this film but my favorite part of the movie is how Klara interprets and experiences love.

The film’s message is about how grief can change people and the importance of relying on others to get through difficult times. Parents should be advised that this film deals with death, sickness, and loss as well as mild violence and injury.

I give Klara and the Sun 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Klara and the Sun releases in theaters on Friday, October 23, 2026.

When a stray dog begins trailing 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she tries everything to shake him. The more they wonder, they more she learns about loyalty, courage, and the kind of friendship she never knew she needed. “Not My Dog” is a heartfelt family film about letting go of fear and opening your heart, one paw-step at a time.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Spencer C. comments, “I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge’s point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.” Julie O. adds, “Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man’s best friend. I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget’s house and her father’s work place.” Julianna S. wraps it up with, “I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and “not her dog,” Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.” See their full reviews below. Note: This film is also available to play at our KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.

Not My Dog
By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

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I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge’s point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.

The storyline follows a stray dog, Nudge, and 12-year-old Bridget, through their small town, as they embark on an unexpected journey, discovering the joy of an unlikely friendship along the way. Bridget is sent to bring lunch to her father at his barbershop when she encounters a stray dog that the Animal Control Officer Phil (Sal Rendino) has chased off.

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As the dog persistently trails her, Bridget insists to everyone she meets that “he’s not my dog.” As they wander together, Bridget’s initial frustration turns into compassion, pulling her away from her phone and teaching her valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and friendship.

The movie is set in Vernon, Connecticut, specifically the Rockville section, during the winter. I can tell it is winter because they all are wearing big winter jackets and there is a lot of snow. Something that stands out to me is the original song that Bridget and Jessie (Analise Scarpaci) sing together, which is written by Analise, an actor in the movie. Something else that stands out to me is how, at first, Bridget does not like dogs, because in most movies there is a big bond between the protagonist and animals. The scenes with Nudge running past the local chess players Chuck (Eric Roberts) and Carl (Jeremy London), store owners, and bullies is funny. My favorite character is Nudge the black German Shepherd, because he is very smart. He can always get away from Officer Phil, knows a lot of simple commands and even seems to understand English. But the real reason I like him is because Nudge is very persistent.

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When Bridget doesn’t like him at first, he just keeps following her. She tells him to stop, but he keeps going until Bridget starts to like him. The turning point in the movie is when a rude woman, Miss Athelia (Marika Domińczyk) teams up with Animal Control Officer Phil to find the dog, and Bridget starts protecting Nudge. I like how the film reminds us that our feelings about someone, or an animal, can change once we actually get to know them.

The film’s message is that the best adventures are face to face instead of through a phone or on a screen.

I give Not My Dog 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Not My Dog is available on VOD, AVOD and Streaming now.

Not My Dog
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man’s best friend. I like that this movie conveys a lot of meaning with a small cast and a minimal script.

Bridget (Rylie Pennington) is a typical 12-year-old girl who has to walk across town to take her father his lunch. A decision on which path to take – the long way or the short cut, changes her life in an unexpected way. A stray dog joins her on her trip and refuses to leave her side. Along her way she comes across two chess players (Eric Roberts and Jeremy London), a singer, some high schoolers, a dog catcher, and Mrs. Athelia who tries to get Bridget in trouble for having the dog off of a leash.

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I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget’s house and her father’s work place. I really enjoyed the slower pace of the film and the detail put into all of the interactions Bridget has on her journey. Most of the film is shot with close-ups, which gives a first person feeling. I love the use of the colors black, white, and red. The ground is covered in snow, the stray dog is black, and several of the characters wear red hats. These colors provide a nice contrast. I also like that Mrs. Athelia is dressed to look like Cruella from 101 Dalmatians. She wears a bright red hat and a long white and black fur coat. Every time she runs into Bridget there is conflict about the dog and her costume helps make her character larger than life.

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My favorite part of the story is whenever Bridget runs into Carl, one of the chess players in the park; he always imparts some life wisdom using chess as an example. He always says, “Life is like chess…”

The film’s message is that the unexpected can open new opportunities. I also like how the movie emphasizes the power of community and building relationships. This is a family friendly movie.

I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available to stream on VOD and AVOD now.

Not My Dog
By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

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I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and “not her dog,” Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.

The storyline follows Bridget (Rylie Pennington), a guarded, sarcastic 12-year-old girl living in a small town. Her mom sends her on an errand to take lunch to her father and Bridget’s day takes an unexpected turn when a stray dog begins following her. After many attempts to get rid of him, she eventually takes him on and names him Nudge, based on the fact that he won’t leave her side. She repeatedly tells people that he is “not my dog,” but he becomes intertwined with different relationships with various people, who all comment on the dog. While Nudge begins the story as an annoying interruption to Bridget’s chore, he becomes something much more meaningful.

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The person who stands out to me the most is Rylie Pennington, who plays Bridget. Pennington portrays Bridget’s stubbornness and sarcastic-ness perfectly, while still showing a softer, more scared side of her character. At the beginning, Pennington demonstrates feeling annoyed by Nudge, and her body language shows us how she does not want to take responsibility for him. However, as the film develops, Pennington physically and emotionally opens up more to Nudge and her surroundings. I love how she shows Bridget’s emotions through her facial expressions! I was also impressed by Inkosi, the dog that plays Nudge. Even though he cannot speak, his expressions, movements, and reactions make him feel like an important character rather than a simple dog.

Inkosi develops a connection with Bridget, making their relationship feel authentic and sweet. Together, these two create a friendship that has a natural feel and produces heartwarming moments.

The film’s message is that sometimes, relationships we never expect can become the most important. Bridget begins her story trying to push away Nudge, but he ends up teaching her about loyalty, responsibility, and being kind and open to others. This film reminds us to be more open to the world, and take a chance beyond first impressions.

I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Not My Dog is available now on VOD, AVOD, and streaming platforms.

When two quick-witted sisters suddenly find themselves entangled in a full-blown jewelry heist in Las Vegas, they must recruit a jaded security guard, survive bumbling henchmen, and thwart the mastermind behind it, all before their parents realize they’re missing.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kennedy P. says, “Get ready for a wild ride through Las Vegas because Double Trouble is a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with action, comedy, family, and plenty of sisterly chaos! What I love most about this movie is the chemistry between real-life sisters Madeleine McGraw and Violet McGraw.”

Ashish S. adds, “There are a lot of great things about this film…Each character is engaging and important to the plot. Specifically, I love the dynamic between the McGraw sisters who anchor the movie with a comedic vibe and also provide a heartwarming storyline with their relationship. Jack Griffo’s performance as the arrogant Juniper is also excellent, and it is great to see not only his acting skills, but his singing skills in this movie.” See their full reviews and interviews below.

Double Trouble
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

Get ready for a wild ride through Las Vegas because Double Trouble is a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with action, comedy, family, and plenty of sisterly chaos! What I love most about this movie is the chemistry between real-life sisters Madeleine McGraw and Violet McGraw. Their relationship feels natural, funny, and believable, which gives the movie a lot of heart underneath all the action.

The storyline follows sisters Charlotte (Madeleine McGraw) and Willow (Violet McGraw), two quick-witted girls who find themselves caught up in a dangerous Las Vegas jewelry heist. When a valuable diamond gauntlet becomes the target of a master thief, the sisters team up with David (Andrew Koji), to recover it. What starts as an unexpected adventure quickly turns into a race against time filled with secrets, surprises, danger, and plenty of trouble. Set against the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, the sisters have to work together and discover that they may be more capable than they ever realized.

The cast is definitely a big highlight of Double Trouble. Madeleine McGraw and Violet McGraw bring a wonderful sisterly dynamic to the screen and, knowing they are sisters in real life, makes their chemistry even more fun to watch. Charlotte and Willow may get themselves into plenty of trouble, but they also learn that working together and trusting each other can help them overcome challenges that seem impossible. Andrew Koji adds action and humor as David, while Jack Griffo, Jesse La Flair, Struggle Jennings, Brynne Kurland round out the cast.

The movie was filmed entirely at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, which gives the film an authentic Vegas atmosphere. From the casino setting to the glamorous surroundings, Las Vegas almost feels like another character in the story, perfectly matching the movie’s heist-filled adventure. There are plenty of laughs, exciting moments, and twists along the way, making Double Trouble an entertaining movie for families, kids, and anyone who loves a good holiday heist adventure.

The film is about more than a diamond and a heist. It delivers a message about family, teamwork, trust, and believing in yourself. The film reminds us that sometimes the people standing beside you are your greatest strength. Double Trouble is a fun reminder that when you stick together, even the biggest trouble can be faced as a team.

I give Double Trouble 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters October 9, 2026.

Double Trouble
By Ashish S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Double Trouble is an amazing action-comedy holiday film that is filled with twists, turns, and laughs. I love this film so much due to the performances from the actors, the writing, and the holiday vibe.

The film follows two sisters, Charlotte (Madeleine McGraw) and Willow (Violet McGraw) as they get lost in a casino in Las Vegas. They meet a security guard, David (Andrew Koji), and get caught up in a high-stakes heist situation involving pop-star Juniper (Jack Griffo). He wears an expensive pair of jewels to a holiday concert at the hotel, which two thieves are trying to steal. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Willow’s mom, dad, and little sister go on a Christmas-themed tour, but get trapped when their bus breaks down.

There are a lot of great things about this film, starting with the actors’ performances. Each character is engaging and important to the plot. Specifically, I love the dynamic between the McGraw sisters who anchor the movie with a comedic vibe and also provide a heartwarming storyline with their relationship. Jack Griffo’s performance as the arrogant Juniper is also excellent, and it is great to see not only his acting skills, but his singing skills in this movie. The writing is a blend of comedy, action and drama, and delivers a wholesome message. My favorite part is the storyline involving David, and how Willow encourages him to reunite with his daughter for the holidays – that is particularly sweet.

The film’s message revolves around family, working together, and perseverance. While the familial relationships are initially strained, the storyline allows them to come together as a family in time for the holidays. Working together, they overcome the obstacles that they face, even the most difficult.

I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film is available in theaters beginning Friday, October 9, 2026.

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families. Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but-hapless weredog Raww and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal, the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kennedy P. comments, “What if the greatest adventure of your life came with the heartbreaking price of forgetting the people you love most? That’s the premise of Forgotten Island, and it completely pulled me in.” Taysha F. adds, “I really like its strong story about friendship and memories, the creative animation, and the way music is part of the adventure. This film kept me entertained from the beginning to the very end.” Tanaysha F. wraps it up with, “It starts with a big surprise that I was NOT expecting, and it had me laughing hysterically in the theater. I knew right then that this was going to be my kind of movie.” See their full reviews below.

Forgotten Island
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

(from center left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

What if the greatest adventure of your life came with the heartbreaking price of forgetting the people you love most? That’s the premise of Forgotten Island, and it completely pulled me in. I love how this film combines adventure, magic, friendship, family, and Filipino culture into a beautiful story that is both exciting and emotional. It reminds me just how precious our memories are and how the people we share them with are such an important part of who we are.

This is an animated fantasy adventure film by DreamWorks Animation set in the 1990s in the Philippines. Recent high school graduates, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) are about to go their separate ways when Raissa leaves for college in America.

(from left) Raissa (Liza Soberano), Raww (Dave Franco) and Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

While celebrating their last night together, they discover a mysterious portal to Nakali, a hidden island filled with the magical and mythological creatures from the stories of their childhood. But Nakali comes with a dangerous secret – the island slowly feeds on the memories of those inside. Jo and Raissa soon discover that the price of returning home is losing the memories of their entire friendship, forcing them to race against time to escape before they forget each other forever.

Forgotten Island features an incredible voice cast, including H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa, whose friendship is the centerpiece of this emotional adventure. I loved watching these two women navigate their friendship, their fears, and the possibility of growing apart as they enter a new chapter of their lives. The film also brings Filipino culture and mythology to life through its characters and magical creatures.

(from left) Jo (H.E.R.), Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Zippy the Potion Fairy (Tania Gunadi) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The animation is absolutely beautiful! I love the colorful visuals and the anime inspired style, which gives the film a unique and vibrant look. Every part of Nakali feels imaginative and is filled with details that make you want to explore this magical world along with Jo and Raissa. I also love that this is a story families can experience together, with plenty of heart, humor, adventure, and a message that stays with you long after the movie ends.

The film is a beautiful reminder that memories are one of the greatest gifts we have. Life changes; people grow up; and sometimes the people we love take different paths; but the memories we make together stay with us forever. The film reminds us that friendship takes effort, that family and culture help shape who we are, and that the bonds we create with the people we love are worth fighting for.

I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters September 25, 2026.

Forgotten Island
By Taysha F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Forgotten Island is an extremely entertaining and hilarious movie! I really like its strong story about friendship and memories, the creative animation, and the way music is part of the adventure. This film kept me entertained from the beginning to the very end.

The storyline follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). Jo grows up hearing stories from her grandmother Lola (Dolly de Leon) about a mysterious island called Nakali and its magical creatures, even though most people don’t believe the stories are real. As Jo and Raissa get older and prepare to go in different directions, they unexpectedly find themselves on Nakali and have to work together to find their way home before they lose the memories of their friendship.

Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

This film is hilarious and entertaining from the beginning to the end, and I already plan to see it again with my friends. There are so many things that stand out to me in this movie. I really like the friendship between Jo and Raissa because Jo finally finds someone who shares her interests and understands things that other people think are strange. My favorite character is the weredog, Raww (Dave Franco), because he is really funny, and my favorite part is when he finally learns how to control his powers. I also love the animation. The way the lighting reflects off Jo and Raissa’s hair is very unique, and the colorful effects are very impressive. The creatures on Nakali are unusual and add to making the movie so unique. I especially think the Merman walking around on land is funny. The music also stands out because it isn’t just playing in the background; the characters actually use music to solve problems during their adventure. The music choices fit the scenes really well. I was disappointed in the villain, the Dreaded Manananggal (Lea Salonga), which falls short. We learn a little about them, but I still wanted to know more about the villain’s past and what shapes its character.

(from left) Raissa (Liza Soberano), Raww (Dave Franco) and Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The film’s message is about friendship and the importance of memories. Memories aren’t just about the things we remember, they help shape who we are and connect us to the people we love. We are also reminded that friendships have their ups and downs, but those things don’t destroy the bond between true friends. Note that there are some scary-looking creatures, serious action and dangerous situations may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on September 25, 2026.

Forgotten Island
By Tanaysha F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

(from left) Little Raissa (Kayla Teruel) and Little Jo (Kailey Crawford) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

I really like Forgotten Island. It is exciting, full of surprises, and absolutely hilarious! It starts with a big surprise that I was NOT expecting, and it had me laughing hysterically in the theater. I knew right then that this was going to be my kind of movie.

The storyline follows Jo (H.E.R.) and her best friend Raissa (Liza Soberano). Jo’s grandmother (Dolly de Leon) told her about the island of Nakali and the creatures that live there. Other kids don’t believe Jo’s stories about Nakali except Raissa (actor). They become best friends and stumble across a mysterious portal that takes them to Nakali, but they discover that the price for leaving is to love the memories of their entire friendship. They have to work together to try to find their way home before they forget each other forever.

(from left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

This movie had me laughing from the very beginning, took me on a crazy adventure in the middle, and gave me something to think about. There is always something happening in this film and that kept my attention. My favorite characters are the protagonist, Jo and Raww, the wolf-dog (Dave Franco). Jo is different and is fearless. Raww is hilarious; he has some of the funniest moments in the movie. One of my favorite scenes is when Jo and Raissa are kids and the car starts rolling down the hill while they are inside. One of them is laughing while the other one is screaming. That scene is hilarious because it shows their two different personalities as they react completely differently to the same crazy situation.  I really like the ending of this film because everything finally comes together.

Things that happened earlier in the movie start to make more sense. Memories are such an important part of the story.

Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The ending makes the message stronger because friendship is at the center of the movie from the beginning all the way to the end.

The film’s message is about friendship and the value of memories. Best friends aren’t always going to agree, but that doesn’t mean their friendship has to end. Don’t let one bad moment destroy years of good memories.

I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It opens in cinemas on September 25, 2026.

Heart of the Beast is an upcoming American survival thriller film directed by David Ayer, starring Brad Pitt and J.K. Simmons. The movie marks a reunion between Pitt and director David Ayer for the first time since their 2014 World War II epic, Fury.

After surviving a plane crash, a former Special Forces soldier finds himself trapped in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness with his combat dog. Together, they battle the elements and other animals in a harsh landscape that would likely kill any other man or dog.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Valeria M. comments, “I found Heart of the Beast underwhelming. Despite its attempts to tell a meaningful story, the plot is riddled with frustrating inconsistencies, and Brad Pitt’s performance simply isn’t believable.”

See her full review below.

Heart of The Beast
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and Odin in Heart of the Beast from Paramount Pictures.

I found Heart of the Beast underwhelming. Despite its attempts to tell a meaningful story, the plot is riddled with frustrating inconsistencies, and Brad Pitt’s performance simply isn’t believable.

The storyline follows James Belmont (Brad Pitt), a retired special forces operative traveling through Alaska with his retired army K-9, Odin, or Odey. After flying through a harsh lightning storm, James suffers a heart attack, loses consciousness and crashes into the frozen terrain. Stranded in the woods, he and Odin have to navigate nearly 60 miles through brutal Alaskan wilderness to reach the nearest road for help.

Odin is the true star of the film – delivering a far more expressive performance than his human companion. The one saving grace of the film is its beautiful cinematography by Mauro Fiore, filled with sweeping vistas of rich greens and cool blues.

Sadly, the visual beauty is undermined by meaningless plot twists and pseudo-mystery. The first part of the film is primarily a montage of James and Odin moving through the woods, intercut with moments of life-altering injuries that James casually walks off. Billed as a survival thriller, the film pushes the suspension of disbelief way too far. On top of that, James just does things that make absolutely no logical sense — like getting dry clothes from a water-logged trunk. The pacing doesn’t help it; the opening drags on leaving moments of tension few and far between and frustratingly fleeting. Most disappointing is that we never learn about the key details of James’s life until the final scene – and by then, it’s too late.

Brad Pitt plays James Belmont in Heart of the Beast from Paramount Pictures.

His heartbreaking story and meaningful message are lost beneath an endless loop of YouTube-style camping and nature videos. This movie is not horrible, it’s just vacuous. It failed to give me any reason to care for the characters or their story.

The film’s message is that the bond between a dog and its owner is unbreakable. Note that there is some profanity, various injuries, bloody images and death.

I give Heart of The Beast 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 through 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on September 25, 2026.

Heart of the Beast
By Harper B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Heart of the Beast is an intense film that brings a flood of emotions. It’s an action adventure film that gave me an experience like never before.

The story follows a retired special forces soldier, James (Brad Pitt), and a retired special forces K-9, Oden, who set off on a camping adventure in Alaska. Oden and James have an unmistakable bond and are the only family they have. When a storm arrives at their camp site, James decides to fly out on his plane. They crash in the middle of the woods, approximately 58 miles from a road, and have to figure out how to survive together.

This film intertwines survival skills and lifelong friendships. The scenery and cinematography stand out, especially when they are flying the sea plane around the mountainous area. The film was shot on the South Island of New Zealand, which looks a lot like Alaska. Brad Pitt gives a notable performance as James and his relationship with Oden is very believable. The plot is paced well and makes sense. The background music fits the storyline, especially the song “Stand by Me” by Stephen Wilson,which beautifully wraps up the plot.  My favorite part of the film is when James and Oden are playing in the field. This scene shows how the relationship between them thrives and cannot be separated. There are many flashbacks and they give us an inside view of their former life in the military.

The film’s message is that when you fall, you can still get back up. We see James climbing up a hill and falling repeatedly, which symbolizes how you can fall down and still get up and make it to your goal. Please note, this film is very violent, gory, and intense.

I give Heart of the Beast 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on September 25, 2026.