Searching : Unique Storyline, Well Executed, Unexpected Twists
September 8th, 2018
After David Kim (John Cho)’s 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and a detective is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. In a hyper-modern thriller told via the technology devices we use every day to communicate, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alejandra G. comments, “This new drama/thriller grabbed my attention since the beginning, because of its amazing and unique storyline. I felt thrilled to discover what would happen at the end and, whether or not the outcome would be what I expected.” See her full comments below.
Searching
By Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
This new drama/thriller grabbed my attention since the beginning, because of its amazing and unique storyline. I felt thrilled to discover what would happen at the end and, whether or not the outcome would be what I expected. I came up with my theory for the conclusion by putting together the clues from the movie, little by little. It is very entertaining, because the film gives the audience an opportunity to be detectives for a moment and try to solve the very unique mystery in the film.
The storyline is about a father, David, that enjoys watching his daughter Margot grow up while posting pictures and videos of her to social media, sharing his happiness with his love ones. As Margot enters her teenage years, she starts to grow apart and seem distant from him. One day, she disappears after telling her father that she went to a study group. David looks on the internet to try to find clues about where she may be. Her friends don’t seem to know much and don’t help either David or the detective that comes on the case to figure out what happened to her and hopefully find her alive.
My favorite scene is when David starts to get desperate because of Margot’s disappearance, leading to him brainstorming ideas about how to find her. This results with him going into Margot’s computer to find answers as to whereabouts. This is my favorite scene because it is very meaningful and is the moment he starts to realize, although he doesn’t admit it, that he truly does not know his daughter at all. When he opens her laptop, it is as if he is entering unknown territory and we see the distance between him and Margot. He was very close to her, while she was growing up, but as soon as she hit the teenage years, she became a stranger.
The important message in this film is that better communication between family members is encouraged and will improve the dynamics of the family. For example, in the beginning of the movie, the reason for her disappearance is unknown and that leads to the suspense and mystery of the storyline. But, let’s say hypothetically that Margot disappeared on purpose, because she was dealing with a problem and, since she had grown apart from her dad, she didn’t feel he could help her. If parents, especially those raising their children alone, communicate and interact better, they can help their kids through the tough times. They ease the process of going through conflicts, so that running away is not their only choice. I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults and I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters August, 31, 2018 so, check it out.
litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ultimate canine career. Cameras follow these pups through a two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Along the way, the dogs meet a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best. The pick of the litter. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dariana A. comments, “It’s a great family movie with all of the cute dogs. Pick of the Litter follows such a sweet storyline that you just fall in love with all of the dogs and their journey through many different homes.” See her full review below.
ourney to become Guide Dogs for the Blind. The “P” litter has to go through two years of training with many different owners to train them on their journey to become Guide Dogs. But only the pick of the litter will get the chance to become Guide Dogs.
finally when they get paired with their official owners, is very emotional. The five dogs in the litter are Patriot, Potomac, Phil, Primrose and Poppet. All the dogs have such unique personalities. My favorite out would have to be Patriot because he has a lot of different trainers and he has so much energy. He has the biggest personality. He also ends up with such a sweet family and really helps the family he’s with. The movie has so much for people of all ages. The charming dogs are enjoyable for everyone and the story they te
ll is delightful and sends a great message.
arrival of the super powerful Meicoomon starts a countdown to the real world’s collapse. The Digi-Destined are cast out of the Digital World, and even after returning to the real world, are driven away by people, due to their partnerships with the Digimon. Meanwhile, a cruel fate appears imminent for Kari, who has a more honest and sensitive spirit than anyone. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Kimbirly M. comments, “With the well-known Japanese anime style, Digimon-tri has sharp-edge graphics and action sequences that draw the viewers in.” See the rest of her review below.
ally about dark forces taking over, flows well. There are no lagging sequences that would bore the viewer. One becomes empathetic with the protagonist Kari and even the evil force overtaking Meicoomon. The vocabulary and concepts are appropriate for its intended age group and could further enhance vocabulary and concepts that the viewer may not understand. It portrays pro-social models such 
as when Kari feels that she might be responsible for a specific situation and one of the others reassures her that this definitely isn’t the case. This entire series is very good at displaying consequences of both negative and positive behaviors. There are also good models of problem solving such as when a Digimon character decides on an action and another vehemently opposes it. The rest of the group has to come to a general consensus to make a final determination.
ers when you are experiencing tough times. Life has complicated challenges, but you can overcome them. You should be aware that there are two things that make this more appropriate for older viewers. First, a character pulls out a gun, but there is no blast. And second, we see a powerful being shaped like a naked woman, although there are no graphic features. For that reason, I recommend it for ages 10 to 18, as well as young adults and give it 4 out of 5 stars. I would raise the highest age to 25 if I could, because it is so thought-provoking and intelligent. The DVD allows you to select specific scenes and has a bonus feature interview. Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
Fifteen years after the end of World War II, a team of top-secret Israeli agents travels to Argentina to track down Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi officer who masterminded the transportation logistics that brought millions of innocent Jews to their deaths in concentration camps. Hoping to sneak him out of the country to stand trial, agent Peter Malkin soon finds himself playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with the notorious war criminal. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Abraham F. comments, “Operation Finale is horrifyingly intense as well as funny at times. The two main characters, Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac) and Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) are terrifyingly realistic.” See his full review below.
g and bringing back Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi Lieutenant who escaped justice after World War II to Israel. The agents spot him at his house after a spy tells them where he lives. They watch his daily routine until they memorize it and fake their car being broken in, to jump him. They take him back to where they are staying and take turns watching him. One day, the airport calls saying that they have to get a signature from Adolf Eichmann to let them board so they try to convince him to sign. Malkin tries a more friendly approach to make him sign and they get to know each other.
My favorite part in this film is when Malkin and Eichmann are getting to know each other. You get to see Eichmann’s side and how he interprets the holocaust. That is very interesting.
st or World War II. You should be aware that the adults in this film smoke and drink. I recommend Operation Finale for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. This film opens in theaters August 29, 2018 so look for it.
Friendship Is In Fashion! Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, home of Ponyville’s own fashionista — not to mention Spike’s #1 crush — Rarity! But in addition to being up-to-date on the latest trends and styles, Rarity is particularly known for her generosity. See for yourself, as Rarity, along with her best friends, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and, of course, Spike, prepare for the Grand Galloping Gala, search for the loveliest of gems, investigate crimes, and more! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen M. comments, “I love how My Little Pony always teaches kids different lessons and morals in an interesting scenario. It is always intriguing to watch. These episodes teach deep messages that are crucial to know.” Elle S. KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer adds, “This very wildly entertaining series is based off a sassy and sophisticated pony, Rarity. It’s easy to consider her as a fan favorite, because she is a trend setter, go getter and very creative character.” See their full reviews below.
nges she goes through. The other ponies make appearances and help her through her problems, but sometimes they are the cause. It is fascinating to see all of the ponies’ different takes on how the problems should be solved. They each have unique personalities, which sometimes clash, but may also be beneficial. This DVD is perfect to teach many great morals.
hey are unique to her personality, but with a little twist. I love the dresses that she comes up with, as well as the “ugly” dresses that the ponies closely monitor the making of. I thought it was so interesting to see the ponies’ characteristics and personalities come out even more in the ugly dress.
This very wildly entertaining series is based off a sassy and sophisticated pony, Rarity. It’s easy to consider her as a fan favorite, because she is a trend setter, go getter and very creative character. There are plenty of cameos of primary cast members, so this DVD appeals to a wide audience. The show has so many characters with powers, big personalities and lots of problem solving that children will enjoy. All the characters encounter circumstances and challenges, yet remain positive, honest, fair and friendly.
out embarrassed which makes this completely relatable. Episode 2 is filled with suspense and action. Rarity is in sudden danger due to some greedy diamond dogs that want to strip her of her magical advantages. You won’t believe how she strategically deals with these dogs. Episode 3 is about mystery and fashion. Lastly, episodes 4 and 5 really tie together nicely because they focus on internal beauty and lasting relationships.
