Please Stand By – Intriguing and Accurate Portrayal of Creative Autistic Youth
February 8th, 2018
Wendy sees things differently: she’s fiercely independent, with a brilliant mind and a mischievous sense of hilarity. Wendy also has autism. To her, people are an indecipherable code and the world’s a confusing place. Inspired by her no-nonsense caregiver, Wendy comes of age and escapes from her care home on the road trip of a lifetime to deliver her 500-page script to a writing competition. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “I just hope people take away from this movie an understanding that people with challenges can still accomplish great things. Autistic people are extremely creative and deserve more credit and opportunities.” Morgan B. adds, “The storyline is very intriguing. Many people want to be writers and are waiting for their big break. This film is all about a passionate writer and it can help people who want to be writers because encourages them to be courageous and to live their dreams to the fullest.” See their full reviews below.
Please Stand By
By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14
I was very impressed with this film. The portrayals are fairly accurate and positive. I think that’s important.
This film is about an autistic girl named Wendy, played by Dakota Fanning. Wendy is a humongous Star Trek fan who runs away from her caregiver and heads to Paramount Pictures to enter her script in a Star Trek writing contest.
The first thing that I must talk about is the fact that the main character is a female autistic girl. I am on the autism spectrum myself. Specifically, I have high-functioning Asperger’s syndrome. It’s a common misconception that autism occurs mainly in boys, yet this film has a female lead who’s on the spectrum and I love that. Autism has such a wide spectrum and effects 1 in 100 people. There are a lot of us out there and, aside from this movie, I can only think of a few other fictional characters on the spectrum and that upsets me. It’s rare to see autistic people represented, until recently and they are interesting people. The traits shown in this film are accurate. For example, there’s a scene when Wendy sings to herself while covering her ears to block out the loud noises. I can relate to that since I do that too. It’s good that the traits shown are correct.
Wendy is a character who you can’t help but want to root for. I relate to her passion for writing, as I am also a writer. I wanted her to succeed so badly. Also, all of the Star Trek references actually have a purpose. At first, it just seems as if her love of Star Trek is just her special interest, as many autistic people develop special interests. But the movie actually uses the Star Trek references in a much more meaningful way. There’s a scene where one of the characters explains to his mom that Spock has trouble with his emotions. He uses this as an example of why Wendy might be obsessed with the show. To be honest, I thought that metaphor was incredibly creative.
However, I’ll be honest, the older sister, Audrey, really bothered me. I understand Wendy is lower functioning. They show early on how Wendy would freak out and start hitting herself when she was overwhelmed. But, the only reason that Wendy runs away is because her sister doesn’t trust Wendy being away from her caregiver, therefore Audrey won’t drive Wendy to the post office to drop off the script. I know caretakers will connect with Audrey as it can be difficult to care for people with challenges. I just hope people take away from this movie an understanding that people with challenges can still accomplish great things. Autistic people are extremely creative and deserve more credit and opportunities.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18. This film is in theaters now, be sure to check it out.
Please Stand By
By Morgan B. Bertsch, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
Get ready for takeoff on a Star Trek adventure! Please Stand By is the voyage of Wendy, a young autistic woman who sees her life as a Star Trek quest with Spock as her guiding light.
I like that this film has very realist cinematography. The film seems natural and real. By not having graphics, it is a nice change. In so many movies today, there are tons of graphics. Also there are intercuts showing what Wendy is seeing in her mind, which helps you get into the mind frame of her character. I love that because, when I watched the film I got to understand where she was coming from, her motivation and why she was driven to this quest.
The storyline is very intriguing. Many people want to be writers and are waiting for their big break. This film is all about a passionate writer and it can help people who want to be writers because encourages them to be courageous and to live their dreams to the fullest.
My favorite scene is when Wendy’s dog Pete needs to go to bathroom so badly that he goes on the bus, because the next stop is an hour away. This scene is so funny. I laughed a lot while watching it. Also Pete and Wendy learned that “logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end.”(Spock) She had never ventured out in the world by herself and that is all about to change.
Wendy’s (Dakota Fanning) strength to carry on even when things get rough is inspiring. It takes courage to leave her hometown so she can get her 500 page script in on time to Paramount Pictures. She is willing to do the impossible and “boldly go where no man has gone before”(Captain Kirk) This is why Wendy is my favorite character and a great role model. There is nothing that will stop her – hospitals, cops, robbers and a slew or other obstacles will have you laughing and in tears.
I recommend this to ages 13 to 18. It is a fantastic film with an amazing message. Teenagers will love that Wendy has a mind of her own and is willing to do whatever is takes to get her script in. They might think about becoming writers themselves. I give it 4.5 out of 5 Star Trek flying stars. It opens in theaters January 26, 2018 so be sure to go check it out.
Join Angie and friends as they deal with everything from a remote control dance outfit to gravity to moon rocks and more! Hoping to get on a dance show, Von Bolt wears a remote-control dance outfit. But if he lets someone else dance for him, is he really a winner? Next, the Secret Lab Kids are ready to demo their new science song for web entrepreneur, Mook Zookerboom, when he learns that a satellite is coming down out of orbit, panics and heads for the airport. So the team must gather some data on gravity to convince him to return. Then, when Von Bolt accidentally destroys the museum’s new moon rock, the Secret Lab Kids must find a way to replace it. Guided by fun-loving Edison, Angie and friends will show kids just how fun science can be! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Rohan F. comments, “This is a very educational show. It’s bright, colorful characters and high-level facts make it attractive to most ages. It manages to be both informative and entertaining.” Talia J. adds, “I am happily surprised by this DVD. I was expecting these episodes to be very child-like and not very humorous. I was very wrong! The episodes kept me interested the entire time.” Damon F. wraps it up with, “
gie, Kent, JD and Nicky as they go on adventures using science. The episodes include Dancing Machine, Murphy’s law of Gravity, Rock it to the Moon, Act Your Stone Age, Von Drop-Out, Freaky Furry, The Monster Not Under the Bed and Nanobots Byte. In each episode the Secret Lab Kids, as they’re called, use their hologram projector to visit a scientist from the past. The scientist tells them a bit about his most famous discovery, which gives them a hint to solve the major problem of the episode. I like their decision to use some lesser known scientists such as Thales, instead of just the most famous scientists like Albert Einstein. However, they could have been more diverse in who they chose. Other than the kids, there are no female scientists in the entire episode set.
like how educational this series is. It teaches science, history, technology, math, vocabulary and much more. This isn’t the only thing children might take from these episodes. The educational values are almost over-shadowed by the wacky, unexplained, convenient items the Secret Lab Kids have.
These episodes are perfect for anyone interested in science. What surprised me the most about this DVD is that I didn’t even know most of the science related topics. Some of the topics the episodes discuss are Murphy’s Law of Gravity, fossils, and many more. It is very important for children shows to be both informative and entertaining. Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: Rock it to the Moon definitely incorporates these two ideas beautifully. Each episode helps teach kids that science is actually fun. Perhaps one day it can inspire the next generation of scientists.
gether on adventures in Thomas Edison’s secret lab. The series is about the group finding problems around their town and solving them by using scientific facts. I always enjoy these episode packs because I like science and they teach us a lot about chemicals and discoveries I didn’t know about before. After every episode there is a song (written by Stefanie and Ron Fair) about the episode that is sung by dancing robots. The songs are very repetitive and younger kids would like that.
Episodes on this DVD include, Dancing Machines, Murphy’s Law of Gravity, Rock it to the Moon, Act your Stone Age, Von Drop-Out, Freaky Furry, The Monster Not Under the Bed, and Nanobots Byte. My favorite episode is Freaky Furry which is about when Angie accidently switches brains with her dog during a test. The group must find out what happened and switch the brains back. I like this because it is the only one about the human body which I find fascinating and because I like dogs. My favorite character is Von Bolts, the robot lab assistant, because he is a funny, indestructible machine who features in all the episodes.
Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts! Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii, and medic Peso Penguin, along with the other Octonauts as they explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats – above and below the waves! On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they journey to the Everglades to help Tweak’s dad, Ranger Marsh, track down several invasive species – including a Burmese Python and her babies! The adventures continue with six more exciting underwater missions! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, “The voice acting and plots bring a unique feel unlike other animated work. This is sure to be a hit with kids who love animation.” Sahiba K. adds, “Octonauts: The Great Swamp Search is like Mission: Impossible for younger audiences! There is danger and action at every corner and unique adventures.” See their full reviews below.
The story follows the adventures of an underwater exploring crew, the Octonauts which includes Captain Barnacles (Simon Greenall), Lieutenant Kwazii (Rob Rackstraw), Medic Peso (Wayne Greyson), Biologist Shellington (Keith Wickham), and Founder Grimpoteuthis (Keith Wickham). They are enticed by many adventures including the likes of returning animals to their homes, rescuing baby animals and finding the right turf for a group of hippos. Meanwhile, they discover new information about all the animals they are investigating.
Simon Greenall, as Barnicles, presents a commanding presence in leading the Octonauts, especially when choosing what is a priority. He is my favorite character because of this. Rob Rackstrawis, as Kwazii, is a fun member of the team who loves to help the animals and learn more about them. It is also interesting to see her reunion with her father who plays a big part in the first adventure. Wayne Greyson, as Peso, is an incredibly smart medic who wants to use his skills to save lives. Keith Wickham, as Shellington and Grimpteuthis, portrays two different characters who are of great importance to the team.
Darragh O’Connell directs this show with a Star Trek-esque tone of discovery. My favorite scene is the chase from the hippos because of the creative ways in which the Octonauts flee. It also feels like an extremely urgent scene. My only problem with the show is that, at times, the episodes are repetitive such as when they use the same plots with different animals.
Octonauts: The Great Swamp Search is like Mission: Impossible for younger audiences! There is danger and action at every corner and unique adventures. The music is engaging and made my heart race, adding to the thrilling effect. Along with the gripping stories, each episode cleverly incorporates interesting fun facts casually into the Octonauts’ conversations.
very species has a distinctive voice and accent. This adds to the element of diversity and uniqueness. Simon Greenall as Captain Barnacles makes it obvious through his authoritative voice that he is the captain. Kwazii (Rob Rackstraw) is a pirate and incorporates an interesting accent to enhance his character and add humor.
The animated cinematography is special. There are many wide shots that show the Octonauts from afar and then zoom in, allowing the viewer a chance to enjoy the scenery, light and depth of the animation. The 3D effects create a world that doesn’t seem so far from reality even though it is. It immersed me in the experience while learning about all the different species.
In the epic finale to The Maze Runner Saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary last city, a WCKD controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get the answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze. Will Thomas and the crew make it out alive? Or will Ava Paige get her way? KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “This film is full of action from beginning to end. During the production of this film in 2016, Dylan O’Brien was severely injured on set. Because of that, the film was delayed and is just now being released. I’m so sorry about Dylan’s accident and believe that the wait was worth it, as I love this movie.” Tristan T. adds, “Based upon the novel, The Death Cure by James Dashner, The Maze Runner the Death Cure is the third and final film in the Maze Runner trilogy. It is a very satisfying conclusion to the series and wraps up most questions for fans.” See their full reviews below.
This film is full of action from beginning to end. During the production of this film in 2016, Dylan O’Brien was severely injured on set. Because of that, the film was delayed and is just now being released. I’m so sorry about Dylan’s accident and believe that the wait was worth it, as I love this movie.
I’m quite a fan of the Maze Runner books, so I can vouch for the accuracy of this movie. Quite a bit of the story is different from the book. Even the plot of saving Minho isn’t in the book. He is with the group in the book. However, all the major events are still the same as both stories involve taking down WCKD.
This film is a dystopian story. The reason the world ends in this story is an illness known as the “Flare” that turns people into zombie-like creatures. The makeup used for the creatures, known as Cranks, is outstanding. Here’s a shout out to the entire makeup department.
ames Dashner, The Maze Runner the Death Cure is the third and final film in the Maze Runner trilogy. It is a very satisfying conclusion to the series and wraps up most questions for fans. This film is very fun and entertaining. The one thing that disappointed me was the length of time since the last film, The Maze Runner the Scorch Trials. It came out September 2015, so you may need a little refresher course prior to watching the final film.
My favorite character is Newt, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster. I have cheered for Newt during the whole trilogy as he brings so much life to the entire film. His character has depth and passion, but in a light-hearted way. I find him very relatable and, without giving away any spoilers, his character will touch you deeply during this final film.
As in the previous two films, the cinematography is amazing. While the backdrop is futuristic, you do not have the feeling that everything is overly CGI. Even the fight scenes are pretty realistic. I find it interesting that the whole film was shot in Cape Town, South Africa.
After being gone for a decade a country star returns home to the love he left behind. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror, Kimbirly O. comments, “The setting is beautiful, a fictitious city in the south where everyone knows each other. The southern charm is palpable and warm. I was hoping for a solid romantic story about young love. What was delivered is the very element of sap, much like what is broadcast on the Hallmark Channel, complete with a happy ending.” Abraham F. adds, “There are many plot holes such as when Liam Page goes to his hometown because his best friend dies in a drunk driving accident and their history is never mentioned. It just seems like a plot device.” See their full reviews below.
The storyline is about Liam Page, a country singer that left his fiancé, Josie on their wedding day to go on tour. Eight years later, his friend dies in a car accident and Liam decides to go back home. He stays with his dad and everyone ignores him, because he left Josie at the altar. He finds out that Josie was pregnant when he left and he has a kid, so he decides to be the father he was meant to be, but faces criticism from Josie’s brother.
orever My Girl depicts a man who left his bride at the altar. This does not seem like a story any woman wants to tell. Given the marketing mentions Nicholas Sparks and seeking to attract his audiences, it tells me a lot about the studio’s lack of faith in the film.
