KIDS FIRST! News

The series follows the story of Penny Proud, a 14-year-old girl and her family, as they navigate their lives in the 2020s. Trudy, Penny’s mom, has new career highs, Oscar, Penny’s dad, has wild dreams, and Penny faces a myriad of challenges while her Suga Mama returns, as does Michael, Dijonay, Zoey, and LaCienega.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic comments, “Your favorite spunky, loving, and humorous family are back – louder and prouder than ever – in the new series reboot of the 2001 Proud Family series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder! From glow-ups to new adventures, to new characters, this show is sure to entertain new and original Proud Family fans!” See her full review and interviews with the show creators below.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Your favorite spunky, loving, and humorous family are back – louder and prouder than ever – in the new series reboot of the 2001 Proud Family series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder! From glow-ups to new adventures, to new characters, this show is sure to entertain new and original Proud Family fans!

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder follow 14-year-old Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) as she tries to navigate through the 2020s with new challenges, technology, and social issues in Smithville. Of course, she is joined by her wild, yet relatable family members we have come to love — Oscar Proud (Tommy Davidson), Trudy Proud (Paula Jai Parker) and Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton ). The creators of this series, Bruce W. Smith and writer, Ralph Farquhar, are the “proud parents” who delivered us both the Proud Family series and The Proud Family Movie, so you can expect the same laughable, adventurous, and exciting storytelling.

One of the best things about this series is that all the main characters and most of Penny’s friends have returned, but there are a few newcomers. Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins (KeKe Palmer) and her rapping brother Francis ‘KG’ Leibowitz-Jenkins have moved into the neighborhood. The interactions between Maya and Penny are a must-see as they both try to figure themselves (and each other) out. My favorite character in the series is Michael, who is now voiced by the bold, fierce, and stylish EJ Johnson, who plays a live-action unapologetic version of his character. He is the perfect person to voice Michael. I love how the characters have all grown, and yet their transformations all still make sense even after the show has been off-air all this time. 

The message of this series is that no one is perfect, and we are all works in progress. The Proud family and their friends are no different. In life, we are going to have different experiences, likes and dislikes, especially as kids grow older and develop in different ways. As a family and extended family, we must learn to grow and accept each other. There isn’t anything for parents to look out for, but you should know that real-life family, teen and societal issues are discussed and may initiate conversations with viewers.

I rate The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder series 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 10 to 18. You can stream it on Disney+ now with new episodes streaming every Wednesday.

Big Nate is an American computer-animated streaming television series developed by Mitch Watson and based on the comic strip and book series of the same name by Lincoln Peirce. It follows the adventures of titular protagonist, alongside his friends, in sixth grade. Big Nate follows the adventures and misadventures of Nate Wright, an incompetent, spirited and rebellious sixth-grader. His friend group includes Francis, Teddy, Chad and Dee Dee. Nate hates social studies teacher Mrs. Godfrey, whom he considers his nemesis and calls her names like “the school’s Godzilla,” and the firm Principal Nichols. At home, Nate lives with his single father, Martin and girly sister Ellen.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “Big Nate is an excellent show for kids of all ages! The show has wonderful characters, amazing comedy and teaches valuable lessons. It’s an ideal series for families.” See her full review below.

Big Nate

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

Big Nate is an excellent show for kids of all ages! The show has wonderful characters, amazing comedy and teaches valuable lessons. It’s an ideal series for families.

Big Nate is an animated series based on books of the same name. Big Nate follows Nate (Ben Giroux), a boy in sixth grade, as he learns about life and grows into his own, while accompanied by his friends, Dee Dee (Bryce Charles), Francis (Daniel MK Cohen), and Teddy (Arnie Pantoja).

The comedy of Big Nate is genius. Nate, Dee Dee, Francis, and Teddy each have their own sense of humor, giving balance to the group and adding to their individual personalities. The animation stands out—it’s computer animated, and the heads of the characters are bigger than their bodies; their hair has specific lines and an exaggerated, stiff shape to look like the comics the show is based on.

The characters all have depth, giving them as much importance as the titular character. They all have their own backstories and lines that they mutter under their breath. These expression make viewers laugh and provide clues about their personas. By the end of the episodes, we’re left wanting more of Nate and his friends. The translation of the books to the small screen is spectacular. It’s clear how much the creators of the show cared about doing justice to its published material. The execution of the animation, Nate, and his journey through sixth grade is done with precision and attention.

The messages of this series are learned through Nate.  He learns about discovering who you are and who you want to be, the power of friendship, and the hardships of family. Nate makes some enemies and at times doesn’t know who he can trust, and yet he always has his friends in his corner.

I give Big Nate 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 16. It begins streaming on Paramount+ February 17, 2022.

https://youtu.be/huTB1q6r0e0

Raising Dion follows the story of Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) and her son Dion (Ja’Siah Young) after Dion starts to manifest several mysterious, superhero-like abilities. Two years after defeating the Crooked Man (Jason Ritter), Season Two follows Dion as he continues honing his powers with the support of his mom and Tevin (Rome Flynn), his Biona trainer who catches Nicole’s eye. After befriending new student Brayden (Griffin Robert Faulkner) – a fellow powered kid – a series of alarming events unfold, and Dion learns that danger is still looming. Navigating twists, turns, and surprise visitors, Dion and Nicole must prevail again — not just to save themselves, but the entire city of Atlanta.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N. comments, “Fans have been waiting to see what’s happening with Dion and his family and friends after their lives were turned upside down. Dion’s powers have proven to be a blessing and a curse, but can these powers help Dion fight evil when everything he’s ever known is on the line?” See her full review below.

Raising Dion: Season Two
By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 14

After a two year hiatus, the second season of Raising Dion is here! Fans have been waiting to see what’s happening with Dion and his family and friends after their lives were turned upside down. Dion’s powers have proven to be a blessing and a curse, but can these powers help Dion fight evil when everything he’s ever known is on the line?

Season two of Raising Dion comes two years after Dion (Ja’Siah Young) defeated Pat (Jason Ritter) and the Crooked Man with the help of his mom, Nicole (Alisha Warren), and his friends Esperanza (Sammi Haney) and Jonathan (Gavin Munn). Dion is continuing to learn how to control his powers with the help of BIONA and his new trainer, Tevin (Rome Flynn). When a new kid, Brayden, who Dion learns is also powered, comes to school, his life becomes unstable as he realizes danger is still lingering.

In this new season, I really like the involvement of Dion’s friends Esperanza and Jonathan. It gives Dion more of a support system, and it also gives more depth to his character, as he has to balance being a normal kid as well as having power. The “triangle of power” what the three call themselves, gives Dion the opportunity to do what he needs to do to save his family, friends, and city because he doesn’t have to do it alone anymore. Another beneficial addition to this season is Tevin, Dion’s new trainer. Tevin is powered, and because of that, he will have a closer bond with Dion. It also gives Dion someone trustworthy to look up to and to protect him. The introduction of Tevin also adds another storyline for Nicole which fans will enjoy. Brayden’s character brings another element of suspense—being a young and vulnerable kid makes him an easy target for the dark energy, and it allows him to get close to Dion. So, what really makes this season good are the storylines and the addition of new characters. They all fit and complement each other, and that makes the audience yearn for more.

The message of season two of Raising Dion is to always follow your instincts. When Brayden is trying to convince Dion to do questionable things, Dion always has second thoughts. The characters in this show have an out-of-the-ordinary life, surrounded by different threats. So when they feel something is wrong, going with that gut feeling is essential. For the most part, Raising Dion is kid-friendly, with minimal use of inappropriate language and fighting scenes.

Raising Dion is everything I hoped it would be and more. Who knows what’s to come for Dion as he, along with his powers, starts to mature? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. I rate Raising Dion 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Season two of this series can be found on Netflix starting February 1, 2022. Make sure you check it out!

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is a vibrant new take on the classic 1951 Alice in Wonderland film. Featuring reimagined (though instantly-recognizable) versions of iconic characters and introducing memorable new ones, the series highlights diverse cultures and characters as Alice and her friends learn about community through their adventures in the Wonderland Bakery. Wonderland is home to all sorts of unique families, each with their own fascinating cultures and traditions, which Alice and her friends learn about through their explorations with food. In this contemporary version, the royal family, for example, is inspired by Cuban heritage, giving Alice and her friends the chance to discover buñuelos and huevos habañeros, among other Cuban-inspired treats, while Hattie, a mad hatter boy and descendant of the original Mad Hatter, is based on Japanese culture and whips up mochi and sekihan with his family.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is absolutely magnificent! Lovable characters, beautiful locations and references to a classic film take center stage in this excellent show.” See her full review and interview with Libby Rue below.

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is absolutely magnificent! Lovable characters, beautiful locations and references to a classic film take center stage in this excellent show. Fans of all ages are bound to love this series.

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery follows Alice (Libby Rue) who is a young baker in the world of Wonderland. Alice goes on several adventures with her friends, Hattie (Cj Uy) and Fergie (Jack Stanton). The trio resemble the personalities of their ancestors, Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit from the classic tale Alice in Wonderland.

The series has such fun-loving characters, each a “rockstar” in their own right, with vivid  personalities and a developed character arc. Even though they mirror iconic characters from the classic Alice in Wonderland, they are not carbon copies—that means some refreshing twists as we see these new kids grow and learn their way around this topsy turvy town. Alice is a bright, spunky, and modern version of Alice from the 1951 film. My favorite character is definitely Hattie—he’s very fun to watch—not always fitting the stereotype of what a “Mad Hatter” is, growing into his own, but proud of his heritage.

The songs on the soundtrack to the series move the storylines along perfectly—no doubt sure to be a hit, with young children soon to be bopping along to the melodies. The animation is spectacular—every strand of hair is visible on Alice’s head just like the fur on Fergie. The visuals of bright colors, abstract patterns and unusual architecture add to the world building of the Wonderland that fans all around the world are familiar with. It’s as if the show picks up with Alice exactly where the movie left off in 1951 and nothing since has changed. This series is perfect, reminding fans why they fell in love with the original film, engaging audiences to watch every last second of every episode.

The theme of Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is to follow your dreams. Alice loves baking with her whole heart and is regarded as the best baker in Wonderland. Even as things don’t go her way all the time, Alice never gives up baking, and sometimes solves her problems by baking delicious cakes.

I give Alice’s Wonderland Bakery 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 12, and older. It premieres February 9, 2022 on Disney Junior.

Hosted by the multitalented, Emmy^® award-winning actress Keke Palmer, Foodtastic is an immersive global competition series in which highly skilled artists create extravagant scene work and larger-than-life sculptures made entirely out of food. From vegetables and butter to fruit and cheese, these everyday items are transformed into works of art. Each episode is rooted in iconic Disney IP and the food-based builds are an extension of that world. Flour Shop founder Amirah Kassem and NYC’s City Cakes founder chef Benny Rivera serve as food art experts on the series. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Foodtastic is Disney’s new food build competition show that is filled with whimsical storytelling, breathtaking set designs, out-of-this-world visual effects, and larger than life food sculptures with magic around each corner.” See her full review and interview with Keke Palmer below.

Foodtastic 

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

What do you get when you give adults a pass to play with their food in the magical world of Disney? You get one Foodtastic show! Foodtastic is Disney’s new food build competition show that is filled with whimsical storytelling, breathtaking set designs, out-of-this-world visual effects, and larger than life food sculptures with magic around each corner.

Foodtastic is hosted by the multi-talented actress, Keke Palmer, who is also one of the executive producers. Each episode opens with Keke Palmer acting out a Disney-themed skit narrated by award-winning voice actor Anthony Mendez. Contestants must build scenes using food sculptures based on the skit. Flour Shop founder Amirah Kassem and NYC’s City Cakes founder chef Benny Rivera serve as the food artist experts and judges on the show. Contestants are judged on technique, realism and creativity. The winning team is awarded bragging rights and a gold Foodtastic pin.

Each episode has three teams consisting of highly talented food artists including architects, food sculptors and even a Guinness world record pumpkin carver. Disney left no stone unturned when it came to making this show magical. The set designs are vibrant and very realistic. Creative visual effects such as a red sun setting in the background of the Star Wars-themed episode are used to track the contestants’ time. The food artists are like kids in a candy store when they see all the food options they have to build their sculptures. The food designs are impressive and include anywhere from 55 different food ingredients for one sculpture, giant jawbreakers as giant donut sprinkles, wasps made out of hot peppers and even Ramen noodles as a massive ant hill. There are even plot twists that serve as extra challenges for the teams, where they may have to re-think their entire project to add a last-minute element, such as Micro Girl needing to be rescued. In that instance, they had to figure out how to add her and what type of food to use to make her. One of the best parts of the show is that all unused food is donated to the local food banks.

Disney is known for being magical and inspiring audiences around the world and Foodtastic is no different. It promotes teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills and tapping into the magical world of Disney. The contestants really learn what it’s like to dream big, free your mind, believe in yourself and your team and just go for it. It’s sure to motivate generations of food artists.

I rate Foodtastic 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 5 to 18, kids at heart and adults. You can find Foodtastic on Disney+ starting Wednesday, December 15, 2021.