The Wildman of Shaggy Creek * Fresh And Spooky New Twist On The Legendary Story Of Bigfoot
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Scott’s move to a new town becomes a heart-pounding adventure when he accepts a dare to camp in the Shaggy Creek woods. Armed with his fearless friend Hailey, he must confront the legend of a terrifying Bigfoot creature lurking in the shadows.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a suspenseful, heartfelt movie with an incredible message about fear. It has great unpredictable twists along with amazing performances from the whole cast that allow for a scary and thoughtful film.” Junior R. adds, “The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is not just another movie about a legendary creature, it is so much more. This movie is part mystery, with a heartwarming twist, and a side of totally awesome. I loved every minute!” Ari C. adds, “Kudos to Jesse Edwards for writing and directing this film and to Hudson Hensley for perfectly portraying his character, Scott. He really captures the emotions of a sad kid who has just moved to a new state and his character’s progression is amazing.” Jackson N. adds, “The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a fresh and spooky new twist on the legendary story of Bigfoot. This movie mixes mystery, suspense, and just the right amount of creepiness to get you in the mood for Halloween. At its heart, it’s about learning to face your fears, even when you’d rather run the other way.” See their full reviews below.
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek
By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
The story follows Scott (Hudson Hensley), who moves to a new town for his mom’s (Allee Sutton Hethcoat) job, leaving everyone he knew behind without a word. When he moves, he’s told that the woods behind his house have a Wildman living there that attacks children who enter, and he soon is forced to see if the tale is real.
The cinematography in this movie is immaculate, not only does it support the feeling of suspense, but also, everything looks gorgeous. The shots in the woods are breathtaking; however, they also add to the eerie feeling that something is watching Scott.
I especially enjoyed how the camera moves alongside Scott as he runs. Another technical aspect that adds to the eerie feeling is the sound design. The more the movie shows the woods, the more sounds of the Wildman are heard, increasing the fear that something is there. The acting is exceptional, especially Hudson Hensley and Allee Sutton Hethcoat as Scott and Charlotte. Hensley perfectly encapsulates what it’s like for a child to move, and I found myself understanding where he was coming from. Hethcoat had me fully convinced she loved her child more than anything else. These performances contributed to a heartwarming and emotional experience for me.
The screenplay is very well written and perfectly blends the fear of leaving with finding a monster together. These overlapping themes add so much to Scott’s character arc and it is very satisfying to watch the story unfold.
The film’s message is to not let fear ruin your relationships with the people that you care about, no matter how scared you are. Be forewarned that there are some intense scenes and horror elements throughout the film, along with depictions of bullying.
I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 12. It is available on digital platforms including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home now. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-wildman-of-shaggy-creek/umc.cmc.12u72tqeqz9oaf18ddfgygnp4
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek
By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is not just another movie about a legendary creature, it is so much more. This movie is part mystery, with a heartwarming twist, and a side of totally awesome. I loved every minute!
The storyline follows Scott (Hudson Hensley), a new kid in town, who hears a creepy local legend – that the Wildman, a Bigfoot-like creature, lives in the woods and eats kids who get too close. When some older kids dare him to camp out overnight in the Shaggy Creek woods, Scott decides to do it to prove he’s not scared. His friend Hailey (Ayla Bullington) goes with him, and what starts as a joke quickly turns into something much scarier. What Scott and Hailey discover changes their friendship forever.
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is positive, respectful, and uplifting. It is adventurous and a tiny bit spooky all thanks to director Jesse Edwards. Hudson Hensley, as Scott, is great – he’s funny and relatable, and when he’s scared, you can really feel it. Hailey is smart, brave, and downright hilarious! She’s definitely the brains behind most of their plans. Hailey’s older brother, Zach (Brycen Patterson) plays the mean bully impeccably. The foggy woods look like a real supernatural and eerie place. The awesome lighting and the low, spooky music that builds tension are the perfect combination for the epic jump scare. My favorite part is the scene where Scott and Hailey set up lanterns and bells in the trees to trap the creature; it is mysterious and exhilarating. You’ll have to watch to see if their trap works!
The film’s message is about courage, bravery, and friendship. Scott learns that change can be scary but also exciting, and sometimes it helps you grow and become braver. Accepting change means being open to new experiences and challenges, even if they seem strange at first. It also shows how working together and trusting your gut can help you solve problems. There’s nothing inappropriate in it; just some jump scares that are fun, and not too terrifying.
I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is available for online screening now including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home.
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I absolutely love The Wildman of Shaggy Creek. It has amazing acting, a warm storyline, relatable characters, and music that perfectly match the mood.
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a heart-warming story about a boy named Scott (Hudson Hensley) who must move to a new home in Tennessee. Scott’s new house is right in front of a mysterious forest. This forest, according to legend, is home to a Sasquatch-like creature known as the Wildman of Shaggy Creek who is said to eat children. After being pressured by his bully, Zach (Bryson Patterson), Scott spends a night in the woods accompanied by his friend, Hailey (Ayla Bullington). Throughout the story, Scott must deal with finding the courage to talk to his friends, adjusting to his new home, and most of all, navigating the forest and the infamous Wildman.
Kudos to Jesse Edwards for writing and directing this film and to Hudson Hensley for perfectly portraying his character, Scott. He really captures the emotions of a sad kid who has just moved to a new state and his character’s progression is amazing. He and Ayla Bullington, who plays Hailey, complement each other nicely. It’s incredible watching them work together; they just click. I also love the way Bryson Patterson and Hudson Hensley work together – they perfectly show the rivalry between their characters and how their relationship grows over time. While the film has some characteristics of a horror story, it’s a warm-hearted story about family and friendship that makes you feel happy. Jose Skertchly perfectly matches the music to the mood throughout the film.
Screenwriter Jesse Edwards has created characters that feel so real and are easy for viewers to connect to. My favorite part is when Scott and Hailey see something in the woods thinking it’s just Zach in a costume, but it’s actually the infamous monster.
The film’s message is about the importance of family and friendship and a reminder that things aren’t always as they appear. Note that this film does have a few scary moments, but nothing too extreme.
I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch this film on digital platforms including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home now.
The Wildman Of Shaggy Creek
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a fresh and spooky new twist on the legendary story of Bigfoot. This movie mixes mystery, suspense, and just the right amount of creepiness to get you in the mood for Halloween. At its heart, it’s about learning to face your fears, even when you’d rather run the other way. With some talented rising actors and a plot full of surprises, this film offers a fun ride for kids and families who like stories that blend adventure with a little bit of fright.
The story takes place in a cozy suburban neighborhood where a new family is moving in. Like many families, they have their ups and downs—missing their moving truck and struggling to adjust—but it’s their son, Scott (Hudson Hensley), who has the hardest time. He feels uprooted from his old life and friends, and he’s not excited about starting over. Things get even stranger when he notices a shadowy figure in the woods behind his house. Is it just a neighborhood bully messing with him, or could it actually be the Wildman of Shaggy Creek, a creature people whisper about but no one has ever truly proven exists? Scott’s curiosity pushes him to explore, even though he’s scared, and this leads to some suspenseful and exciting moments.
If I had to pick one quote to encapsulate this film, it’s when Scott is in the car and his mom (Alee Sutton Hethcoat) says how happy she is that he has some new friends. Scott responds with, “I liked the friends I had.” This perfectly shows the way he feels like he is being pushed into a new life that he didn’t ask for. It makes Scott’s character relatable, especially for kids who have had to move or start at a new school. He feels stuck, angry, and honestly, can you blame him? The suspense is handled well for the most part, with eerie sounds, mysterious shadows, and lots of moments where you wonder what’s about to happen. However, some scenes feel a little forced, like the filmmakers were trying too hard to build tension by keeping things hidden for too long. Also, the school set looks a bit unrealistic because there aren’t enough students or cars to make it feel like a real place. These small issues don’t ruin the story, but they do stand out.
The main message of The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is clear – you can’t live your life fully unless you face your fears. Along the way, the film also explores friendship, homesickness, and the courage it takes to start fresh in a new place. Parents should know that the movie is kid and family friendly, but it does include suspenseful moments and loud roaring sounds that might startle very young viewers.
I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. You can watch it on select streaming services including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home now.
In the new film, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan) to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco. But when Gabby’s dollhouse, her most prized possession, ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera (Kristen Wiig), Gabby sets off on an adventure through the real world to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it’s too late.
From the very first scene, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie pulls you into a world of glitter, music, and magic. It is colorful, fun, and filled with surprises that kept me smiling the whole time. This movie is pure joy from beginning to end.
The characters are just as delightful as ever—Gabby, Pandy Paws (Tucker Chandler), Cakey (Juliet Donenfeld), DJ Catnip (Eduardo Franco), and all the fan favorites shine on the big screen. Laila Lockhart wonderfully brings Gabby to life, while Gloria Estefan adds warmth and heart as Grandma. Kristen Wiig is hilarious and mischievous as Vera, the cat lady villain, adding a fun twist to the story. The voice actors make each character feel real and lovable, and the animation is bright, detailed, and magical, creating a world that feels alive and exciting for kids and families alike.
I did not particularly enjoy the character development and how certain ideas are portrayed. Some of the characters’ decisions seem too spontaneous and unrealistic for how people actually handle change. Chumsley (Jason Mantzoukas) is extremely rude to Gabby which seems to come out of nowhere and he never apologizes for his actions. Chumsley insults Gabby and kicks her out of her own dollhouse. This type of behavior goes against what is okay and what isn’t. On the other hand, when Vera realizes that she has been a bad friend to Chumsley, she apologizes and they make up. As much as I enjoyed the film, I felt that many characters seem unfinished and the movie tries to include too many plot lines and too many characters. It feels quite overstimulating at times. Although this is a kids’ movie, I believe that adults will also enjoy watching it mostly because of the character Vera. She is a very odd and a genuinely funny character. Vera’s conversations and yoga sessions with her cat are hilarious. She is such a fun character and Kristen Wiig really goes all out in portraying her.
Inspired by Paris Hilton and her real-life pets, Paris & Pups follows a 12-year-old girl and her five adorable pups sharing exciting adventures from their luxurious penthouse home, as they spread joy and kindness throughout their community. Join Paris Star and her pup-filled Sweetie Squad on some glitterally glamazing adventures at the Fabuluxe Hotel. This animated digital series celebrates the bond between Paris Star – a fictional tween inspired by Paris Hilton – and her five fabulous pups, the Sweetie Squad.
Paris & Pups is a sparkly, stylish, and heartwarming new animated show that mixes fun adventures with meaningful lessons. Inspired by Paris Hilton and her real-life pets, the series is designed for young for kids and families, spreading positivity while serving plenty of glitz and glam.
What I enjoyed most about Paris & Pups is how it balances dazzling luxury with genuine kindness. The show doesn’t just focus on fabulous penthouse living, it emphasizes friendship, creativity, and helping others. Each episode is colorful, full of energy, and radiates good vibes that made me smile. The characters are vibrant and fun to watch. Paris Star is confident and relatable, with a voice that feels encouraging to young viewers. Each pup has a unique personality that brings humor and excitement to the team. The animation style is bright and stylish, capturing the “luxury-meets-kindness” theme perfectly. My favorite part is watching how the pups solve problems in clever, funny ways that I believe kids will find both entertaining and easy to understand.
The show’s message is uplifting — kindness never goes out of style. It highlights teamwork, responsibility, and generosity while showing kids that they can make a difference in their own communities. There is no inappropriate content, and it promotes positive social behavior in every episode.
With a catastrophic storm on its way, Noah is given a monumental task: build a boat big enough to save his family – and two of every kind – from a flood that will cover the entire earth. As Noah endeavors to live faithfully in the midst of an increasingly chaotic world, can he trust that God’s promises run deeper than the rising waters around him? Filmed in front of a live audience, this special event invites you to gather your crew two by two and join us onboard the ark for an unforgettable adventure.
NOAH: Live! absolutely blew me away. The unique perspective of Sight and Sound’s filmed stage musical, the quality of the production, and relatable characters whose concerns and mistrusts still ring true in the present day bring one of the most immersive accountings of the Biblical story of Noah and the flood to life.
There is so much to love about this film, that I honestly don’t even know where to begin. One thing that makes it stand out is how much detail is put into the sets. Though this is a filmed version of a live stage performance, the immensity and perspective of the ark make it feel like one is really on the boat with Noah. The big thing that makes it feel that way is the inclusion of live animals – they are everywhere in this film, and a very diverse variety at that. There are cats, horses, dogs, pigs, sheep, camels, parrots, ducks, and even skunks! Yes, even skunks. These are all real animals, and only a few animatronics are used for the elephants and pandas. My favorite scene is when Noah and his family are loading all the animals onto the ark. They are flying, walking, and running around the stage, and I got a sense of just how massive this production is.
The animals aren’t the only stars of this film. Tom Sharpes is excellent in his role as Noah; the emotion he brings made me really feel for him and his family in the events that lead up to The Flood. Following God is not always easy, but Noah’s dedication to the Lord shines a light on the darkness of his world, and even changes lives.
NOAH-Live is a breathtaking musical with amazing vocals and acting performances from the entire cast. Filmed in front of a live audience, it includes images I have never seen before from the live production and truly left me speechless at multiple points. I applaud the hard work from the crew.
The scale of this production is unbelievable as it features so many unique elements. I am most impressed with the inclusion of live animals, which is hard to pull off, and there are over 80 that appear in each live event. Featuring animals in the cast at a live setting is not easy considering that they don’t always listen, so seeing how well they work here is incredibly impressive. The songs are well written, unique, and extremely catchy. I found myself looking forward to the next one and excited to see what it would feature. I especially like “The Gates of Nod” and “Noah’s Lament,” for completely different reasons. The “Gates of Nod” has great vocal performances, amazing choreography, and is extremely catchy. “Noah’s Lament” made me feel for Noah and Tom Sharpes’ acting is immaculate.
The cast gives great vocal performances; there are no weak links, and the ensemble blends together so well. The songs have some extremely high and low notes so the singers’ virtuosity is challenged. All of the actors give outstanding performances and each character is portrayed realistically. I couldn’t help but wish that certain plot elements had more time to shine, especially some of the romantic elements.
In Eleanor The Great, June Squibb brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is a comically poignant exploration of how the stories we hear become the stories we tell.
I really like the film, Eleanor The Great. It has a simple but yet incredibly complex storyline, and conveys emotion in a beautiful way. It highlights different perspectives, and shows multiple sides to one story. I am really touched by this movie, and feel that it’s important for us as a society to bring more attention to films like this.
Scarlett Johansson’s directing style is a notable standout in this film. This movie highlights the often quietness and loneliness in people’s lives. Each camera angle brings that feeling to the screen. There are so many moments of stillness, where the audience is focused on one thing even, for example, watching Eleanor come back to New York. This is a place that she once called home, and you can really tell how much she’s taking it all in. It feels like I’m really seeing New York City through her eyes. Additionally, I enjoy the simplicity of this movie. It isn’t a huge blockbuster film, and it doesn’t take big expensive sets to make it happen. Everything feels extremely realistic, as if I’m just watching Eleanor’s life right beside her. Something else I enjoy is the storyline.
This is one of the first movies I’ve ever watched with an older woman as the main character. Getting to see her perspective on life is so interesting and refreshing. In most films the older characters are often pushed to the side, and seen as someone who has a lot of wisdom. Here, Eleanor is so much more than that. Of course we get her wise advice, but we also get to understand her life. We learn her struggles and dreams, but also what brings her happiness. Hearing her perspective on why she does certain things is fascinating and educational.
Eleanor The Great is the most heartfelt movie I’ve ever seen. Its story was handled with expert care, and the acting left me in awe.
Eleanor is a beautiful character, and June Squibb’s brilliant acting really brings her to life. Right off the bat, I could sense her grief through the screen. Later, after a major event, when her fighting spirit is gone, the vacuum left behind is so palpable that she does not need to say anything to convey. I will go a step further and say that everyone’s performance in this film deserves a round of applause. They all tell this story with an outstanding authenticity that’s not typically found. Their emotions are raw, ugly and justified. I also enjoyed the suspense of Eleanor managing two identities. You can feel the tension building as you see how minor inconsistencies snowball into unbearable contradictions that Eleanor must keep up to maintain these two separate worlds. The measured pacing is the cherry on top. It feels real, as if everything is happening in real time.
The transitions from Bessie to Eleanor after Bessie passes convey so much emotion and the cuts in the middle of scenes are perfectly placed. No one is interrupted, and instead, I was left wondering what they could have said. Another thing I found interesting is Nina’s character being a parallel to Eleanor’s. While Eleanor is old, confident and stands her ground, Nina is young and easily influenced. However, they have both lost someone close to them. They understand and share their feelings with each other, which leads to their friendship. Later, when Nina confronts Eleanor, we see that they are not so different after all.
