KIDS FIRST! News

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.

Based on Amanda Ripley’s New York Times bestseller, The Smartest Kids in the World chronicles a year abroad with four American teenagers, who study in countries that dramatically outperform the United States in education. We travel with them as they adjust from their local high schools in Wyoming, Orlando, Maine and The Bronx to high schools in Finland, South Korea, Switzerland and the Netherlands The film gives voice to students, hearing first-hand their discoveries and insight about how to reform U.S. high school education.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Rosemary K. comments, “I thoroughly enjoyed The Smartest Kids in the World and highly recommend it for everyone, especially students. Documentaries don’t usually interest me that much, but this movie, based on the New York Times bestseller by Amanda Ripley, captivated me with its themes and landscapes.” Rosabella P. adds, “This film captures the integrity and bravery among these teens. Our younger generation needs to learn more about the difference between learning in the USA verses learning abroad.” See their reviews and interview with one of the students, Simone Hassan-Bey below.

The Smartest Kids in the World
By Rosemary K, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I thoroughly enjoyed The Smartest Kids in the World and highly recommend it for everyone, especially students. Documentaries don’t usually interest me that much, but this movie, based on the New York Times bestseller by Amanda Ripley, captivated me with its themes and landscapes.

The Smartest Kids in the World is a full-length documentary directed by Tracy Droz Tragos following four different U.S. students (Simone, Jaxon, Brittany and Sadie) as they travel for a year to different countries as exchange students. It focuses on different methods used in each country that makes students perform higher on tests. We learn what we should be doing differently in the United States and what other countries are doing great in terms of education.

Along with a storyline that captivates you and shows that it’s not always that easy to adapt to new places, this film, while showing the hard work of the students, also has many fun and relaxing parts that balance out the kids’ time while abroad. There are lots of beautiful landscape shots and calm music. All of this adds to the peaceful feeling you get from the movie, even though school can sometimes be quite the opposite of that. I really enjoyed seeing all of the students’ journeys and, although they aren’t acting, their on-camera appearances show the insights they gain along with their stories, accomplishments and comparisons of life abroad to life at home. One thing that is lacking is that it falls short in giving specific ideas of how to improve U.S. education. It does show what our schools are doing wrong it only touches on how to improve education in our country.   

The message in this film is that the U.S. is often thought of as a perfect country, but in lots of areas, including education, this is not true. The students in this film found that the schools in other countries actually offer a range of more challenging, hands on, more choice-driven, even less stressful education – all of which contribute to higher test scores, higher education levels and higher graduation rates. We would benefit from looking beyond our boundaries to see how we can improve our educational system.

I give The Smartest Kids in the World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It begins streaming exclusively on Discovery+ August 19, 2021.

The Smartest Kids In The World
By Rosabella P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I enjoyed watching the film, The Smartest Kids In The World because it shows teenagers traveling to different colleges and high schools to figure out what education platform is better. Its view on education in the USA is a bit discouraging.

Inspired by the book by the same name, this documentary follows a group of teens that go to non-behavioral schools. Produced by award-winning filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos, it follows four American teenagers that travel to four different countries for one school year in search of a better education for themselves. 

We see how the kids have to learn new languages to get into these various schools and to make friends. All of their traveling about to find a better education is inspiring. I found it discouraging that the kids had to go outside the US in search of better schools when it seems that they should have been able to get good education in their own country. They traveled long distances and experienced many hardships in order to find a good school that would challenge their minds academically. We see that Pennsylvania schools don’t offer the best educational experiences.

One student, Tracy Droz Tragos expressed the difference between rich and poor schools. Some students attended school in Switzerland, others attended schools in South Korea and elsewhere. The main characters are both interesting and disappointing. They are taking their future into their own hands and charging out into the world. During their adventures they are learning from one another, which is inspiring. The film doesn’t show us how change can happen in US schools, but it points out how desperately it is needed. 

This film captures the integrity and bravery among these teens. Our younger generation needs to learn more about the difference between learning in the USA verses learning abroad. 

I rate The Smartest Kids In The World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It begins streaming exclusively on Discovery+ August 19, 2021.

In season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform “Beauty and the Beast” as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “I really like Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series because it followed up with the first season’s plot, and really drew me in. I never wanted to stop watching! The storyline is very relatable, as well as the characters. The show throws in some interesting surprises, which keeps up the suspense.” Makena P. adds, “This show has many conflicts which keep the story interesting. There are so many emotions shown by the characters and they really start to really grow on you. You start rooting for them. I found myself shouting, “Go Ricky!” I really started to feel empathy for them, which is fun when watching a show.” Hazel A. warps it up with, “This series is truly light-hearted and fun. I was blown away by Sofia Wylie’s dancing, Dara Renee’s singing and each and every performance from the main cast. The dance numbers are perfectly choreographed and well executed. In this season we see many changes in the characters – primarily character development in EJ (Matt Cornett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie). Everyone has matured and is refreshed for the new twists and turns in this season’s storylines.” See their full reviews below.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I really like Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series because it followed up with the first season’s plot, and really drew me in. I never wanted to stop watching! The storyline is very relatable, as well as the characters. The show throws in some interesting surprises, which keeps up the suspense.

Season 2 continues with the second semester of the character’s school year. No time has passed, and they are now moving on to the spring musical. Due to high competition, the cast decides to perform an unexpected show. Instead of High School Musical 2, they do Beauty and the Beast. Throughout the season they deal with unexpected changes and complicated romantic lives. This includes when the main character Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) moves to Colorado to pursue her dream, which stirs things up between Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and her.

I really enjoyed the storyline from this season. The plot is constantly changing and evolving and most characters go through a lot of development. You can see them growing from the first season to the second. I also love the songs and performances. Even though it’s a TV show, it feels like you are really there, watching them perform live. This is so important, because live performance can really capture the audience and make people want to keep watching. Lastly, this show can be very inspiring to young people. The plot is very relatable, which allows viewers to make a connection with it.

The message of this show is to always be yourself, and never give up on your dreams. This show does not have any profanity or inappropriate content.

I give High School Musical: The Musical: The Series 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18. It premieres May 14, 2021 on Disney Plus.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2
By Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 is an intriguing show and is well-directed. All the characters like Nini (Olivia Rodrigo), Ricky (Joshua Bassett), EJ (Matt Cornett) and others play their characters with great personality. They have many emotions and they work so well together.

Episodes one through three are about students at East High that strive to be cast in the upcoming musical Beauty and The Beast. Nini has decided she is moving from East High to the Youth Actors Conservatory and Ricky doesn’t take it well. They planned to try a long-distance relationship, but they both miss each other dearly. A new girl comes to East High (Olivia Rose Keegan), but she doesn’t get cast in the play and becomes very angry and wants to do something about it.

This show has many conflicts which keep the story interesting. There are so many emotions shown by the characters and they really start to really grow on you. You start rooting for them. I found myself shouting, “Go Ricky!” I really started to feel empathy for them, which is fun when watching a show. Connecting to the characters makes all the difference. The costumes really fit the scenes and I love the costumes that the trio, Ashlyn (Julia Lester), Gina (Sofia Wylie) and Kourtney (Dara Renne) wear for their audition, they are very 90s and pop out amongst the others. The big auditorium where they hold the auditions is such an amazing set; it looks so intriguing. This show has lots of characters, which is great. There are ten main ones. 

This show has many conflicts which keep the story interesting. There are so many emotions shown by all the characters and they really start to really grow on you. You start rooting for them. I found myself shouting, “Go Ricky!” I really started to feel empathy for them, which is fun when watching a show. Connecting to the characters makes all the difference. This show has lots of characters, which is great. There are about ten main ones.

The message is about how following your dream is hard and will never be easy, but you should remember what you want and stay strong. If you doubt yourself during the process, you’ll get stuck. You have to work hard to achieve what you want.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. This series premieres on Disney + on May 14, 2021.  

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2
By Hazel Avila, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series had a very successful Season 1 that revived the movie trilogy High School Musical. As successful as the first season was, buckle up wildcats for an even better Season 2. While watching the beginning of this season, I found myself having a great time as there was never a dull moment. This musical mockumentary style show is relatable, comedic and has a little slice of drama.

Season 2 starts with a recap of the previous one. We find the main gang, including Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) and Ricky (Joshua Bassett) back and better than ever. The students are getting ready to start the new semester and work on the spring musical. Ricky plans to have an amazing semester with his girlfriend Nini, but it turns out she has other plans that take her far away from East High. Everything doesn’t go as perfectly as everyone expected, but they try to do what they can to make things work.

This series is truly light-hearted and fun. I was blown away by Sofia Wylie’s dancing, Dara Renee’s singing and each and every performance from the main cast. The dance numbers are perfectly choreographed and well executed. In this season we see many changes in the characters – primarily character development in EJ (Matt Cornett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie). Everyone has matured and is refreshed for the new twists and turns in this season’s storylines. Something that I like about the show is that it has a fun and light-hearted comedic side, but it can also get serious and relatable. It gives the show balance. If you enjoyed Season 1 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series you are going to enjoy Season 2 a whole lot more! I have nothing but praise for this series that is current with trends and what teens are into these days.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 lets the audience see the dramatic lives of high school theatre kids. With musical dance numbers and an amazing plot line, this an addicting show that somehow had me asking for more.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Season 2 gets5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. You can watch Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series starting May 14, 2021 on Disney Plus.

A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a must-see animated, action packed, comedic film! It’s complete with robots, evil smartphones and one crazy unexpected family adventure to save planet Earth. The fight scenes and special effects are literally out of this world.” See her full review below.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a must-see animated, action packed, comedic film! It’s complete with robots, evil smartphones and one crazy unexpected family adventure to save planet Earth. The fight scenes and special effects are literally out of this world.

The storyline follows protagonist Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson), a creative outsider who is looking forward to meeting “her people” at her new film school. Her dad, who just wants to keep his family together, decides to go on a cross-country road trip to take her there instead of Katie flying, so they can bond one last time. On the way, the family ends up in the middle of a robot uprising and now it’s up to the Mitchells to work together to save the world.

The main characters in this film are Katie, her dad Rick (Danny McBride), little brother Aaron (Michael Rianda), mom Linda (Maya Rudolph) and family dog Monchi (Doug the Pug). This film is all about connecting. Its director, Michael Rianda, uses every part of the creative process to make sure the audience relates to the characters. The storyline and the Mitchell’s road trip are based on a real road trip some of the staff took while not using cell phones and just connecting.

I love how the film combines both an illustrative, hand-painted approach and realism animation style to help develop the characters. Rianda helped develop Katie’s character by making her love for filmmaking a focal point throughout the movie. There are hilarious freeze-frame moments where Katie is writing on a screen, it’s almost as if she is the narrator. One of my favorite scenes is when Linda turns into a “super” mom and takes on the robots to try to protect her kids. I also like that Rick and Katie’s family song “Live Your Life” by T.I. and featuring Rihanna is used to represent their relationship and wrap up the theme of the movie.

The message of this film is that everyone in a family has their own personality and you should just let people be themselves and focus more on understanding and connecting to them. In this film, Katie is considered a “weirdo” because she isn’t like everyone else. The film shows how you should embrace your “weird” qualities, because that’s what makes you unique. 

I rate The Mitchells vs. The Machines 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  It releases April 30, 2021 on Netflix.

Filmed across three years in 24 locations, the 4-part event series it’s a profoundly personal saga, venturing deep into the world of whales to reveal life and love from their perspective. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “Have you ever been told that our oceans are very mysterious and that they hold many secrets that are likely to be hidden forever?  Well, that’s certainly true – our oceans are indeed mysterious and some of the most amazing secrets hidden deep within our oceans have recently been discovered and are ready to be shared with the world in a new National Geographic four-part documentary series.”

Apurva S., adds, “The show is amazingly entertaining; it’s like a dramatic show, but with a little less drama and featuring whales instead of humans. We learn that whales feel emotions and grieve as well. Drama like this is definitely a factor that got me hooked into the show. One thing I need to call attention to is the images and cinematography. National Geographic Explorer and Photographer, Brian Skerry brings expansive knowledge and research to the film.” See their full reviews below.

Secrets of the Whales (TV Mini-Series 2021)
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Have you ever been told that our oceans are very mysterious and that they hold many secrets that are likely to be hidden forever?  Well, that’s certainly true – our oceans are indeed mysterious and some of the most amazing secrets hidden deep within our oceans have recently been discovered and are ready to be shared with the world in a new National Geographic four-part documentary series. Secrets of the Whales spotlights four species of whales and uncovers their secrets and stories of survival with “first time” evidence and never-before-seen coverage. This series is epic and one you are going to want to witness!

Secrets of the Whales brings alive the visions of both Academy Award winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron and acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry as they share their knowledge and research finding of some of the most intelligent giants living on our planet. Filmed across three years and in 24 locations, this documentary series, narrated by award-winning actress Sigourney Weaver, takes viewers on an amazing journey into the lives of orcas, humpbacks, belugas, and sperm whales. From Cameron and Skerry’s work we gain such an expansive understanding and appreciation of whale family dynamics, social bonds, communication and tradition. It’s the “secrets these mammals share which help them prevail.” 

This series has me completely captivated throughout all four episodes. Seeing the variety of marine life within their natural habitat is just jaw-dropping.  With such stunning photography and action-packed video footage, the cinematography in Secret of the Whales is the best I’ve ever seen. As each scene is presented to viewers, you get a sense of being right there and consumed within each moment.  To pick a favorite episode within this series would be impossible, since each episode is so unique with new secrets of the whales being unveiled to viewers.

The common message within all four episodes of Secrets of the Whales is centered around culture.

These whale families must work together in a sophisticated manner if they are going to survive and be successful as a species. Whales are highly evolved creatures that have the complexity of family bonds, language, feeding patterns, emotions and interesting secrets. It is critical that these traditions be taught to offspring and passed down throughout the generations.   

I give Secrets of the Whales 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. Adults, especially those interested in marine ecology and conservation will certainly appreciate these films as well. Secrets of the Whales will begin streaming on Earth Day April 22, 2021 on Disney+. What a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Don’t miss this series!

Secrets of the Whales
Apurva S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

If someone came up to you and asked whether you liked reading facts or fiction, chances are you’d probably say fiction. And I can relate. Let’s face it, the real world can be boring, but Secrets of the Whales definitely is not. Its pictures and views are absolutely outstanding; it has pretty unknown facts; and, best of all, it hooks you in! Kudos to the creators of Secrets of the Whales for making it something I can’t stop watching.

This show is a classic documentary series that gives an inside look into the lives of whales. From raising their young, to getting them food, to teaching them to swim and where they live, Secrets of the Whales is an in-depth show that doesn’t miss a fact. 

The show is amazingly entertaining; it’s like a dramatic show, but with a little less drama and featuring whales instead of humans. We learn that whales feel emotions and grieve as well. Drama like this is definitely a factor that got me hooked into the show.

One thing I need to call attention to is the images and cinematography. National Geographic Explorer and Photographer, Brian Skerry brings expansive knowledge and research to the film. Cinematographer Brian Armstrong’s images are clear and relevant, always providing a highly appreciable visual match to the story. Narrator Sigourney Weaver also has a clear voice and talks slowly as well as loudly, so we can hear her and understand her well.

When I watched this show, I definitely learned a lot about the lives of whales. They are a lot smarter than we think. This was a very educational experience. It is definitely a family-friendly show.

I recommend Secrets of the Whales for ages 6 to 18, plus adults and give it x out of 5 stars. Secrets of The Whales is produced by National Geographic and releases on Disney+ on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. Be sure to check it out.