KIDS FIRST! News

Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag, the story takes place in a re-imagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I really enjoyed The Electric State! This film is loosely based on the illustrated novel of the same name and is an eerie parallel to the future of modern technology, while also connecting with the nostalgia of the 90s. The scary part of this movie is that I can envision the future of our world looking something like this.” See her full review and interviews with the directors and cast members below.

The Electric State
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Electric State. Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie) provides a helping hand to Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), Cosmo (Alan Tudyk) and Keats (Chris Pratt) in The Electric State. ™/© 2024 Netflix.

I really enjoyed The Electric State! This film is loosely based on the illustrated novel of the same name and is an eerie parallel to the future of modern technology, while also connecting with the nostalgia of the 90s. The scary part of this movie is that I can envision the future of our world looking something like this.

The Electric State is a science fiction adventure comedy drama film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The storyline follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teenager, as she travels through the American West in search of her younger brother in a dystopian version of the late 1990s. She meets a robot resembling a cartoon, a smuggler (Christ Pratt) and his robot companion, Herman (Anthony Mackie), and along the way she discovers the corruption in their world.

The Electric State. (L to R) Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) and Keats (Chris Pratt) in The Electric State. Photo Credit: Paul Abell, ©2024 Netflix, Inc.

Although inspired by the book The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag, fans of the graphic novel should keep in mind that this movie is very different from it at times. It explores the characters from the books but adds new characters, increasing the complexity and development of the world. The CGI is very high quality – nearly the whole movie and almost all of the characters are CGI and I could barely tell because they look so realistic.

I also truly love the cartoony design of the characters as they add to the uneasy and dystopian feeling of the world. The acting is superb. I connected with all of the characters and even got a bit emotional at the end.

Chris Pratt’s character, Keats, and Herman the robot (Anthony Mackie) have so much chemistry with their funny banter and love-hate relationship, even though Herman is completely animated. Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt also have terrific chemistry and it was so entertaining to watch their relationship evolve.

The Electric State. Keats (Chris Pratt) with Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie) in The Electric State. ™/© 2024 Netflix. Used with permission

Stanley Tucci, as Ethan, and Giancarlo Esposito, as the Colonel, are both such dynamic characters and it was very interesting to see them together.

The Electric State emphasizes the importance of family, whether by blood or by choice. It also highlights the importance of respecting everyone and everything.

The neurocasters and advanced technology in this world serve as a warning to our society to live in the moment and not forget the importance of human interaction and connection. Be forewarned that there is some profanity and depictions of war.

I give The Electric State 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Netflix on March 14, 2025.

Tom Hanks narrates this 10-part television event from the executive producers of Planet Earth, exploring the worlds and wildlife of North and South America. Scored by composer Hans Zimmer, it’s a journey across the super-continent, featuring never-before-seen moments, landscapes and creatures throughout varying climates, environments and habitats.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eva M. comments, “The Americas is an incredible docu-series about North and South America with breathtaking views of the land and the animals that live there. I really enjoyed Tom Hanks’ narration; his unique storytelling brings the beauty and struggles of nature to life.” Charlotte L. adds, “I really like The Americas because the music evokes emotions and the videography is both beautiful and shot up close. The message of The Americas is that we must be careful when we continue expanding land to make room for the incredible life that is flourishing all over the continent.” See their full reviews below.

The Americas
By Eva M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Wow! The Americas is an incredible docu-series about North and South America with breathtaking views of the land and the animals that live there. I really enjoyed Tom Hanks’ narration; his unique storytelling brings the beauty and struggles of nature to life. Every episode is filled with jaw-dropping shots that made me appreciate the wild world around us.

The Americas is a ten-episode television series that explores the unique animals and landscapes of the vast North and South America. Scored by composer Hans Zimmer and narrated by Tom Hanks, the series shows how different species survive and adapt while also highlighting the effects of climate change and human activity. Each episode focuses on a different region, giving a close look at the fascinating wildlife and environments that make it special. From the fast-paced lives of ants to the mesmerizing creatures of the deep ocean, the documentary captures nature’s wonders like never before.

This series is visually amazing with its groundbreaking cinematography. The filmmakers use advanced drone technology to glide over vast landscapes, night-vision cameras to reveal the secret lives of nocturnal animals, and slow-motion footage to capture the precise moment a predator strikes. These techniques made me feel like I was right there in the wild. Tom Hanks’ narration adds warmth and curiosity to the show. Zimmer’s soundtrack builds tension during dramatic moments and enhances the wonder of peaceful scenes. My favorite part is when the mother snake goes above and beyond for her baby snakes, showing the incredible instinct and care animals have for their young. The filmmakers also capture a massive storm in stunning detail, showcasing the sheer power of nature in a way that feels both terrifying and beautiful.

The show’s message is about protecting nature. It shows the dangers of deforestation, pollution, and climate change and encourages people to take action. The series raises awareness and makes viewers think about how each one of us can help preserve the environment. Be forewarned that some scenes of predators hunting their prey are pretty graphic and unsuited for younger viewers.

I give The Americas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The show premieres on NBC on February 23, 2025.

The Americas
By Charlotte L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 14

I really like The Americas because the music evokes emotions and the videography is both beautiful and shot up close.

The Americas is a documentary narrated by Tom Hanks that follows animals living in the Americas and their lifestyles. It describes and shows incredible places and dives into the struggles of animal life. The Americas is both an exciting adventure and an informative documentary.

The TV series The Americas contains music that evokes emotions such as excitement, awe, curiosity, and fear. For example, in one episode, we see a dangerous prairie snake and hear music that brings out feelings of fear.

​​In the same episode, we see it rain in the Sonoran Desert for the first time in two months. The music put behind this scene creates a feeling of awe. Similarly, when a thunderstorm in The Great Plains approaches, the music that accompanies it evokes a feeling of fear. The music also  matches the theme of the episode. For instance, in a western themed episode, there is western music that goes with it. The music draws people in.

Another aspect that draws people in is Tom Hanks’s use of imagery and descriptive language. As well as the music, the videography is another thing that makes The Americas so exciting to watch.

We see close up shots of wild animals and their environments which makes the scenes seem as if they are happening right in front of you. In one episode, we see a close up of a coyote hunting a fish and in another scene, we see a prairie snake giving birth.​​​​ We see shots of encounters between animals. For example, in one scene, we see a protective mother chasing off an intruding bear to keep her cubs safe. There is also incredible underwater footage that makes it feel as if you are really there. The transitions are also excellent. Incredible and beautiful landscape shots are often used as transitions. Overall, the music and videography make this series exciting and amazing to watch.

​The message of The Americas is that we must be careful when we continue expanding land to make room for the incredible life that is flourishing all over the continent.

I give The Americas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It is premiering on February 23, 2025 on NBC.

Pixar Animation Studios’ original series “Win or Lose” follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. The series reveals what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each character—the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire—with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode.” Braedyn M. adds, “Win or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.” See their full reviews below.

Win Or Lose
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

NO SWEAT — Pixar Animation Studios’ “Win or Lose,” Laurie (Rosie Foss) Disney+ Feb. 19, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode. Win or Lose is a show that all members of the family will enjoy and each person can choose their own character to root for!

Made by Pixar, Win Or Lose has the same style and quality of all of their great movies.  It is a story about a group of kids, all connected by being on a softball team, but all with very different lives. Laurie (Rosanna Jean Foss) just wants to hit the ball and Frank (Josh Thomson) regrets letting go of his girlfriend.

STAR PITCHER — Pixar Animation Studios’ “Win or Lose,” Yuwen (Izaac Wang). Disney+ Feb. 19, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Win Or Lose is the first Pixar original TV show, and it doesn’t disappoint. The show’s first episode centers around Laurie struggling with self-doubt, which manifests itself as a purple blob that grows in size as her doubt grows. Laurie eventually realizes that she doesn’t need to win to have fun. In addition to the great stories, the music at the end of each episode is also super fun. It’s interesting to see Pixar mix in a new animation style, kind of like a crayon animation, in Episode 3. Watching these two styles mix in this great new show is a blast. Win Or Lose is very funny, with great timing and one-liners that will make it a family favorite. I love the great idea that each episode centers around a specific member of the team, all on their journey to the championship. The characters are all funny in different ways. My favorite character is Laurie. She has great comedic lines and her motivation to hit the ball to make her father proud makes me root for her throughout the show.

The series’ message is that having fun is more important than winning. The show include includes themes of joy and friendship. Parents should note that Win Or Lose includes some fearful moments, like when Laurie gets hit by a softball.

I give Win Or Lose 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The remaining six episodes will be released weekly.

Win Or Lose
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

WIN OR LOSE features the voice of Will Forte as Coach Dan. On Disney+ February 19, 2025.

Win Or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.

Win or Lose is an animated series from Pixar following a co-ed middle school softball team’s story as they prepare for the State Softball Championship.  But instead of only seeing the week once from the perspective of the main character, each episode shows a face of the story, with different people having center stage.  As everyone navigates the numerous challenges of getting ready for the big game, they must work through their own issues before coming together as a strong and united team.

WIN OR LOSE – Sweaty blob and Laurie. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

My favorite part is definitely the animation.  It is top-notch, blending not only the physical aspects of each individual’s life, but also their emotions and what they may imagine.  For example, Frank (Josh Thomson) the umpire, is a bit overly cautious of what other people think of him.  When some of the spectators disagree with one of his calls, he dons a suit of armor and picks up a shield, saying that his stands with his call.  It’s quite hilarious to see how their emotions manifest in each situation.  The series also does well tying in real world issues that are relatable today, like trying your hardest to succeed only to fail over and over again, or having to take care of an irresponsible parent when you need them most.

WIN OR LOSE, Pixar’s first-ever original long-form animated series. Directed by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, streams on Disney+ February 19, 2025. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Once I watched a couple of episodes, I was able to see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and how it makes the story more well-rounded and complete when you see it from all sides. The series’ cast includes Will Forte, Ian Chen, Izaac Wang, Jo Firestone, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson and more.

The series’ message is that things aren’t always what they seem.  A simple game of softball may not seem like it has that much going on, but when seen from multiple and very different angles, I found out that everything has another perspective.  It only has to be found. Note that this series does contain some profanity, and a scene of stealing (real stealing, not bases in softball).

I give Win Or Lose 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Win or Lose premiers on February 19, 2025.

This animated series follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a compelling new series on the early life of Peter Parker. It is created in a classic comic book animation style, making it something old that new fans can enjoy.

The music is perfectly in sync with the story at every crazy twist and turn in this fantastic return to form for the Spider-Man Universe.” See his full review below.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
By Jackson N, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Hudson Thames) and Harry Osborn (Zeno Robinson) in Marvel Animation’s   Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man exclusively on Disney+. Courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a compelling new series on the early life of Peter Parker. It is created in a classic comic book animation style, making it something old that new fans can enjoy.

The music is perfectly in sync with the story at every crazy twist and turn in this fantastic return to form for the Spider-Man Universe.

This ten episode series follows Peter Parker as “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” cruising the streets and teaching the villains that he encounters what happens when you mess with his hometown of New York City.

However, when teaching these lessons, he gets caught up in some shady business that leads him to come into contact with his first big villain. The show has a legendary finale you don’t want to miss!

Spider-Man/Peter Parker in Marvel Animation’s YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

The show’s music, by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, is enough on its own to make it a must watch. When you add the great storyline and characters, such as Harry Osborn (Colman Domingo), The Scorpions, and the mysterious inventor (Hugh Dancy), to the mix you get something timeless. The actor who voices Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) is terrific at taking this well-loved character and making it his own. The show incorporates characters from the early comic series in new and interesting ways – which kept me, an avid fan, on my toes. Spider-Man without comedy is unheard of, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is no different. It has great comedic timing and one liners that make it an instant classic.

Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Hudson Thames) and Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo) in YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.

The main message of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is to always be yourself and push yourself to do your best. The series shows the importance of friendship, standing up for yourself, and working hard. Parents should note that this show has minimal gore and includes infrequent, but noticeable, cursing.

I give Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on January 29, 2025, with the remaining eight episodes being released weekly in groups of two or three until February 19, 2025.

“Eva the Owlet” stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Luna C. comments, “Eva the Owlet is a cute series for younger kids and I am excited to talk about Season 2 because I like this show a lot. It is imaginative and centered towards family which makes it endearing to watch.” See her full review and interview below.

Eva the Owlet: Season 2
By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Eva the Owlet is a cute series for younger kids and I am excited to talk about Season 2 because I like this show a lot. It is imaginative and centered towards family which makes it endearing to watch.

Eva, a little owl with a big family, lives within the woodland world of Treetopinton. She is lucky enough to live next door to her best friend, Lucy and together they go on adventures, take care of her baby brother, and make notes about all of it in her journal, which encourages young viewers to follow along.

The second season follows Eva, the middle child of the Owl family. Eva is voiced by Viviane Rutherford, a young actress whose voice inflection conveys emotion perfectly. This cheeky Owlet reflects on her days by writing in her diary where she contemplates the importance of friendship, happiness, and sharing feelings with someone or something. One of my favorite things about the second series is that there are tiny projects Eva does that are totally doable with your own family – like making superhero acorns or moon wishes for summer solstice.

The show’s message, which comes from the original books, book series, is about how doing good for others makes you happy. There is a lot of focus on helping others, appreciating your family, and being creative with your friends. It inspired me to do those tiny bits of good that make a big difference to someone else. Maybe I will even start to journal!

Eva the Owlet: Season 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 5 or anyone young at heart. Eva the Owlet: Season 2 premieres on Apple TV January 24, 2025. Until then, catch up on the now available season one.