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American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “We all love a good underdog and this film is a classic underdog story. Ford V Ferrari isn’t just about the race at Le Mans, but more about the human struggles encountered to get there. Pride and jealousy constrict Miles and Shelby at times, but the rigid corporate system of Ford Motor Company poses a greater challenge. Ford V Ferrari is an expansive, mesmerizing real-life story that feels perfect for the cinematic medium.” Selene W. adds, “Ford v Ferrari is an emotionally charged fast-track to the world of automobile racing.  You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you learn about race car driver and American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and the amazingly fearless British race car driver and engineer Ken Miles, who build a revolutionary race car for the Ford Motor Company.” See their full reviews  below.

Ford V Ferrari
Benjamin Price, Kids First! Film Critic, Age 14

Ford V Ferrari is a pure adrenaline rush from start to finish. It’s an absolutely thrilling film that fires on all cylinders.

Ferrari dominates the annual 24-hour race at Le Mans for much of the 1960s. Ford decides to throw their hat in the ring, in hopes that a victory at Le Mans will raise their struggling sales. The former racer turned car designer Carrol Shelby (Matt Damon) and his difficult, but passionate racer pal Ken Miles (Christian Bale) are both brought on to help Ford craft a car to get to the finish line.

Beneath the technical polish and gloss of Ford V Ferrari, the friendship between Shelby and Miles is the heart of the film. Christian Bale and Matt Damon are a large part of what makes this film work so well. This is their first movie together and yet, they interact with the ease of old friends. Their performances complement each other. You get really invested in this on-screen duo with an absurd amount of charm exuding from the screen.

We all love a good underdog and this film is a classic underdog story. Ford V Ferrari isn’t just about the race at Le Mans, but more about the human struggles encountered to get there. Pride and jealousy constrict Miles and Shelby at times, but the rigid corporate system of Ford Motor Company poses a greater challenge. Ford V Ferrari is an expansive, mesmerizing real-life story that feels perfect for the cinematic medium. 

Ford V Ferrari puts you in the driver’s seat with the racers, but not in the way I was expecting. The stellar sound design and mixing are some of the best and extremely transportive. They give the racing sequences not just an immersive quality, but a transcendent one. James Mangold’s direction is excellent. He gives you sequences that put you on the edge of your seat and capture your gaze. More so, Mangold has a strong grasp on pacing. The film knows when to slow down and emphasize character and emotion and when to boost its engine and hightail it to the next scene. In a film this long, it’s remarkable that it feels as breezy as it does. Even if you know this story start to finish, the skill, technically and narrative in which it’s told make this ride one easily worth taking.

I recommend Ford V Ferrari for ages 7 to 14 for language. Even if you’re not a race car fanatic, there’s a good chance you’ll love this film.  I happily give it 5 out of 5 stars. This is easily one of my favorites of the year. Ford V Ferrari zooms into theaters November 15, 2019.

Ford v Ferrari
By Selene Weiss, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11 

Ford v Ferrari is an emotionally charged fast-track to the world of automobile racing.  You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you learn about race car driver and American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and the amazingly fearless British race car driver and engineer Ken Miles, who build a revolutionary race car for the Ford Motor Company.  Together they strategize and compete to best the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the world’s oldest endurance race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The entire cast of this film is superb and their performances are hopefully award-winning.  The cast is lead by Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles.  Both actors are inspiring to watch; their interaction and relationship is gripping as they hurtle through space and time.  Each actor contributes to this magnificent story and fuels the emotional journey.  There are so many breakout performances in this film that they each deserve a Lap of Honour.

Ford v Ferrari is directed by James Mangold and casting is by Ronna Kress.  The production team enhanced this story with exquisite film editing, carefully chosen locations, excellent wardrobe, stunts and effects.  You really feel as if you are there in the 1960s, experiencing this time and mindset.  

There are so many messages in this film, including the value of teamwork, perseverance, loyalty, honor and questioning and knowing who you are.  On the race track lives depend on the pit crew and your support team in life is equally important to your ultimate direction.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  The film opens in theaters  November 15, 2019, so don’t miss it!

Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are working for the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally. With the world’s smartest, bravest, and most highly trained women all over the globe, there are now teams of Angels guided by multiple Bosleys taking on the toughest jobs everywhere. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “This film is a reboot of a very well-known franchise. Charlie’s Angels was originally a TV show in the 70s. While I knew very little about the franchise, my mom is a huge fan. From what I’ve gathered, this movie is a pretty loving remake, with some neat callbacks. This is definitely a film that can be enjoyed by people who aren’t fans. It is the perfect film for those who want a fun female-empowerment movie.” See her full review below.  

Charlie’s Angels
By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Citic, Age 16

This film was immensely entertaining and a joy to watch. While I’m unable to judge this film as a reboot, I can judge this as a girl power film.

The story follows a trio of women known as Charlie’s Angels as they attempt to track down a dangerous piece of technology that can kill people with electric pulses.

This film is a reboot of a very well-known franchise. Charlie’s Angels was originally a TV show in the 70s. While I knew very little about the franchise, my mom is a huge fan. From what I’ve gathered, this movie is a pretty loving remake, with some neat callbacks. This is definitely a film that can be enjoyed by people who aren’t fans. It is the perfect film for those who want a fun female-empowerment movie.

Speaking of which, this film is very much about the friendship between the three Angels – Jane, Sabina and Elena. Jane is played by Ella Balinska. Sabina is played by Kristen Stewart and Elena is played by Naomi Scott. The three have amazing chemistry, each with their own unique personality and characteristics. I love all three of them a lot. You really do buy that these women have become good friends and they work well together. Of course, the Angels aren’t the only amazing characters in this cast. Elizabeth Banks, who also wrote and directed this film, plays Bosley and she’s a really fun character. Elizabeth Banks plays a perfect mentor. There’s also Jonny Smith, who seems to be a throwaway character at first, but he is weirdly endearing. The actor, Chris Pang, is strangely charismatic and he ended up being one of my favorite characters in the film.

The film consists of a lot of awesome action and espionage scenes. There’s some really impressive and honestly quite tense action segments and the espionage is really fun and clever. The gadgets they use are designed really well, in that they are both creative and stylish. Honestly this whole film has a really nice aesthetic, especially the house where the final fight takes place. There are all these bright colorful lights and glass walls with images projected onto them that look amazing.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. It releases on November 15, 2019. Look for it.

Lady and the Tramp tells the story of an upper-middle-class American cocker spaniel named Lady (voiced by Tessa Thompson) who meets a street-smart, downtown stray Schnauzer called the Tramp (voiced by Justin Theroux), and the two embark on many romantic adventures including that iconic spaghetti smooch scene. Directed by Charlie Bean and written by Andrew Bujalski and Kari Granlund, and produced by Walt Disney Pictures, the film is a live-action adaptation of Walt Disney’s 1955 animated film of the same name, which was based on the Cosmopolitan magazine story of “Happy Dan, The Cynical Dog” by Ward Greene. It is dedicated to Chris Reccardi, co-creator of the Modifyers, and a storyboard artist who died in May 2019. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C., comments, “The original film was the 15^th animated Disney movie and the first on cinemascope. This 2019 remake is Disney’s first film in a new format called Univisium. I have never watched the original, but this new live-action version is absolutely worth seeing.” See her full review below.

Lady and the Tramp (2019)
By Zoe C. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Age 11

Lady and the Tramp (2019) is a beautiful re-telling of the Disney animated classic from 1955. Lady, a Cocker Spaniel loves the comfort of home and lives with a nice family, but after the arrival of a baby, she feels left out. Tramp, a Scottish Terrier, is a street dog who loves to be free and believes he knows humans (or at least he thinks he does). They are not loyal like dogs. The two meet when Tramp is running away from the dog catcher Elliot (Adrian Martinez).Tramp advises Lady of a terrible rule: when the baby moves in, the dog moves out.

When Lady’s owners leave the house, she is under the care of a family member, Aunt Sarah, who is not into dogs and Lady ends up in the street. Tramp saves her from a dangerous situation and both dogs develop a friendship. They embark on an adventure and, despite their differences, they get to know humans better and understand the value of home.

The original film was the 15^th animated Disney movie and the first on cinemascope. This 2019 remake is Disney’s first film in a new format called Univisium. I have never watched the original, but this new live-action version is absolutely worth seeing. The characters are very well cast, both humans and dogs. The film was shot in Georgia and the locations are beautiful. The art direction and photography create a warm and romantic atmosphere and recreates the U.S. in the beginning of the 20^th century.

My favorite scene is definitively the spaghetti scene. It is romantic. The way the restaurant owner and server treat Lady and Tramp with a special dinner and serenade is delightful. I can understand why is so iconic; it represents a genuine bond between two characters and how they come closer, despite their differences. It is also overwhelming how the humans, which are not owners, manifest their love for dogs.

The voice-over actors give great personalities to their characters and the animators make the scenes real and believable using CGI. Elliot (Adrian Martinez) is very determined as a dog catcher and Martinez captures the perfect tone to make this character unique. I also love Ivette Nicole Brown as Aunt Sarah. She plays a sort of villain character in a very realistic way as well.

I love the music from composer Joseph Trapanese, it suits nicely the film well and transports the audience into the era this takes place.

The message of the film is: dog’s love is unconditional and they all deserve a home. I give Lady and the Tramp 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18 and adults as well. Lady and the Tramp starts streaming on November 12, 2019 on Disney+.

Photos: © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Kate (Emilia Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Henry Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart … and you gotta have faith. Starring Emilia Clarke (HBO’s Game of Thrones), Henry Golding (A Simple Favor, Crazy Rich Asians), Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson. Directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Spy, Bridesmaids).  Screenplay by Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and playwright Bryony Kimmings. Featuring the music of George Michael, including the bittersweet holiday classic of the film’s title. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “For a film that hinges much of its story on a single Christmas song, I found myself unexpectedly moved by it. It has a touching story about doing good for others, which we’re all capable of, and not letting hardship keep you from reaching your full potential.” See his full review below.

Last Christmas
Benjamin Price, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Last Christmas is a Christmas tale with an out-of-place musical hook that works better than it should. For a film that hinges much of its story on a single Christmas song, I found myself unexpectedly moved by it. It has a touching story about doing good for others, which we’re all capable of, and not letting hardship keep you from reaching your full potential.

Kate (Emilia Clarke) finds her life at a standstill, mostly homeless and frequently drunk with a loss of ambition or drive. She is about to get fired from her job as an elf at a Christmas-themed store when she meets the jovial, yet mysterious Tom (Henry Golding), who helps usher her into a new era of her life. Kate begins to help those she has done wrong and view the world in a more positive light as the Christmas holiday draws near.

The film’s sound tracked is from the music catalog of singer George Michael. They serve as smooth transition between scenes, but at times feel tacked-on and gimmicky and don’t fit in with the rest of the film. Last Christmas has a third act that turns the movie on its head and, while the shift isn’t shockingly surprising, it’s well-executed and re-contextualizes much of what has come before.

Emilia Clarke gives a surprisingly layered performance as Kate. Her character is written fairly blandly, but Clark gives it depth when the screenplay doesn’t. Henry Golding plays Tom with exuberance and energy. His thoughtful approach to life makes him a nice foil to Kate’s blatant cynicism. Emma Thompson puts on a Slavic accent in a scene-stealing comedic performance as Kate’s painfully honest and worrisome mother. There are some moments in this film that are painfully reminiscent of other films in the rom-com lexicon, but there’s a consistent charm here throughout, more earnest than contrived. This charm is amplified by the likability of its two leads, Clarke and Golding.

I give Last Christmas 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18 due to sexual references and language. There’s nothing too scandalous, but it’s still worth noting. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll probably love this film and its holiday charm is hard to resist. In the end, we go to the movies to be entertained and in that respect; Last Christmas certainly gets the job done. This film comes out in theaters everywhere November 8, 2019. Look for it.

A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “I really love Jojo Rabbit. It is a work of art and definitely deserves so many nominations for the award season. It is a beautiful story told in a very original way, but some people may not fully understand everything, especially if you don’t know much about World War II.” Katherine S., adds, “Jojo Rabbit is very funny, even though it covers a very serious topic. There are plenty of interesting characters and the acting is terrific. The vividness of Jojo’s imagination is incredible and his friendships throughout the movie are so very important to the success of this story.  Julie S. wraps it up with, “Wow! I was stunned by this film. I heard people talking about it after seeing it at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this year and couldn’t wait to see it. Taika’s masterful control of a highly charged subject, the Holocaust, turning it into a dark comedy is pulled off in the most remarkable way.” See their full reviews below.

Jojo Rabbit
By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I really love Jojo Rabbit. It is a work of art and definitely deserves so many nominations for the award season. It is a beautiful story told in a very original way, but some people may not fully understand everything, especially if you don’t know much about World War II.

This storyline is about a boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) who lives in Nazi Germany and is in one of Hitler’s youth training camps. He constantly talks to his imaginary friend, who is a child-like version of Adolf Hitler. One day, he finds out that his mom (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin Mackenzie) in their home. As the film goes on, Jojo discovers the truth about the Nazi world and the Jews as well. By discovering Elsa and the development of their friendship, Jojo starts questioning his ideals and loyalties. 

This film is a dark comedy and a satire of one of the most horrific events in history, the Holocaust. This was a very dark time in the world and somehow Taika Waititi (the director) turns this tragic time into a remarkable comedy. The narration in this film is really good and the story unfolds very easily. I didn’t really know much about World War II, and the film doesn’t really address why Hitler was bad, but this is not a documentary. It doesn’t refer to many facts of the Holocaust; it really addresses Jojo’s struggles and is a story about tolerance and how love overcomes bigotry.

The acting is very good. I especially love the performance of Taika Waititi who plays the imaginary Hitler. Sam Rockwell plays a very intriguing role as Captain Klenzendorf and Scarlet Johansson is a very loving mother you immediately connect to immediately. Roman Griffin David is the perfect Jojo in this, his acting debut.

One thing that really caught my attention was the music because there are Beatles’ songs in German. I like the paradox because the Beatles are, to me, a great expression of love. I really love the idea of using Beatles’ songs and found it very creative. The director was inspired by the idolatry Beatles’ fans have for this British band.  The bright colors contrast with the sadness of the era, representing the illusion of wellness that a lot of Germans felt while they were being brainwashed by the Nazis. The cinematography creates a very warm atmosphere and the wardrobe also shows the elegance of the era.

I like these types of film where they make you research about things that you may not have known about before. After seeing this film I was a little confused, but after doing some research I really saw the beauty of the film. One of my favorite scenes is when Jojo and his mom are on a bike ride together.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults. Jojo Rabbit opens November 8, 2019. Be sure to check it out.

Jojo Rabbit
By Katherine Schell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Jojo Rabbit is very funny, even though it covers a very serious topic. There are plenty of interesting characters and the acting is terrific. The vividness of Jojo’s imagination is incredible and his friendships throughout the movie are so very important to the success of this story.

Jojo Rabbit tells the story about a 10-year old Nazi-loving boy, Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) and his youthful journey through World War II, alongside his imaginary friend, who leads him with his political sway. While at a Hitler Youth Camp JoJo throws a grenade and accidentally blows up his face and legs. Jojo’s dreams of becoming a Nazi soldier quickly fade. One day while at home he hears something unusual in the attic. That something turns out to be a Jewish girl hidden in his attic. So, Jojo and his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (no less), make a plan to get to know as much about Jewish people as they can.

Jojo Rabbit is directed by Taika Waititi, who also plays Adolf Hitler in this movie.  Nazis are not funny at all, but the perspective of this movie is from a child’s eyes and I found the story to be intriguing and funny. There are some incredible actors in this movie including Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebel Wilson and Roman Griffin Davis. My favorite character is Yorki, played by Archie Yates.  He is so hysterical.

The message of the movie is to treat others kindly and not to judge them by their faith. This movie has some profanity, some gory scenes of war and blood, and dead bodies. As you might expect in a movie taking place during a war there are risky things that kids might try to imitate. 

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Adults will also like this movie, if they don’t think too much about the true history behind it. This movie opens in theaters November 8, 2019.

Jojo Rabbit
By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

Wow! I was stunned by this film. I heard people talking about it after seeing it at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this year and couldn’t wait to see it. Taika’s masterful control of a highly charged subject, the Holocaust, turning it into a dark comedy is pulled off in the most remarkable way. The cast is superb, starting with Roman Griffin Davis, whose innocence draws you in from the opening scene and somehow he holds onto it, even as he discovers truths that threaten his ideals and beliefs that he has held fast. His invisible friend Adolf Hitler, played by Taika Waititi, comes in like a big surprise. You want to laugh at his antics, and not laugh because he is Hitler. In the end, you laugh, because the entire film makes you do that. Scarlett Johansson, as Jojo’s mom is warm and slightly off kilter. You se her passion for her young son and for “doing the right thing.” You’re not surprised at what happens to her, as horrific as it is. Thomasin McKenzie, as Elsa, the young Jewish girl living in the attic plays her role beautifully and her relationship with Jojo develops realistically as his eyes are opened to the idea that Jews are not what he’s been told at Hitler’s youth camp. The ending is satisfyingly appropriate. We can only imagine what happens next. 5 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.