KIDS FIRST! News

Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo, Darby, and his robot companion, Sox. As this motley crew tackles their toughest mission yet, they must learn to work together as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his dutiful robot army that are never far behind.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana A. comments, “It’s time to go infinity and beyond with your favorite space ranger – Buzz Lightyear! Pixar and Disney bring Buzz like we’ve never seen him in his own animated film, Lightyear. It’s full of epic Buzz backstories, leg-snatching aliens, hilarious scenes and endless space adventures.”  Hanadie K. adds, “Lightyear unpacks the life story of the illustrious space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, while demonstrating how his unwavering devotion to humanity and love for space voyages ultimately make him a meta-galactic space hero.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “Buzz Lightyear’s famous catchphrase, “To infinity … and beyond!” applies even more so in this film as he takes us through a whirlwind of emotions. There is the perfect mix of action, accurately timed comedy and dramatic plot twists.” See their full reviews below.

Lightyear
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

It’s time to go infinity and beyond with your favorite space ranger – Buzz Lightyear! Pixar and Disney bring Buzz like we’ve never seen him in his own animated film, Lightyear. It’s full of epic Buzz backstories, leg-snatching aliens, hilarious scenes and endless space adventures.

Lightyear follows Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) as he travels to another planet. He spends years trying to return home but clashes with robots led by Zurg (James Brolin) who is trying to steal his fuel. After he attempts to make it off the planet he realizes every time he leaves it fast forwards time. After many failed attempts he ends up 100 years into the future along with a new companion robot cat named SOX (Peter Sohn). He meets a crew of people who end up trying to help him on his mission. Can Buzz make it off this planet?  

The main character, Buzz Lightyear, is from the iconic Toy Story franchise. Lightyear is joined by fellow space ranger Alisha Hawthrone (Uzo Aduba) and, eventually, her granddaughter, Izzy Hawthrone (KeKe Palmer) and, of course, Sox (Peter Sohn) the robot cat. Fans of the Toy Story films will love learning more about Buzz’s missions mentioned throughout the Toy Story films, such as his relationship and battles with Zurg. My favorite character in this film is Sox, because he is funny without even trying and his human-like characteristics are even funnier. There is a scene where Buzz is having a tough time clearing his mind and going to sleep. Sox demonstrates different options to help him sleep and eventually starts making “white noises” that sound more like hissing. It is hilarious.

The biggest message throughout Lightyear is that failure happens, and we must never give up on our goals. You never know when something will actually work out for you unless you keep trying. Lightyear also gives a great lesson about working together and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it most. You can accomplish more with a team, than by yourself.

I give Lightyear 4 out 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18. Of course, adults will love it too. Toy Story fans will love getting to know Buzz’s story in this film. Lightyear travels into theaters June 17, 2022.

Lightyear
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 11

Ever wonder how Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear came to be? Wait no longer. Disney and Pixar join forces to create a spectacular sci-fi action-adventure animated film that answers the burning question, who is Buzz Lightyear? Lightyear unpacks the life story of the illustrious space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, while demonstrating how his unwavering devotion to humanity and love for space voyages ultimately make him a meta-galactic space hero.

In the animated film, Lightyear, Buzz (Chris Evan) recruits eager scientists and space technicians, Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer), Mo Morrison (Taika Waititi) and Darby (Dale Soules) along with his robot sidekick Sox (Peter Sohn) to join him on his quest to defeat the evil Zurg and his loyal robot army.

In this movie, Buzz Lightyear finds himself deserted on a hostile planet. Buzz cannot get his crew out of this foreign world and ultimately shoulders all the blame for this malfunction. However, he is persistent and refuses to abandon his assignment despite several failed attempts. While Buzz Lightyear devotes his life to this undertaking, his crew eventually decides to abort the mission and live their everyday lives. While this film’s storyline is captivating and nail-biting, the animation makes the film. Nearly 20 years after the release of Toy Story, Lightyear showcases the evolution of CGI animated films. Pixar transformed a timeless toy character into one with human characteristics and still makes the story believable.

The message of this film is one of resilience, tenacity and willpower. Buzz Lightyear never gives up on his dreams, despite being given every reason to quit. He fights until his final hour to overcome every obstacle thrown his way; still, he preserves. Lightyear also reminds us that if we do not reserve time to appreciate those around us, we may miss that opportunity. It’s important to note that the film shows a same-sex marriage and kissing that may be controversial.

I give Lightyear 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14, plus adults. It is available in theaters June 17, 2022. If you are a die-hard Toy Story fan or love action-packed, intergalactic robot war movies, you will not want to miss Lightyear.

Lightyear
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Epic and intergalactic! Lightyear is the backstory we didn’t know we needed. Among all of Disney’s animated films released this year, Lightyear is my number one considering how unique it is.

Lightyear reveals the backstory of Buzz Lightyear, a Space Ranger, the character originally depicted as a toy action figure in the 1995 Pixar film Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) undertakes a mission to return the human race back home as they are currently on a foreign planet. However, he faces some challenges to do so, resulting in his need for a team. Will Buzz be able to finish the mission?

Buzz Lightyear’s famous catchphrase, “To infinity … and beyond!” applies even more so in this film as he takes us through a whirlwind of emotions. There is the perfect mix of action, accurately timed comedy and dramatic plot twists. Growing up watching the Toy Story series with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), it took me awhile to grasp the voice of someone else playing this iconic voice. However, what makes this film incredible is that it captures an entirely new perspective on the character that we knew and loved. Lightyearalso uncovers many new doors. That being said, I can’t wait to see how Lightyear matures in new films and adventures. I highly recommend seeing this film in IMAX as much of the film is seen in space and there are many times the audience is enveloped as if they are in the space ship along with Buzz himself. This Pixar film is among the most diverse I have ever seen.

The message of the film is that our friends and family are our teammates throughout our greatest missions.

I give Lightyear 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters June 17, 2022. You won’t want to miss it!

A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis’s (Butler) story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “This is an incredible and exciting film. From the opening scene until the credits roll, the movie is a roller coaster of emotions. Austin’s performance as the king of Rock n Roll is revolutionary. It’s impossible to take your eyes off of him. He truly becomes Elvis with his mannerisms and dancing.” See her full review below.

Elvis
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Elvis is a movie everyone needs to see! One of the greatest biopics is finally here and it does not disappoint. Fans of all generations will love this film for years to come.

Elvis is told from the point of view of Colonel Parker (Tom Hanks) who used to be Elvis’s manager. He tells the story of how he met Elvis (Austin Butler) and how the singer took the world by storm. The film covers the years of Elvis’s life as a young adult until his passing.

This is an incredible and exciting film. From the opening scene until the credits roll, the movie is a roller coaster of emotions. Austin’s performance as the king of Rock n Roll is revolutionary. It’s impossible to take your eyes off of him. He truly becomes Elvis with his mannerisms and dancing. Austin’s performance is Oscar-worthy, just like the rest of the film. The movie humanizes Elvis, where audiences see him as more than just a performer. It’s heartbreaking to see how this larger-than-life legend never lived the life he wanted.

The film unites both Elvis fans and non-enthusiasts by showing this icon in a never-before-seen profile. Following Elvis throughout his life and witnessing his love of music made me feel as if he’s been a friend of mine for years. Producer/Director/Writer, Baz Lurhmann delivers an incredible film and story here. It is completely engaging, has a perfect mix of modern music and Elvis classics, along with swapping between Elvis and the Colonel’s points of view. Archival elements such as newspaper headlines and comic book art are put to good use and the film ends with a video recording of Elvis’s last concert. The costumes are spectacular. The scene of Elvis’s Las Vegas residency wearing his iconic white suit is beautiful since it looks like the viewers are watching a live performance. This is one movie that you should watch in theaters to capture its greatness. The music blaring; Austin’s acting; and the cinematography should be experienced on the big screen.

Elvis offers several themes, but the most important one is to live the life you want to. Elvis’s mother warned him of living a life to please others and that he would eventually lose himself, which is exactly what happened. Elvis never lived his life for himself and, in the end, it consumed him.

I give Elvis 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It premieres in theaters June 24, 2022.

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.

Hollywood Stargirl is a sequel to the 2020 Disney+ hit about free spirit Stargirl Caraway, a silver-voiced teenager whose simple acts of kindness work magic in the lives of others, that follows Stargirl’s journey out of Mica, Arizona and into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibilities. When her mother Ana is hired as the costume designer on a movie, they relocate to L.A., where Stargirl quickly becomes involved with an eclectic assortment of characters. They include aspiring filmmaking brothers Evan and Terrell; Mr. Mitchell, one of Stargirl’s neighbors; and Roxanne Martel, a musician Stargirl admires and encounters on her journey.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “Hollywood Stargirl is the perfect sequel! We reunite with favorite characters from Stargirl and see how much they’ve grown. By the end of the film we are left wanting to see more of these characters—which is a good thing!” See her full review below.

Hollywood Stargirl 
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Hollywood Stargirl is the perfect sequel! We reunite with favorite characters from Stargirl and see how much they’ve grown. By the end of the film we are left wanting to see more of these characters—which is a good thing!

Hollywood Stargirl is very relatable and follows Stargirl (Grace VanderWaal) who has recently moved to Los Angeles. She meets new friends in her apartment building and begins filming a movie. In the first Stargirl film, Stargirl herself is incredibly free spirited and inspires others. In Hollywood Stargirl, she struggles with her emotions, living somewhere new, and wanting to make friends. Seeing a teen girl who is lost and isn’t quite sure where her place in the world is so comforting because it reminds young audiences that others feel the same way they do.  And it’s a good motivation to live life to the fullest.

Stargirl’s wardrobe is spectacular, and it encapsulates her character perfectly. Grace’s acting is magnificent, too, and how she shows Stargirl’s deepest emotions in quiet scenes is very engaging. Stand out scenes like Stargirl singing in her room and going to a club to watch singers perform are heartwarming—it’s wonderful to see her grow comfortable in herself and her music. Grace’s chemistry with her co-star Elijah Richardson, who plays Evan, is phenomenal. Two young actors bring comedy, friendship, and all awkward teenage emotions to the screen with such simple performances.  Hollywood Stargirl proves that contemporary cinema needs more movies like these. 

Stargirl learns several lessons throughout the film. She learns to communicate her feelings to her mom, to feel comfortable in her music and how to turn her life into an adventure. For the first time, Stargirl learns the importance of friendship and camaraderie. 

I give Hollywood Stargirl 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming on Disney+ June 3, 2022.

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.”

Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jude A. comments, “As a movie that relies naturally on the technological advancements behind the aircraft used in the film, of course the Top Gun series progresses to new literal and figurative heights in its highly anticipated sequel.” Benjamin P. adds, “Top Gun: Maverick is nothing short of a miracle. This sequel to a movie from three decades ago is head and shoulders above its predecessors in sheer cinematic immersion and thematically has more on its mind: Legacy, family, love, loss, the ultimate costs of living like a maverick.” Katherine S. adds, “Top Gun: Maverick is a high octane, action-packed movie with secret missions, crazy “dogfighting,” and facing your fears. Given the spectacular cinematography, I highly recommend watching this on the biggest screen possible. If you really want to capture what it might feel like to fly in a naval fighter jet, watch it in IMAX 4DX, which is what I viewed it in.” Miguel C. wraps it up with, “The breathtaking film Top Gun: Maverick directed by Joseph Kosinski is absolutely stunning, from the actors to the set. It has a beautiful soundtrack by Lorne Balfe including Lady Gaga’s song, ‘Hold My Hand.’” See their full reviews below.

Top Gun: Maverick
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The breathtaking film Top Gun: Maverick directed by Joseph Kosinski is absolutely stunning, from the actors to the set. It has a beautiful soundtrack by Lorne Balfe including Lady Gaga’s song, “Hold My Hand.” The special effects and the different sounds that go with it make you think you’re actually there. I was definitely on the edge of my seat.  

The story features Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.  With 30 years under his belt as a top Navy aviator, Pete Mitchell is back.  Now he’s training the graduates for a very special and scary assignment in which no one knows if they will return home. Maverick must now confront many of his ghosts and fears, which means there will be sacrifices from those who he chooses to fly. 

Top Gun: Maverick is my official favorite movie—not only is one of the leading characters Tom Cruise, but the original Top Gun film was a phenomenon and number one in the world in 1986. The special effects in this sequel are absolutely everything.  l didn’t feel like I was watching a movie—I felt like I was part of it. The wonderful cast, the camera work, and everything else is very sharp. 

The message of this film is to not always think about the consequences of something, but instead to just do it. Kind of like: Go for it!  Don’t be scared—we have to live our lives to the fullest! Top Gun: Maverick has some sequences of intense action, and some strong language, but otherwise it doesn’t have anything to look out for. This is honestly a really good movie to watch all together with the family, but maybe not with the little ones. 

I give Top Gun: Maverick 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. You can find it in theaters May 27, 2022. 

Top Gun: Maverick
By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Top Gun: Maverick is nothing short of a miracle. This sequel to a movie from three decades ago is head and shoulders above its predecessors in sheer cinematic immersion and thematically has more on its mind: Legacy, family, love, loss, the ultimate costs of living like a maverick.

Top Gun: Maverick finds Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) still living for the thrill of the flight, carrying the weight of a program that stands on the brink of being decommissioned with his daring unwillingness to be rendered extinct. Even as the very thing he loves doing puts him at risk every time he buckles into the cockpit, he hasn’t done anything else in the years since we last saw him. He’s sent back to Top Gun as an instructor by old pal Admiral ‘Iceman’ Kazansky (Val Kilmer), but his function is to teach pilots who’ve graduated the program to carry out a mission that forces to them use what they know and everything Maverick is there to teach them. There, he reignites a romance with an old flame (Jennifer Connolly) and reckons with the death of his best friend Goose by teaching his son Rooster (Miles Teller).

Top Gun: Maverick’s highs are rooted in the sensory experience of watching this movie. This isn’t a movie you watch, this is a movie that happens to you. Its technology and narrative are in harmony. Without the vision behind the way these flight sequences were brought to the screen, this movie wouldn’t be as compelling as it is. You’ll feel like your seat becomes the cockpit of an F-18. It’s that closeness we have to the pilots that makes all the in-flight action all the more engaging. You feel every dive, every turn, every maneuver because director Joseph Kosinski’s camera puts you right there. And the story on the ground is unexpected and moving. In what can sometimes feel like a deja-vu fest of direct callbacks to the original, and it works: Top Gun: Maverick uses that quality to its advantage. Maverick feels those same pangs of familiarity. We see him standing at a bar, watching his students size each other up, hoping to figure out the pilot hierarchy, knowing that decades before, he was doing the same thing as they are. He’s stuck in these cycles of his own making. And by being asked back to Top Gun, he finds another. Ultimately, Maverick lives for the flying, but not its accompanying sacrifices, and in this film he has too much in his life to lose it all. How they made Maverick such a richly-textured figure of regret and the promise of second chances is exciting to see.

The lesson of Top Gun: Maverick is to not be afraid to forgive and grow. Maverick stands on the precipice of true closure, but it’s his own pride and unwillingness to try that keeps him from patching up his fraught relationship with Rooster. Maverick can’t rectify his past until he puts pettiness aside and work to earn Goose’s forgiveness.

I give Top Gun: Maverick 5 out of 5 stars and can’t recommend it enough. And I give It an age rating of 10 to 18, plus adults, for some foul language and tense moments of aerial combat. The rumble of an F-18 engine complemented by the thawing of estranged bonds and the warmth of seeing old friends. That is the magic of Top Gun: Maverick—it flies into theaters May 27, 2022.

Top Gun: Maverick
By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

After years of delays, Top Gun: Maverick finally flies onto screens better than ever. “Better than ever,” as in, possibly greater than its predecessor in 1986. As a movie that relies naturally on the technological advancements behind the aircraft used in the film, of course the Top Gun series progresses to new literal and figurative heights in its highly anticipated sequel. The film perfectly evokes a sense of nostalgia,without getting distracted by the past. In addition, it gives us a lot to focus on in the runway ahead. Tom Cruise promised if he ever made a Top Gun sequel, the flying of F/A-18 aircrafts (the primary aircraft used in the film) would be completely real. Mr. Cruise completely delivered on that promise to new boundaries the viewers aren’t ready for.

Following the events from Top Gun in 1986, Top Gun: Maverick picks up with the iconic characters 36 years later. The story starts with Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) as his career flying planes has slowed down. He no longer works with the Top Gun academy, and helps a local Navy facility test advanced aircraft. When his charisma impedes his judgment (like always), Maverick destroys a highly expensive government aircraft. Soon after, Maverick is given an ultimatum; he can either be grounded by the Navy and never fly again, or he can go back to the Top Gun academy and teach a group of young pilots how to complete a highly dangerous mission. Later he goes toe to toe with his greatest challenge, providing closure to the son of his deceased best friend Goose.

In present day Hollywood, every film is trying to perfect the art of CGI and make it look as real as it could be. The beauty behind Top Gun: Maverick is the actual lack of CGI itself. The film doesn’t need to “look” real, because it already is real. Tom Cruise is known for completing his own stunts, and 100% upped his game by having the entire cast do theirs as well. Every actor playing a pilot went through months of diligent training, learning the ins and outs of flying F/A-18 aircrafts. The amount of effort provided by the actors to master aviation for the film is quite possibly unlike anything any actor has done before.

With a film that consistently performs death-defying stunts, it can be inferred that Top Gun: Maverick is incredibly intense. To add on to the layer of intensity, the film often engages with long action sequences (involving cursing and heavy violence.)  Comedic relief often pops up at random times to lighten mood, which creates a nice blend of thrills and humor. Since a large part of the story is about Maverick’s relationship with the son of his deceased friend Goose, a theme of closure is prominent throughout the film. The film also provides the moral that relationships can be repaired no matter the wall between them.

Top Gun: Maverick soars far past all expectations, really redefining the definition of stunts in present day Hollywood. I give Top Gun: Maverick 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. You can find Top Gun: Maverick flying onto your local theater on May 27, 2022. Buckle up!

Top Gun: Maverick
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Top Gun: Maverick is a high octane, action-packed movie with secret missions, crazy “dogfighting,” and facing your fears. Given the spectacular cinematography, I would highly recommend watching this on the biggest screen possible. And if you really want to capture what it might feel like to fly in a naval fighter jet, watch it in IMAX 4DX, which is what I viewed it in.

The second movie in the Top Gun franchise takes places more 30 years later, and Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is a test pilot for the Navy, that is, until he goes too far and gets grounded. But after his old frenemy, “Iceman” (Val Kilmer), pulls some strings, he doesn’t get discharged and instead teaches a team of twelve of the most skilled pilots – all graduates of Top Gun training school – to go on a high stakes mission to save the country. Because this movie is a sequel to Top Gun, I would recommend seeing that one first, as the characters, their backstories, as well as the plot, are an integral part of this movie.

If you thought the cinematography for the first Top Gun was insane, your mind will be blown during this one. The reason the film looks so realistic is because the actors are actually flying in the planes! The fight scenes are so astonishing to watch as the planes toss, turn, spin and dive. The movie has some serious moments but also has the perfect amount of subtle humor to lighten it a bit. Top Gun: Maverick demonstrates an on-screen presence of diversity with representation from people of all walks of life and ethnicities. The entire cast had strong performances, but my favorite come from Miles Teller (Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw) and Tom Cruise (Pete “Maverick” Mitchell). The beef and chemistry between Miles and Tom feels like it comes from such a real place, which is what makes both of their performances stand out the most.

The messages of Top Gun: Maverick are you need to work as a team to achieve your goals and, sometimes, you need to remember: “don’t think, just do”. This movie has violence, explosions, and death, as well as some profanity. I gained a lot of respect for people who work for the Navy from this movie.

I give Top Gun: Maverick 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults—especially fans of the original movie. It comes out in theaters May 27, 2022.

Top Gun: Maverick
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The breathtaking film Top Gun: Maverick directed by Joseph Kosinski is absolutely stunning, from the actors to the set. It has a beautiful soundtrack by Lorne Balfe including Lady Gaga’s song, “Hold My Hand.” The special effects and the different sounds that go with it make you think you’re actually there. I was definitely on the edge of my seat.  

The story features Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.  With 30 years under his belt as a top Navy aviator, Pete Mitchell is back.  Now he’s training the graduates for a very special and scary assignment in which no one knows if they will return home. Maverick must now confront many of his ghosts and fears, which means there will be sacrifices from those who he chooses to fly. 

Top Gun: Maverick is my official favorite movie—not only is one of the leading characters Tom Cruise, but the original Top Gun film was a phenomenon and number one in the world in 1986. The special effects in this sequel are absolutely everything.  l didn’t feel like I was watching a movie—I felt like I was part of it. The wonderful cast, the camera work, and everything else is very sharp. 

The message of this film is to not always think about the consequences of something, but instead to just do it. Kind of like: Go for it!  Don’t be scared—we have to live our lives to the fullest! Top Gun: Maverick has some sequences of intense action, and some strong language, but otherwise it doesn’t have anything to look out for. This is honestly a really good movie to watch all together with the family, but maybe not with the little ones. 

I give Top Gun: Maverick 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. You can find it in theaters May 27, 2022.