KIDS FIRST! News

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Zoey F. comments, “The Sheep Detectives is a wonderful movie with a great theme and a great cast of actors. Its main strength is its simplicity and very cute sheep.”  Julie O. adds, “I love this film! The Sheep Detectives is a heartwarming murder mystery that keeps you guessing “who did it” right up to the end. I found myself laughing and crying! The storyline is intriguing and the characters act very suspicious, making it so much more interesting to watch.” Beatriz D. wraps it up with, “This is a humorous, but profound murder mystery that is very heartfelt…The story follows a flock of sheep who attempt to uncover the murder of their shepherd (Hugh Jackman) after he unexpectedly dies.” See their full reviews below, plus our talent interviews on and off the red carpet by Raasti and Zoey.

The Sheep Detectives
By Zoey F, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Sheep Detectives is a wonderful movie with a great theme and a great cast of actors. Its main strength is its simplicity and very cute sheep.

The plot follows George (Hugh Jackman) whose favorite pastime is reading murder mysteries to his beloved sheep. After sending several mysterious letters, George is found dead in his pasture. Just like the novels he has read them; the flock discovers this is indeed a murder. The self-proclaimed detective, Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun) is completely useless along with his unlikely friend, Elliot Mathews (Nicholas Galitzine) who is even less helpful. So, it’s up to the flock to solve the murder before the contents of his will are followed through.

The best thing about The Sheep Detectives is the utter simplicity of the movie. Sometimes films are trying way too hard to cater to a younger audience.

They try to be relatable, and it seems that most of the budget is spent on celebrity cameos instead of good screenwriting. This movie completely shatters that pattern.

Where to even begin? Each character’s development makes complete sense. Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is the leader of the sheep. She is confident but some of her values are misplaced. She often grapples with the fact that death exists and how heavy grief can feel. During the course of the film, she embraces community and learns to work through it with people she loves and trusts.

Mopple (Chris O’Dowd) is my personal favorite character. The other sheep have the power to forget any event – every other sheep except for him. Chris O’Dowd excels at capturing Mopple’s pain. He must carry all the painful memories that the rest of the flock chooses to forget because he cannot. O’Dowd adds some much-needed humor with this development, but he also adds just enough of the tragedy. Aside from the heartfelt moments in the movie, there is still a mystery.

I did feel that the movie sometimes focuses too much on ways to make me cry rather than the mystery itself. The main suspects quickly become the people named in George’s will. But not enough time is spent getting to know the other characters so we have no reason to suspect them or not. Because of that, when the mystery is solved, the culprit’s motive makes sense, but it is not as satisfying as it could have been.

This is just a small thing, and it did not stop me from enjoying the film. This movie is an emotional rollercoaster; it is guaranteed to make anyone who watches it laugh, cry and fall in love with CGI sheep.

The film has themes of belonging, family and the importance of treating others with respect. It also explores grief, loss, and coping strategies. The sheep often choose to forget when something gets too difficult or hurts too much. By the end, Lily and Mopple realize that forgetting is not healthy and it’s important to feel negative emotions, not just hide from them.

I give The Sheep Detectives 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to kids ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters May 8, 2026.

The Sheep Detectives
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love this film! The Sheep Detectives is a heartwarming murder mystery that keeps you guessing “who did it” right up to the end. I found myself laughing and crying! The storyline is intriguing and the characters act very suspicious, making it so much more interesting to watch.

 

The Sheep Detectives is based on the book Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story by Leonie Swann. It takes place in a fictional village, called Derrybrook, in England, and focuses on the lives of a herd of sheep, their shepherd (Hugh Jackman), and a few of the villagers. Two of the sheep Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Mopple (Chris O’Dowd) help the local policeman (Nicolas Braun) solve a murder.

The storyline is well developed and I enjoy the pace of the film. I especially love the humor that is used from beginning to end and the use of a riddle to help solve the murder. I like that the sheep and human characters have similar storylines. Each has to deal with death, different personalities, challenges, and love. The film explores what makes individuals unique and how coming together as a community is rewarding.

The voice actors for the sheep create characters that are easily relatable and complex. I love how they bring the sheep to life with sheep-like characteristics and well developed personalities. The human characters also have relatable personalities and demonstrate love, jealousy, ambition, and greed.

The sheep and humans go through several experiences that make their characters grow and become more mature. My favorite part is learning the back story behind the independent and protective sheep named Sebastian (Bryan Cranston). This was my favorite part because I like how the events he experienced in his past helped shape how he interacts with the herd.

The film’s message is that as long as we remember those we love, they are never truly gone. It also reminds us to be willing to accept help from unexpected places and how important it is to be kind and accepting of those who are different. Be aware that there are some alcohol references, mild violence between animals, and death.

I give The Sheep Detectives 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The Sheep Detectives releases in theaters on May 8, 2026.

The Sheep Detectives
By Beatriz D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I really loved watching The Sheep Detectives! This is a humorous, but profound murder mystery that is very heartfelt.

The storyline follows a flock of sheep who attempt to uncover the murder of their shepherd (Hugh Jackman) after he unexpectedly dies. The sheep find ways to communicate to the police officer (Nicholas Braun) every time they find a clue, which made me laugh because the way they show the humans is very funny.

 

The movie is paced well and the plot develops with precision. I really love the animation of the sheep especially that of the lamb, which made me want a baby lamb because they are so cute.

The actors’ performances are very well executed; each actor skillfully plays their part. My favorite character is Sebastian, voiced by Bryan Cranston, because he goes through so much and has so much knowledge and, even though it doesn’t seem like he cares for his friends, he would do anything for them. My favorite part is when the two main sheep, Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Mopple (Chris O’Dowd) attempt to cross the street for the first time, while being led by Sebastian (Bryan Cranston) , a more experienced sheep. This scene is so funny because Sebastian easily crosses the street while Lily and Mopple have a hard time even touching the concrete.

The film’s message is that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Be forewarned that there are death related topics discussed.

I give The Sheep Detectives 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters May 8, 2026.

An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. This animated short film is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020.

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “An Almost Christmas Story is a delightful holiday short that perfectly embodies the magic of the season. This beautifully animated tale, directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, captures the spirit of Christmas with heartwarming storytelling, impressive animation, and an engaging voice cast. It is a must-watch that will appeal to audiences of all ages…” See her full review below and Arya B.’s interview director, David Lowery.

An Almost Christmas Story
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

An Almost Christmas Story is a delightful holiday short that perfectly embodies the magic of the season. This beautifully animated tale, directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, captures the spirit of Christmas with heartwarming storytelling, impressive animation, and an engaging voice cast. It is a must-watch that will appeal to audiences of all ages, showcasing the timeless values of friendship, courage, and the power of home.

Inspired by true events, the storyline follows Moon, a young owl who finds himself accidentally trapped in a Christmas tree headed to Rockefeller Plaza. Amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, Moon meets Luna, a lost girl, and together they embark on an adventure filled with wonder, laughter, and discovery. Their bond deepens as they navigate challenges and find their way back to their families, learning valuable lessons along the way.

 

 

Cary Christopher brings a lively innocence to the voice of Moon, while newcomer Estella Madrigal’s portrayal of Luna is filled with warmth and earnestness. The supporting cast, including Jim Gaffigan as the wise Papa Owl and Natasha Lyonne as Pat, adds depth and humor to the story. John C. Reilly’s performances of original songs as The Folk Singer infuse the short with a charming musical touch, enhancing its festive atmosphere.

 

The animation, handled by 88 Pictures, is vibrant and detailed, creating scenes that are both stunning and immersive. My favorite part of the film is the breathtaking use of color and lighting. From the glow of the Rockefeller Center lights to the gentle hues of winter, the visuals encapsulate the enchantment of the holiday season. The attention to detail in every frame adds an extra layer of joy, making it a visual treat.

 

 

The core message of An Almost Christmas Story emphasizes the importance of resilience and companionship. It’s a positive reminder that, even in the most unexpected circumstances, acts of kindness and courage can light the way. The film promotes teamwork and caring behavior, with no inappropriate language or risky behaviors to worry about for younger viewers.

I give An Almost Christmas Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults likely to enjoy it as well. It premieres on Disney+ on November 15, 2024, just in time to warm hearts for the holiday season.

Tired of family chores, and only caring about his gifts, a teenager wishes a little too hard and accidentally makes Christmas disappear! As the only one who remembers its existence, it’s now up to him to bring the holiday back to the world and learn the true meaning of Christmas.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adele B. comments, “Saving Christmas is pure entertainment and kept a smile on my face until the end! It could easily be the next holiday classic. I like the juxtaposition of funny moments, with more deep and heartwarming ones.” Braedyn M. adds, “Saving Christmas has everything I would expect from a Christmas movie, and some things that I didn’t.  Humor, charm, and the holiday spirit give this movie an original Christmas feel, but the mystery and dual reality make it enjoyable not just in December, but throughout the year as well.” See their full reviews below.

Saving Christmas
By Adele B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Saving Christmas is pure entertainment and kept a smile on my face until the end! It could easily be the next holiday classic. I like the juxtaposition of funny moments, with more deep and heartwarming ones. All of the visuals and acting are engaging and definitely draw you in.

The story starts with a glimpse at a typical teenager, Nick (Ricardo Ortiz), annoyed that his computer isn’t working and he could care less about Christmas. Meanwhile, his family is passionately preparing for Christmas and, despite Nick’s lack of enthusiasm, they make him participate.

Nick is shocked while putting up the lights and awakens only to discover that his family has drastically changed and Christmas has disappeared. With tables turned and as the only one who remembers its existence, Nick enlists the help of his best friend Ben (Josh Zaharia) to help him save Christmas and bring the magic of the holiday back to life for his family.

This film definitely kept my attention and I stayed curious wondering what was next in this crazy adventure. Richard Ortiz, as Nick, has great comedic timing and is very relatable. I couldn’t help but root for him in his fight to save Christmas.

It is so touching the great lengths he goes to get his family into the holiday spirit. The camera work is terrific with seamless transitions that make it easy to watch. The sets and props look so realistic and typical of everyday life by a middle class American family. I also enjoyed the costumes, especially when they dress up for Christmas as each outfit s personalized for each member of the family. My absolute favorite costumes are his sister Jojo’s outfits and her hair styles as they perfectly match her personality.

We quickly see the fun relationship that Jojo and Nick have as well as the bond between all of the family members. I love how Nick uses simple items like pom-poms and candy canes all around and his family loves them. It really shows how much he adores his family and the strong bond between them. I love seeing the actors get into their different characters both with and without Christmas. The one shortfall is that the supporting actors didn’t quite stand up to the dynamics of the main characters. Also, I was not so fond of the background music in some scenes and in a few spots the lip movements are out of sync with the person speaking.

The film’s message is to always be grateful for what you have and to appreciate loved ones. It highlights the true meaning of Christmas and how traditions bring us joy. It also reminds us to never give up when we are faced with a challenge, especially if we are fighting for something we truly believe in.

I give Saving Christmas 4 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This film premieres on VOD and streaming on November 5, 2024.

Saving Christmas
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Saving Christmas has everything I would expect from a Christmas movie, and some things that I didn’t.  Humor, charm, and the holiday spirit give this movie an original Christmas feel, but the mystery and dual reality make it enjoyable not just in December, but through out the year as well.

Nick Baker (Ricardo Ortiz) is a 16-year-old boy whose only goals in life are to make movies, and open presents.  So when his Mom (Casey James) tosses a thousand and one Christmas chores his way, he wishes for Christmas to disappear.

My favorite character in the film is Nick’s best friend, Ben (Josh Zaharia).  No matter what crazy idea Nick has, such as Christmas, Ben tries to find the positive in it.  When Nick is late for a film group meeting, Ben tries to reason with the other members, telling them that Nick must have a reason for being late, and not to kick him out of the club.  Nick’s family is quite interesting.  Each member of their clan brings something different to the table.  When Christmas is forgotten, the way they change is fun to watch.

Nick’s younger sister, Jojo (Ella Wejr / Ellexis Wejr), goes from being a regular girl who loves the atmosphere of Christmas, to a professional, business women who is president of the debate club.

Some parts of the film are kind of hard to understand, and make it slightly confusing.  For example, in the beginning, we see Nick having the time of his life on his computer, but the montage ends and we see him sleeping at his desk.  At first I thought that he only dreamed the whole thing, but later we learn that he often works during the night, as it “brings out his creativity.”  Some parts are kind of corny, but nothing that detracts it as a good holiday movie.

The film’s message is that it is better to give than receive. Before Nick erases Christmas, he is on the receiving team when it comes to gifts. But once the holiday is gone, he sees how he took the kindness of others and everything they did for him for granted. Be forewarned that there is a bit of profanity in this film.

I give Saving Christmas 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Saving Christmas flies into theaters on Nov 5, 2024.

This film is a biopic about Jose Hernandez and his path from a farm worker to becoming an engineer and an astronaut. Jose M Hernandez was born in Mexico. While working in the fields, he co-developed the first digital mammography imaging system. He then persevered to become a crew member on Space Shuttle mission STS-128. Tells how it takes perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish a seemingly impossible dream.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, “A Million Miles Away is full of remarkable acting. Michael Peńa leads as Hernandez with much charisma and dramatic depth. He excellently captures the humble, smart and ambitious astronaut. It’s very difficult not to root for him, as we can all resonate with aspects of his journey.” See his full review and interview below.

A Million Miles Away
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

A Million Miles Away is an absolutely incredible film that is definitely worth watching. The film has great performances, a compelling story and stunning visuals.

The storyline reveals the true life story of Jose Hernandez, the first migrant farmworker to become an astronaut. His journey is filled with incredible perseverance and resilience, as he overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve his dream of reaching the stars.

A Million Miles Away is full of remarkable acting. Michael Peńa leads as Hernandez with much charisma and dramatic depth. He excellently captures the humble, smart and ambitious astronaut. It’s very difficult not to root for him, as we can all resonate with aspects of his journey. Rosa Salazar portrays the strong, supportive, and similarly determined Adela, who marries Hernandez. Salazar’s performance effectively portrays the film’s theme of dreams interfering with reality and one’s struggle to chase their ambitions while concurrently supporting their family.

The way in which Hernandez’s story is told in this film is especially captivating. The film connects his past with his present life, helping us understand how his earlier life influenced who he has become. Throughout the film, watching Jose get closer and closer to becoming an astronaut is incredibly satisfying. The film keeps us engaged and eager to see how his life unfolds – making it a truly memorable viewing experience.

The film’s message is one of aspiration and persistence. Jose’s path is filled with barriers and obstacles, but his unyielding determination drives him to fulfill and pursue his dreams. With Jose Hernandez’s traits, one can reach what previously felt a million miles away.

I give A Million Miles Away 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on September 15, 2023 on Amazon Prime.

All of us at KIDS FIRST! send you our best wishes for a happy holiday season. Whatever holiday you celebrate, this is a time to slow down, spend time with our family and friends and reflect on our past year. As the year rapidly winds down, please consider investing in our shared future.  Even as the nation and world shut down during the 2020 pandemic, the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics persevered, and thrived. We shifted from attending live events to attending online events — screening films, interviewing talent, attending virtual red carpets – without dropping a beat. As challenging as it was, our young reporters rose to the occasion and amazed us all.

As life has returned to a new normal, our team are returning to live events but, online events have claimed a space that makes sense. It levels the playing field for our reporters so that a child living outside of LA or New York City, where live events mostly take place, can still participate.

If you have followed us you have seen our reporters grow and thrive – before, during and after the pandemic. We give them a voice, an audience to share their insights about the media that impacts their lives. Most of our reporters envision a future in the entertainment business as creators; they plan to bring you the type of media they want to see. We are helping them realize those dreams as they are consistently offered opportunities to watch a wide assortment of films from mainstream studios as well as lesser known filmmakers worldwide. We invite you to be part of that process.

https://gofund.me/0e1d3794

As we celebrate our 31^st anniversary, we are grateful to supporters like you who help keep this program alive and relevant. Our staff that works with these kids and coaches them with every assignment are the above the line contributors that are invisible to you, but critical to our reporters. Your support is needed to help provide professional assistance by our team.

I recently have had the privilege of meeting with several of our alumni, some of whom you might remember. For example Gerry O., from Los Angeles, is now a senior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and working for an animation company. Alejandra G., from Miami, recently was hired as a reporter for NBC News in Manhattan. They both talked about how their experience with KIDS FIRST! helped guide them to where they are now. I also visited with from Samantha M. who recently graduated from Cal State San Diego and is thriving on the east coast. Kayla and Kendyl P., both recent college graduates, recently wrote me saying “KIDS FIRST! taught me so much about myself, my craft and the industry. I will cherish those memories forever.”

The mother of a current reporter, Hanadie K., recently wrote me saying, “Thank you again for the life-changing opportunities you create for these children. You are a true gem and your work is going to leave a legacy and imprint on the hearts of so many.”  

We believe in these kids.
They are the Creatives Of Tomorrow.  

As we approach the end of 2022, we invite you to help us make an impact on the future of children’s entertainment by helping support these young people that we work with today. Contributions from individual donors like you help us meet our annual fundraising goals and provide critical funding that  supports all the back-end work at our office – our coaches and editors, our IT and promotion team, our podcast producer and weekly e-zine editor.

At this time, we invite you to join millions around the world in supporting the causes they care about. Now more than ever, we need your support to keep our film critics program alive and well. No gift is too small or large. Every dollar counts. You have the power to shape the entertainment industry and transform young people’s lives by supporting this program.

KIDS FIRST! is a project of the national 501(c)(3) Coalition for Quality Children’s Media. Your donation is tax deductible to the degree allowed by law.

Support The Creatives of Tomorrow

https://gofund.me/0e1d3794

A contribution of any amount is meaningful. Here are some ideas of what different amounts sponsor:  

$ 20 Sponsors a youth filmmaker wanting to submit a film to our festival

$ 120 Sponsors one tween or teen at film critics Boot Camp

$ 2000 Sponsors a mini film critics boot camp at a local film festival

$ 5000 Supports a youth film critic for one year

For more details, visit out GoFundMe page. Thanks in advance for your help.

https://gofund.me/0e1d3794