Before the Ice Melts * An Inspiring Film That Combines Hockey, Determination And Family
Monday, September 7th, 2026
A talented female hockey player anxiously waits to see if she’ll be drafted and live her dream of playing professionally. As the hour of the draft approaches while she works at the local ice rink, she’ll learn that anything is possible with hard work, support from family and friends, encouragement from NHL Hall of Famers like Luc Robitaille and most importantly, believing in yourself.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adrianna R. comments, “I really enjoyed the icy film, Before the Ice Melts! It is an inspiring and emotional film that combines hockey, determination and family to tell a story about chasing your dreams even when the odds are against you.” Bailey G. adds, “If you like sports movies with heart, you’ll really enjoy Before the Ice Melts. The cast is really terrific. Molly Peyton White is perfect as Nora.” Nora U. adds, “The film’s message is about having faith, perseverance and never giving up on what you love. It’s a reminder that when one door closes, another will open.” Brooklyn S. adds, “Before the Ice Melts has a beautiful message, stunning cinematography, and excellent attention to detail that makes the film stand out not only visually, but in your heart.” Ashish S. wraps it up with, “Before The Ice Melts is an extremely entertaining film that combines comedy with a message of hope and perseverance. I especially love the actors’ performances and the overarching plot that revolves around anticipation.” See their full reviews below.
Before the Ice Melts
By Adrianna R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
I really enjoyed the icy film, Before the Ice Melts! It is an inspiring and emotional film that combines hockey, determination and family to tell a story about chasing your dreams even when the odds are against you.
The story follows Nora (Molly Peyton), a teenage girl who has always dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player and getting drafted. She is passionate about the sport and refuses to give up on her goal, even when she faces challenges along the way. Her journey shows how much dedication and hard work it takes to pursue something you truly love. The film also features hockey legends Luc Robitaille, Marty McSorely and Joseph Nieuwenyk, who add an authentic feeling to the hockey world and makes the story even more exciting.
This is a great short film for anyone who has ever had a dream they were determined to achieve. One of my favorite things about the film is its message! The film’s takeaway is that you should never give up on a dream just because it seems impossible. I really like how the film displays that having talent is important, but determination, confidence and believing in yourself can be just as powerful. The hockey scenes are especially fun to watch because they give the film energy and made me feel like I was right there on the ice with Nora. I also like that the story focuses on a girl trying to make it into a sport that’s very competitive. Nora’s dream doesn’t come easily, which makes her journey more meaningful. Instead of giving up when things get difficult, she keeps pushing forward. The film’s title stands out to me because it creates a sense of urgency, as if she has to take her chance before the opportunity disappears – or the ice melts.
The film’s message is about following your dreams, working hard, believing in yourself and never giving up. Parents should know that there are some emotional and competitive moments like bullying, but nothing too concerning.
Before the Ice Melts gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommended it for ages 8 to 12, plus hockey fans and families. It is available on VOD and streaming on September 8, 2026.
Before the Ice Melts
By Bailey G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Wow! I really love Before the Ice Melts! It has a great story, awesome acting, and a really good message. I like how real the characters feel, and how it kept me engaged the whole time.
Before the Ice Melts is about Nora (Molly Peyton White), a young woman who loves playing hockey and hopes to be drafted. On one of the biggest days of her life, she also struggles with the pressures of her mother (Sonia Satra), who keeps comparing her to her older sister, Carley (Nikki Leigh). With help from her best friend, Evan (Tommy Self), Nora learns to believe in herself and keep chasing her dream.
If you like sports movies with heart, you’ll really enjoy Before the Ice Melts. The cast is really terrific. Molly Peyton White is perfect as Nora. Tommy Self made me laugh at the perfect times, and I love how Nikki Leigh shows how much Carley cares about her sister. The hockey games and the draft scenes are exciting and held my attention. I like that the movie shows you have to work hard to reach your goals because success doesn’t happen overnight. I also really like how it made me feel like I was right there at the rink with Nora. The background music is perfect, especially during the big hockey moments, which makes those scenes even more exciting. And the cinematography makes the games feel fast and intense. My favorite part of the movie is how real everything feels to the point that I forgot I was watching a movie.
The film’s message is to never give up and always believe in yourself, even when things seem impossible. It promotes supportive friendships, dedication, and shows the importance of family and friendship. Be forewarned that there are some emotional family arguments and intense hockey games, but there is no bad language or anything inappropriate for older kids and teens.
I give Before the Ice Melts 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and Streaming on Before the Ice Melts on September 8, 2026.
Before the Ice Melts
By Nora U., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Before The Ice Melts is a bit sad for most of the show because the main character, Nora (Molly Peyton), has so many challenges while pursuing her dreams. At times, risks to reach big goals are high, but this film teaches viewers to keep their eye on the prize and keep moving forward.
This storyline follows the journey of a 25-year-old woman, named Nora, who loves hockey and really wants to get drafted to a professional team. When her time comes, she doesn’t get a spot. Even though she is incredibly disappointed, she keeps playing hockey and finds a new intention for hockey.
Talk about lack of support…Nora’s mother, Carol (Sonia Satra) has a pessimistic outlook on Nora’s aspirations, which sets the film up immediately with an underlying tone of defeat. Additionally, Ted (Charles Hubbel), the father of one of Nora’s students, objects to his daughter, April (Summer Stein), practicing hockey skills which doubles the negative support Nora gets. While she does experience some self-doubt, Nora is strong willed and pushes forward in spite of it which is incredibly inspiring! The characters and the actors that play them make this film come to life and, fortunately, others in Nora’s circle are more encouraging to her. Evan (Tommy Shelf) is the funniest and most supportive of Nora’s dream. He adds humor and lightheartedness whenever Nora is feeling down or nervous, which happens frequently. Tommy always looks on the bright side, which adds more positivity to the story. Nora’s sister, Carley (Nikki Leigh) encourages her to have a positive mindset and encourages her to follow her dreams. She is always on her side. My favorite scene is when Carley tells Nora to never stop her dream using a pizza box as a metaphor. It is witty and teaches a great lesson.
The film’s message is about having faith, perseverance and never giving up on what you love. It’s a reminder that when one door closes, another will open.
I give Before the Ice Melts 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases on video on demand and streaming on September 8, 2026.
Before the Ice Melts
By Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 12
Before the Ice Melts is an inspiring, slow-paced film for all hockey lovers. The costumes, set design, and camera work are amazing! There are so many inspiring quotes that support the message of never giving up.
Before the Ice Melts follows the talented hockey player Nora (Molly Peyton White) as she anxiously awaits the results of the hockey draft. The world is trying to tell her no, but she won’t stop pursuing her dreams. With support from her big sister and agent Molly, she holds onto hope as the draft gets closer. You’ll have to watch the film to see if she accomplishes her dreams of becoming a professional hockey player.
Before the Ice Melts has a beautiful message, stunning cinematography, and excellent attention to detail that makes the film stand out not only visually, but in your heart. Some things definitely stood out to me as I watched the film, one of them being the unique shots and camera work by Jeff Hamm. It feels like I’m watching a major blockbuster film. Each shot has perfect lighting and attention to detail that captures what’s happening in the scene. The set design and costumes also stand out – both work hand in hand to make the film feel real. Everything from Nora’s bedroom, to the massive hockey rink is set up realistically. One critique I have is that the film sometimes feels slow, and drags on longer than they need to. For example, there are often long periods of time just watching hockey or a long conversation. In the end, this made me excited to see the results of the draft. I think people who enjoy playing and watching hockey will be very inspired by this film.
The film’s message is that you should never give up and always pursue your dreams. Nora doesn’t back down from hockey even when her mom believes she should go into real estate for guaranteed money. Her actions show us that hard work pays off.
I give Before the Ice Melts 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It is available on VOD and streaming on September 8, 2026.
Before The Ice Melts
By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Before The Ice Melts is an extremely entertaining film that combines comedy with a message of hope and perseverance. I especially love the actors’ performances and the overarching plot that revolves around anticipation.
The storyline follows a 25-year-old woman named Nora (Molly Peyton) as she anxiously spends the day waiting to see if she will get drafted. The stakes are high, as this is her final year to qualify for junior leagues, and her life’s work depends on this decision. Meanwhile, she has to deal with consistent criticism from her mother (Sonia Satra) and Ted (Charles Hubbell) who both want her to go into real estate because they don’t think that hockey is a sustainable career option.
Something that I find interesting about this movie is the pacing. The circumstances of the plot don’t progress very much–instead, the primary engine of the film is Nora’s inner dialogue. She wrestles with anxiety throughout the whole film about whether or not she will be drafted. She’s desperate to prove her doubters wrong, but in the process doubts herself. What is really unique is the choice to make both the viewer and Nora feel stuck in a state of powerlessness. There’s nothing that she can do to impact the decision of the draft; it’s all about hope and patience. My favorite part is Molly Peyton’s portrayal of Nora. She really captures Nora’s emotional state throughout the movie, so the audience can relate to why this is so important to Nora, which is the element that drives the entire film.
The film’s message revolves around the theme of perseverance – never giving up no matter how many times you have been knocked down or how many times people don’t support you. It is critical and the film exemplifies that through Nora’s character arc.
I give Before The Ice Melts 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch the film on VOD and streaming services beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
A heartbroken woman saves an injured baby sparrow and forges a once-in-a-lifetime bond that inspires an uplifting journey around the world to explore unique human-animal relationships and find the heart of true connection.
Finding Happy is a gloriously produced documentary that truly changed the way I view having unconventional animals as pets. Every story is beautiful and it held my interest from start to finish. From the cinematography, pacing, and the people interviewed, every part shines in its own way.
The interview segments throughout the film are so engaging and help refine the stories being told. For example, whenever Maria is talking about her and Happy, her narration enhances whatever emotion is being conveyed. The other stories she chose to share are also breathtaking – each inspiring in its own way. Everyone shares such beautiful and uplifting experiences. My personal favorite is Zach Skow and his dogs – while dogs may seem like a conventional pet, because of their struggles, they had to overcome and adapt to a new way of living. The visuals in this film are also unbelievable. For example, when Maria talks about how she first found Happy, the visual style switches to rotoscoping which animates the scene in an incredible way. In another scene, when they are talking about animal images drawn on walls, the animals are sketched out slowly giving the illusion that they’re being drawn live.
I particularly enjoyed the pacing. Each individual interview is its own segment, so nothing ever lingers too long. Each scene connects well with the next so the story has good continuity.
I love the documentary film Finding Happy because of its message about hope, mental health, and the healing power of nature. The film moved me deeply and made me cry of happiness at the end!
My favorite aspect of Finding Happy is how the story is presented in an original and interesting way. For instance, the movie presents different people and they share their own stories of how they came across their animals. Maria Bertrand is the director, writer, and also the main focus of the documentary. She shares her story in a deeply personal way. Another person that resonated with me is Sangduen “Lek” Chailert. She is the founder of the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary in Thailand and is known for rescuing elephants and giving them a second chance with love and freedom. Happy the sparrow is often hilarious and makes me want to laugh all the time because of how funny he is and how silly he plays with Maria.
The film’s message is about how love and kindness can be transformational, for both humans and animals. It shows how caring for other living beings has the power of healing. Animals are important for people and people are crucial for animals. It is a two-way relationship that benefits people and their pets. It serves as a general reminder that healing often begins when we shift our focus away from our own suffering to care for someone else, and this in turn, can give purpose to our lives.
Finding Happy is a documentary that shares inspiring stories of people who have rescued and cared for animals. I really enjoy how the film brings these stories to life through emotional moments, multiple points of views and a powerful message about the connection between people and animals.
The film shows us that rescuing an animal doesn’t only change the animal’s life; it makes a difference in the life of the rescuer as well. One of the strongest parts of Finding Happy is the different points of view it explores. Instead of only focusing on the animals, the documentary really examines the people who have rescued and cared for them. Each person portrays themselves and we hear their passion and emotion as they talk about their pets. The stories show how much animals can mean to people, especially during difficult times. Happy’s story is especially emotional because the relationship between him and his rescuer, Maria, shows how helping an animal can help bring happiness and purpose to someone’s life.
This film explores themes of kindness, compassion, connection and protection of animals. Its biggest message is that animals do a lot for people, and people can give back by helping animals who are hurt, abandoned or in danger. We are reminded that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
The film Finding Happy is the cutest and most wholehearted documentary I have ever seen! This emotional story centers on adorable animals with their human best friends. It shows how much light and positivity animals can bring into our everyday lives through forming close bonds, while also demonstrating that animals can help with healing from painful emotions.
Maria Bertrand is the writer, director, and the star of this program. She is great at exploring everyone’s background stories, including those of their animal best friends, while displaying a common thread throughout all of the narratives. I enjoyed how she doesn’t just focus on dogs and cats as people’s pets, but she explores all animals. She meets people whose “best friends” are a cow, a goose, and a chicken. Maria even travels to Thailand to meet a lady who is friends with many elephants. This documentary made me smile, laugh, and understand various bonds that people have with their animal friends. None of their bonds form in the same way, which enhances the uniqueness between the pairs and the uniqueness of this film. My favorite part is where fun songs are added to the videos of Happy and other animals. These moments highlight how charming and entertaining these animal partners are.
The film’s message is expressed by Maria at the beginning – all animals, no matter how big or tiny, are unique, equal, and have a story to tell. They all have the ability to connect with us, communicate with us, heal us, and love us. If we can pause and start listening, they can light a pathway to a kinder, better, and happier world. Be forewarned that the film does mention suicide and curses once, but it is censored out.
After decades of being blown to bits by bombs, demolished by dynamite, mangled by magnets, battered by boulders, trampled by trains, tricked by tunnels, sprung by springs, steamrolled by steamrollers, maligned by misfires, bedeviled by bungees, rattled by rockets, backstabbed by bat suits, rocked by rocket skates, upended by unicycles, quaked by quake pills, rubberized by rogue bands, and hurled headlong off every cliff in the Southwest, Wile E. Coyote (Genius) finally fights back. Teaming up with billboard accident lawyer Kevin Avery, he takes on slick corporate counsel Buddy Crane and ACME, Inc., the profit-obsessed conglomerate behind every one of the Coyote’s chaotic catastrophes.
The best way to sum up Coyote vs. ACME – pure, hilarious, cartoon chaos. Combining a mix of live-action and animation, classic Looney Tunes antics, and a story full of plot twists, this movie had me laughing on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I love this film’s unique blend of live-action and animation. Though this movie is set in the real world, everywhere you look there are characters, items, or places that could only be found in the land of Looney Tunes. I had the opportunity to ask director Dave Green what it was like mixing cartoons and real-life during production. He informed me that the actors were able to actually interact with Wile E. Coyote during filming, thanks to the use of a life size Coyote puppet that moved and acted exactly as he does in the film; it was almost like having Wile E. Coyote as a co-star.
This film’s message is to never give up on your goals, no matter how distant or far-fetched they may seem. Taking on a megacorporation like ACME has its challenges, but trying to expose the corruption hidden deep beneath the surface is even more daunting. And, although it seems impossible, our crazy Coyote and his determination shows Kevin, Paige, and everyone how to try, try again, and eventually succeed.
Get ready to laugh, because this film is absolutely Looney TUNES! Coyote vs. ACME is a hilarious celebration of the ultimate underdog, Wile E. Coyote, packed with gags, slapstick comedy and classic cartoon fun that fans know and love. I especially love seeing so many classic Looney Tunes characters make appearances throughout the movie. The combination of live action and animation is so much fun and reminds me of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Mary Poppins. As a fan of cartoon adventure films like Space Jam, I loved this and recommend it to other cartoon fans.
He fights back and teams up with billboard accident lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to take on slick corporate attorney Buddy Crane (John Cena) and ACME, Inc., the profit-obsessed company behind all of the chaotic catastrophes. What starts as one desperate attempt to get justice turns into a hilarious adventure that puts Wile E. against the company that has been making his life miserable for decades.
It is a fun reminder that sometimes you have to keep chasing your goal, no matter how many times you get knocked off the cliff.
Adapted from Enid Blyton’s beloved classic novel The Magic Faraway Tree, the film centers on Polly (Foy), Tim (Garfield), and their three children – a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.
This film invites you along for the fun. The Magic Faraway Tree is the perfect balance of light-hearted fun and earnest emotion. I enjoy everything the film has to offer but, more than anything, I love the story – it’s magical but still relatable. It is almost like something that could happen on a random Tuesday. It also keeps a perfect balance between events happening in the real world and at the faraway tree. I didn’t lose out on the stories happening in either world. Another puzzle piece in this film is the characters. Each one is unique. Even if they share opinions or struggles, each one still feels like their own person. No character is there just to support another. We see a group of friends with special relationships, memories and backstories. It’s a perfect balance.
The visuals in the film are beautiful. Everything from the Magic Faraway Tree to the family’s old apartment is vibrant and colorful — a fairy tale in real life! The magic extends to the way the characters dress. From magical suits and gowns down to regular clothing, the costumes reflect each person’s personality and complement the others wonderfully. The set and costume designers are to be commended. Their work makes the film feel timeless, so viewers from now to a hundred years from now can imagine themselves there.
Although the film uses the magic of CGI to bring the fantastical lands to life, The Magic Faraway Tree was shot across various beautiful United Kingdom landscapes. The set design is visually aesthetic and vibrant, easily capturing the attention of young children. Speaking of children, each of the Thompson siblings, Francesca (Billie Gadsdon), Bethany (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), and Joseph (Phoenix Laroche) bring their own distinct personalities to the table. After not talking for years, Fran finally steps out of her shell when she finds a friend in Silky (Nicola Coughlan). Beth, who is a moody tween at the beginning of the film, realizes that she is not too old to believe in magic. Joe, who is obsessed with virtual reality, eventually understands what he’d miss out on if he spent the rest of his life wearing goggles. Each character in The Magic Faraway Tree has a moment of growth that contributes to its theme. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy portray an exemplary couple who want the best for each other and their family. Both display nuance, as Tim is a child at heart but is willing to do anything to achieve his goals, and Polly is an intelligent, creative, and levelheaded woman that still has spontaneity within her. They demonstrate how, when you dream big and commit, you can have it all.
The score by Isabella Summers, a founding member of the iconic band Florence and The Machine is terrific; each track encapsulates the tone of the film and draws the audience into each scene.
If you are interested in a family oriented, magical, and adventurous film, then The Magic Faraway Tree is exactly the film for you. This movie contains relatable themes, real-world issues, and a fun story to watch which makes it a film you don’t want to miss!
I enjoyed the character development of the individual characters, but also for the family as a whole. It is refreshing to witness the relationship between the parents and children grow stronger as the film progresses. Parent-child disconnect is real and this film conveys this issue through Tim trying time and time again to save the family dynamic.
The iconic children’s animated series Stories to Remember is officially back! Newly remastered and re-released by Lightyear Entertainment, this award-winning collection brings beloved storybooks to life with stunning artwork, star-studded narration (James Earl Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Mia Farrow, Kevin Kline), and musical scores by legendary artists like Stewart Copeland (The Police). You can watch the entire collection for FREE right now on Tubi at 
Noah’s Ark
The Snow Queen
Beauty and the Beast
Merlin and the Dragons
