KIDS FIRST! News

Set against the timeline of the blockbuster Jurassic World films, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous follows a group of six teenagers chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Camp Cretaceous, a new adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar who must work together to survive.  In season 5, the arrival of Kenji’s father, Mr. Kon, renews hope of a rescue for the campers. But as the nefarious plans of Mantah Corp. come into focus and one of the Camp Fam turns on their own, the others must band together if they want to save the dinosaurs and ever make it home. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Giana N. comments, “The show Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is back for its 5th and final season. This season’s message and plot are deeper than the rest, because it deals with animal cruelty towards the dinosaurs. Even with that, this is still an action-packed season that you don’t want to miss.” See her full review below.

Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous Season 5
Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

The show Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is back for its 5^th and final season. This season’s message and plot are deeper than the rest, because it deals with animal cruelty towards the dinosaurs. Even with that, this is still an action-packed season that you don’t want to miss.

The final season of this show centers on friends Kenji (Ryan Potter), Brooklyn (Jenna Ortega), Yasmine (Kausar Mohammed), Ben (Sean Giambrone), Sammy (Raini Rodriguez) and Darius (Paul-Mikél Williams) who are hoping for a chance to get found as they are stuck on an unknown island.  As Kenji’s father, Mr. Kon (Andrew Kishino), appears, their hope for making it out is somewhat high, but not for long. Mr. Kon is planting chips in the dinosaurs’ brains, leaving the dinosaurs with no control over themselves. They must work together if they ever want to save the dinosaurs and make it off of the island alive.

Something I like and find unique, is how the kids act towards the dinosaurs. Even though the dinosaurs sometimes try to eat them, they don’t treat them like evil creatures or as if they are always the bad guy. The kids want to protect the dinosaurs and make their lives and environment better. Another aspect of the show that I enjoy is that they incorporated modern items, such as a tablet and phone, to what feels like a prehistoric time with dinosaurs. My favorite episode is “Shaky Ground” because it mainly focuses on Darius and Brooklyn trying to figure out how to cope with what they see and what they know. This episode shows how they are able to work a difficult problem through together. My favorite character is Darius, because he is the most gentle and caring towards the dinosaurs and he is a nice kid in general. I also enjoy the scenes with Ben because he has a great sense of humor. Even when things are not going their way, he finds a way to make the situation light.

The message of Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is that you should treat everyone and everything fairly. What happens to the dinosaurs in this season is unfair and the kids know it. That is why they go out of their way to help save them. This is totally family-friendly and a great show to watch.

I give Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This is also a great show for families to watch together. You can watch this show on Netflix starting July 21, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

Season three of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is set at Camp Shallow Lake, a sleep away camp in California, as the Wildcats and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights and a taste of the great outdoors.  With a high-stakes production of “Frozen” on the horizon AND a drama-filled “docu-series” of the production, the Wildcats will attempt to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W., comments, “Are you ready to join your favorite Wildcats at summer camp?  Then don’t miss High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3.  Adventure awaits as our motley group reunites at summer camp and meets new friends for two weeks of fun in the sun!” See her full review below.

High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3 
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 

Are you ready to join your favorite Wildcats at summer camp?  Then don’t miss High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3.  Adventure awaits as our motley group reunites at summer camp and meets new friends for two weeks of fun in the sun!

After an amazing year at East High, the Wildcats journey to Camp Shallow Lake in California to start their summer escapade.  What could be better than sleep away camp at a location primed for summer romance, intrigue and high-spirited jinks set in the great outdoors?  It’s an unforgettable summer as the campers prepare for a high-stakes production of Frozen. 

My favorite parts are the audition scenes for Frozen.  I really loved watching everyone dance and sing to some of the amazing songs and enjoyed the dialogue in this iconic production.  I just can’t “Let It Go” how these various auditions are spliced together in Season 3, capturing all the drama and competitive nature of auditions, while still maintaining the positivity and support among cast members.  You won’t be left in the cold watching the talent of this dynamic group.

The music and original songs in Season 3 do not disappoint.  That’s really saying something since the music of this series has been so central to the show’s popularity and success from the first two seasons. Tim Federle (Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer) of High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series really has created a collaborative and supportive environment on set with the cast, which shows in their performances.  The show feels authentic with its teen cast and I really love its positivity.

The essence of this series is that you can personally grow and explore all life has to offer in a supportive and caring environment.  Even when friendships and relationships change it allows characters to embrace their differences and support each other throughout the process.  It’s fun to watch the new experiences and growth in some of our favorite characters away from school expectations and pressures. 

High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, but adults will enjoy watching with their kids as well.  Season 3 will begin streaming on Disney+ July 27, 2022 so don’t miss this summer party!

The propulsive new season of the alternate-reality series takes viewers to a new decade, moving into the early ‘90s with a high-octane race to a new planetary frontier: MARS. The Red Planet becomes the new front in the Space Race not only for the U.S. and the Soviet Union, but also an unexpected new entrant with a lot to prove and even more at stake.  Our characters find themselves going head-to-head as their ambitions for Mars come into conflict and their loyalties are tested, creating a pressure cooker that builds to a climactic conclusion.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “Are you looking for a good TV series that’s quite literally out of this world? Well, if you are, then Season 3 of For All Mankind is the perfect choice for you! It doesn’t matter if viewers are not up to speed or have missed the first two seasons — this next series of episodes is so full of suspense and unpredictable circumstances that viewers are able to jump right in and enjoy it.” See his full review below.

For All Mankind: Season Three
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Are you looking for a good TV series that’s quite literally out of this world? Well, if you are, then Season 3 of For All Mankind is the perfect choice for you! It doesn’t matter if viewers are not up to speed or have missed the first two seasons — this next series of episodes is so full of suspense and unpredictable circumstances that viewers are able to jump right in and enjoy it. Whether you are a NASA enthusiast, have a love for science fiction, or you really enjoy history, For All Mankind will not disappoint you.

For All Mankind is a science fiction drama series which poses to viewers the question, “what if?”  What if, for example, history didn’t happen as we know it? Season 3 episodes expose viewers to an alternative global space race that puts the Soviet Union in the lead ahead of the United States.  As the United States is defeated in their race to put the first man on the moon, NASA must now work with great speed and efficiency to make certain that this alternative history doesn’t repeat itself in the race to inhabit Mars!  This renewed challenge has a new twist in which a third contender enters the space race—an ambitious, independent entrepreneur.  Who will be the first to cross that finish line? You’ll have to watch the series to find out!

What I enjoyed most about For All Mankind is that you never know what’s coming next. Events are unpredictable and have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Some of the scenes are slow at times which allows viewers to critically think and imagine what’s ahead within the episode. I also enjoyed how emotionally intense this series is. You don’t have to be a part of that generation in history to appreciate For All Mankind. Anyone can enjoy these episodes which are brilliantly written, supported by a talented cast, and that offer such tremendous cinematography.

For All Mankind is a timely film series that provides us with a strong sense of teamwork which encourages people to work together despite division in society.  The NASA team, made up of diversified astronauts, works so closely on their race to be the first to reach the Red Planet.  There are plenty of obstacles on this path to success, yet with their strong communication, decision making, and optimism, the U.S. Space Team is determined to come out the winner.

I give For All Mankind 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Season 3 began streaming on Apple TV+ June 10, 2022.  This is a great series and one you won’t want to miss.

Eureka! tells the story of a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. Utilizing creative out-of-the-box thinking, she designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. With the help of her supportive parents, teacher, best friends — Pepper and Barry — and beloved pet mammoth Murphy, Eureka is learning to embrace that she is not ordinary … she’s extraordinary.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Eureka! Coming your way is a new animated, music-filled series full of life lessons, adventures, and “thinkering!” Eureka! is the perfect show for kids to learn more about the world of S.T.E.A.M. and problem solving.” See her full review and interview with star Ruth Righi below.

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

Eureka! Coming your way is a new animated, music-filled series full of life lessons, adventures, and “thinkering!” Eureka! is the perfect show for kids to learn more about the world of S.T.E.A.M. and problem solving. This show has a diverse cast of characters, endless entertainment, and relatability, and is perfect for the whole family to watch.

Eureka! follows a fearless, young girl inventor named Eureka (Ruth Righi) who lives in Rocky Falls with her parents and pet Mammoth, Murphy (Fred Tatasciore). Eureka is always designing new inventions and contraptions in her prehistoric community to help make it more modern. From finding a way to get Murphy into the house when he couldn’t use the door to creating a one-person band of instruments, whenever she “thinkers” she is sure to solve whatever issue she comes across.

Eureka as the lead character is the perfect role model for younger girls. It’s amazing to see a young female like Eureka showing other kids that they aren’t too young to be in the world of S.T.E.A.M. I love the support Eureka gets from her family, friends, teachers and the rest of her community. It really encourages her to be confident even when she doesn’t always fit in. One of my favorite scenes is when Eureka and her mom Roxy (Renée Elise Goldsberry) are singing about the Rubber Tree Soup, and she shows that her mom doesn’t give up when the soup doesn’t come out the way she expects it to. While this series is set in a prehistoric time period, viewers will love watching Eureka modernize her community. An example is when Eureka redirects underground steam to create an oven for her mom’s restaurant. It gives the show a unique twist that will draw viewers to it.

There are multiple messages throughout the series, like never giving up on your goals, and that even when you fail it’s important to try again. Eureka also teaches young viewers about responsibility by taking care of her pet Mammoth, Murphy. Overall Eureka! teaches kids all about the world of S.T.E.A.M., being fearless when solving problems, and creating inventions even as kids.

I give Eureka! 5 out of 5 stars. This is definitely a kid-focused, family-friendly series, so I recommend it for kids 2 to 8. Eureka! debuts on Disney Junior June 22, 2022, and on Disney+ the same day.

Season Six, titled Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes, begins as Lou, Parker, Destiny and Noah arrive at the soon-to-be Kikiwaka Ranch in Dusty Tush, Wyoming, where Lou must convince the surly owner, a.k.a. “The Marshal” to officially sell the property to her. In the meantime, counselors Noah and Destiny have their hands full with the newly arrived campers, including Bill, a no-nonsense descendant of famous cowboy Bill Pickett who prefers roping cattle to hanging out with friends; Winnie, a fearless girl who’s earned the nickname “Wild Winnie” by breaking the rules and occasionally blowing things up; and Jake, a laid-back, easy-going boy who also happens to be a video-gaming fanatic.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Carlee S. comments, “Bunk’d is back for Season Six with many exciting surprises. Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes welcomes familiar faces along with new campers to Kikiwaka Ranch in Dusty Tush, Wyoming for a Wild West experience.” See her full review below.

Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes
By Carlee S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Bunk’d is back for Season Six with many exciting surprises. Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes welcomes familiar faces along with new campers to Kikiwaka Ranch in Dusty Tush, Wyoming for a Wild West experience.

The first episode starts off in a new setting called Kikiwaka Ranch where we learn that Lou (Miranda May, who is also director and executive producer) has opened a new Wild West camp to campers. However, Lou later reveals she isn’t exactly the legal owner of the camp, yet. This is a problem that she asks Parker (Trevor Tordjman) to help her with since new campers are arriving.

Meanwhile, Destiny (Mallory James Mahoney) and Noah (Israel Johnson) are the camp counselors at the new camp. They are eager to meet their new campers, but soon realize that three new campers — Jake (Luke Busey), Bill (Alfred Lewis) and Winnie (Shiloh Verrico) — are not who they were expecting.

My favorite scene is when the new campers Winnie, Jake and Bill set off on an adventure alone.  Bill is distracted and falls deep into an abandoned mineshaft. Without hesitation, Winnie and Jake jump in to try and save Bill. Alone in the cave they realize that no one is around to save them. The suspense of the scene and getting to see the new campers work together to try and escape before the cave collapses is entertaining.

The Wild West setting is a new refreshing addition to the series. The décor of the camp and the addition of the mine help viewers get a sense of the Wild West without being overdone. The new campers are relatable to many viewers. Each one has a personality that adds interest to the show.  

Their outfits fit perfectly with their personalities. Bill is a young cowboy trying to uphold a family legacy whose clothes fit perfectly the theme of the show. Luke is a laid-back gamer trying to find enjoyment at camp without video games. Winnie is daring, yet kind- hearted and wears edgy clothes. In contrast, her counselor, Destiny, is affectionate and very stylish. Her bright clothes and curled hair display that she is really into fashion.

The messages in the show this season are about building friendships and accepting others for who they are helps people grow. The campers each have their own style and their own strengths, which make them unique. Despite their differences, the bonds they create working together as a team help them form friendships.

I give Bunk’d: Learning The Ropes, Season Six, 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14. Season six premieres June 10, 2022 on Disney Channel.