KIDS FIRST! News

Kids from Earth are working on their science fair project when they meet aliens from outer space. The quirky, kind-hearted aliens need help fixing their ships before evil invaders catch them. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen M. comments, “This hilarious animated film teaches so many important morals. I laughed the whole time. The animation is colorful and pleasing to watch.” Arjun N. adds, “Gadgetgang In Outer Space fascinates me because of its excellent animation, top level voice acting and spectacular direction that captures every detail of a space opera.” See their full reviews below.

Gagetgang in Outer Space
By Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

This hilarious animated film teaches so many important morals. I laughed the whole time. The animation is colorful and pleasing to watch. Also, the storyline is interesting and really inspiring.

The whole adventure begins when the Inva’s (quirky little green space aliens) spaceship crashes onto planet Earth. When the Gagetgang kids (Gus, Phoebe, Mary Ann, Francesco, Mitsue, Banana and Tank) go to investigate the loud noise they heard, they see the spaceship and the Invas. The Invas tell the Gagetgang that they need help because an evil warlord is holding hostage the Confederation of Planet Leaders and all the planets are in grave danger.

Antony Serlano (Invas) can make his voice high-pitched, which is the perfect sound for an alien. The voice is very strange and fits the characteristics of the Invas. The writer of this story, Ale MacHaddo has interwoven many different morals into the story. I don’t usually see films with multiple morals so prominent in the story. It is cool to see them all and be inspired in so many different ways.

The animation is very detailed and colorful. The different kinds of aliens they come up with look awesome! They are all completely different! They each have their own different characteristics and personalities.

My favorite part is when the Gagetgang offers to help the Invas. This is a perfect example of what you should do for someone in need. It warmed my heart to see the Invas so happy to get help from them.

There are multiple messages in this story. The first is about helping others in need. The Gagetgang help the Invas and the entire universe when they are in need. The second message is about no being defined by the category you are given. The Invas are seen by everyone as a weak, unintelligent species. Even when the Invas are put through a lot of persecution, they prove everyone wrong when they save the universe. The last message is that “no matter how small you are, you can still do big things together.” The Gagetgang, even though they are so small compared to the universe, get together and save everyone.

This film is really inspirational, colorful and detailed. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages of 5 to 11. Gagetgang in Outer Space is a wonderful movie! You can check it out now on Digital!

Gadgetgang In Outer Space
By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

https://youtu.be/mYoAzJi6CPs

Gadgetgang In Outer Space fascinates me because of its excellent animation, top level voice acting and spectacular direction that captures every detail of a space opera. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with the kids.

The story is about a spaceship that crashes to Earth and reveals a group of quirky little space aliens on the run for their lives. The GadgetGang kids – Gregory, Phoebe, Francesco, Mitsue, Mary Ann, Banana and Tank soon discover this won’t be the same old stuff they are accustomed to. Instead it’s an adventure which will heroically test all of their skills as a team. They learn that far away from the galaxy, an evil warlord named Gana Golber has seized control of the Confederation of Planets and now all the whole universe is in danger. Can the GadgetGang stand up to the test, or will all of humanity fall?

Brian Munn, as Gregory, excellently presents his leadership of the team, and relies on his quirky one-liners and street-smart to save the world. Due to this, he is my favorite character. Maisa Silva, as Phoebe, is great in how she shows her love for her brother, Gregory, as well as her adventurous attitude. Marc Thompson, as Francesco, provides a book-smart companion to Gregory. Lisa Adams, as Mitsue, provides exceptional comic relief and gadgets for the team. Alyson Leigh Rosenfield, as Mary Ann, is more concerned about her beauty and appearance as she tags along for the ride. David McDonald, as Gana Golber, is a threat, but his weakness comes beneath his exoskeleton.

The direction by Al McHaddo is splendid. Homage is given to many sci-fi movies, such as Star Wars and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. My favorite scene is the final space battle because there is a mix of spacecraft battles and artillery combat which I found entertaining. The Gadget Gang’s banter only heightens the final battle. My only problem with this film is that it is a little too fast with its explanation of key plot points and kids could have trouble following the story line. However, all of the scenes of the movie are filled with humor and action.

The message of the film is about working as a team, because the GadgetGang would not be able to accomplish their purpose without the teamwork from everyone involved. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 10.

Join the Floogals on a mission of discovery as they explore Earth and the funny hoomans who live there! Each day, Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo and Junior Boomer encounter something that sparks their curiosity, setting in motion the day s research project and triggering an exciting adventure! First, the Floogals have an adventure in which they must learn the difficult task of assembling the Girl Hooman’s jigsaw puzzle. They learn working in a team wins the day! The projects continue with investigating Boy Hooman s building of a model rocket, learning how to fly a toy helicopter to rescue Boomer, discovering who stole Dad Hooman’s veggies in the garden and so much more! Adventure is everywhere they go. They’re the Floogals! 3, 2, 1, let s go! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dariana A. comments, “Floogals are such a great way to get kids hooked on learning. It has an amazing dynamic and a review of everything they learn at the end, so the kids don’t forget.” Samantha M. adds, “This hilarious animated series had me laughing the entire time. Seeing aliens interact with humans is something I’ve never witnessed before, and the obstacles that the Floogals face are incredibly unique.” See their full reviews below.

Floogals: Mission Complete
By Dariana A., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 11

Floogals: Mission Complete is a spectacular DVD. It has great animation, a great way to teach kids about day to day things and the Floogals are such a great way to get kids hooked on learning. It has an amazing dynamic and a review of everything they learn at the end, so the kids don’t forget. It also never has a dull moment, so it will keep kids very interested and wanting to watch more.

Floogals is about three little aliens that move into a “hoomans” house. Everyday, they discover something new about Earth and they investigate. While doing that, they teach kids about all those things. There is a wide variety of episodes from teaching kids how mail works, to finding out how seeds grow.

This show has such amazing animation. The Floogals are little animated aliens, but they live in a live action world. It’s so cool to see them pick up objects that aren’t animated and they still look like real objects. Another thing I really like is the personalities of all the Floogals. Take Boomer for example. He relates to kids that are more shy and helps them be more out there just like him. I also love the way each episode is formatted. Every episode starts with the Floogals seeing something they don’t understand. Then, they find funny uses for      it and, in the end when they find out what it is, they go over everything they learned. It’s a great tool to help kids remember what they learn. One of my favorite episodes is “Project Mail.” I really like it because, as a kid, I never would have known how mail worked and this would have been really cool for me to watch at a younger age. If I could change one thing about the Floogals, it would be how long Boomer’s name is. On the show they call him Junior-Floogal-Boomer. I think it would be better as just Boomer.

The message of this show is that you should go out and learn something new every day. I give this DVD  4 out of 5 stars for its great animation, awesome plots and incredible characters. I recommend this DVD for ages 3 to 6. This DVD will be released on September 12, 2017 so be sure to check it out.

Floogals: Mission Complete!
By Samantha M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

This hilarious animated series had me laughing the entire time. Seeing aliens interact with humans is something I’ve never witnessed before, and the obstacles that the Floogals face are incredibly unique. As soon as I began watching the series, the Floogals have to face a giant cat, which did not fail to make me laugh. With many twists and turns, you will never get bored.

A story is about three aliens from outer space, Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo and Junior Boomer who  experience many exciting adventures with humans. They must stay hidden, conduct research projects and report back to their space captain about what it’s like to live on earth. The Floogals learn about jigsaw puzzles, mail, a model rocket, a helicopter and so much more! And, if they do a good job with their research, they get badges to wear on their uniforms. Join Fleeker, Flo and Boomer as they learn what it’s like to be a “hooman.”

Rasmus Hardiker, who plays Captain Fleeker, is the lead Floogal. Fleeker always manages to come up with solutions to problems that the Floogals face. For example, when the Floogals ruin a jigsaw puzzle that a little girl built, they have to find a way to rebuild it before she comes back. Hardiker’s voice is very deep, but it’s also very optimistic, which makes his character very relatable. Hugo Harold- Harrison, who plays Boomer, is the funniest character I’ve ever seen. Boomer doesn’t think before he acts, which lands him in difficult situations. Boomer is in charge of watching the cat while the other Floogals rebuild the jigsaw puzzle. Harrison’s voice is filled with fear, which makes it hilarious.

The animation in this show is very realistic. The house that the Floogals live in looks just like mine! Their uniforms are the coolest uniforms I’ve ever seen. I wish I could be a Floogal! My favorite part about this series is its theme song. It is incredibly catchy, so prepare to have it get stuck in your head. I love the ending of each episode, because Fleeker, Flo and Boomer each provide their personal perspective about their daily adventures. It’s great to hear their differing opinions, which makes their friendship work. Fleeker, Flo and Boomer are undoubtedly best friends, and you’ll wish that you could join them on their adventures.

The message of this series is to explore everything that life has to offer and to keep an open mind. The Floogals are nothing like humans, but they learn to love what humans can do. I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to kids ages 4 to 8. With non-stop adventures and many jokes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This DVD is available on September 12, 2017 so, be sure to look for it.  I can’t wait to watch the second series.

When not-so-popular Lucas finds out he is not really a human, but actually a monster, the news changes his whole world!  Embarking on a quest to Monster Island to discover his real roots, Lucas undergoes a journey he will never forget.  He finds himself face to face with more tentacles, fangs and far-out situations than he can shake one of his new wings at. Ultimately Lucas learns that being a freak, isn’t freaky—it means you’re a member of a brand new type of family that you can proudly call your own. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Carla P. comments, “Monster Island is a great film because of its animation and unique storyline. I love how the monsters are animated.” Jolleen M. adds, “This animated film is hilarious and is made with great quality. I love the colorful and detailed animation. The storyline is different from other monster films, which makes it stand out. “ See their full reviews below.

Monster Island
By Carla P. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Monster Island is a great film because of its animation and unique storyline. I love how the monsters are animated. I also adore the storyline. It’s something I’ve never seen before.

Monster Island is about a boy named Lucas who’s a monster, but doesn’t know it since his dad hid it       from him his whole life. His dad has given him a potion to stop him from turning into a monster by hiding it as an inhaler. When Lucas forgets his inhaler at home to go the biggest party of the year, he turns into a monster which scares everyone. Luckily, his dad comes to the rescue with his inhaler which turns him back into a human. His dad explains what’s happening and where he got his powers from. Turns out, they’re from an island called Calvera. Lucas goes on an adventure to find this island. But will he find it? Watch it to find out!

The animation reminds me of Frankenweenie and Coraline which are some of my favorite Halloween movies. Unlike Frankenweenie and Coraline, Monster Island is all computer animation. However, it looks like claymation. I’m fascinated by the attention to detail. Every monster is unique. There are squid monsters and humongous monsters who tower over people.

I love the characters in this movie. Two of my favorites are the two police officers. I love their banter as they try to catch Lucas, but always fail. I love how the pumpkin monster is the “brains” of their team while the deer head monster is the tough dumb one. They had me cracking up the whole time.

The message of this movie is to accept yourself. Lucas’ uncle tries to become a monster since he never became a monster. He felt left out because all of his family are monsters, but he isn’t. Although his family loves him either way, he still tries to find a way to become a monster through science.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 10. You can find this incredible movie online now so, go check it out. Available on YouTube, Google Play, Budi and more.

Monster Island

By Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

This animated film is hilarious and is made with great quality. I love the colorful and detailed animation. The storyline is different from other monster films, which makes it stand out.

The story line is about a boy named Lucas, who doesn’t know that he is a monster. His dad has been keeping the truth from him, until he is ready to handle it. Lucas takes medicine every 24 hours so he doesn’t get “sick.” At least that is what his father told him. But one night he forgets to bring his inhaler with him and he turns into monster form. He is completely shocked, as is everyone around him, for he did not know he had this inside of him. His dad gives him a small explanation, but Lucas, wanting to know more, goes on a journey back to his birthplace. He goes back to Monster Island, to figure out who he really is.

The Director Leopoldo Aguilar has created a very original and interesting film. The style of animation that Art Director Jorge Carrera has created really detailed and realistic, without looking too scary, animation. The animation is so colorful and pleasing to the eye.

The music of this film by Ricardo Solis, really sets the tone for the film and adds suspense, which makes everything interesting. The music can tense you up or just make you feel really happy for no apparent reason. The music is a crucial part of any movie and Solis’s score truly makes this film even better!

My favorite scene is when Lucas turns into his monster form for the first time at a party. I really enjoyed this scene because everything is put into play. The music adds to the suspense, the animation of Lucas  transformation and the zooming in increases the tension. This scene has a lot of key elements that makes it my favorite.

The message of this film is to embrace who you are. Lucas, at first, does not like the idea of being a monster, but he soon realizes that it’s not so bad. Just because you are different doesn’t mean that you are alone. This is a really important lesson to teach kids because, some kids want to fit in and be like everyone else. If they aren’t, they think that they are not good enough. But Lucas shows that no matter what, you are special in your own ways even if you don’t realize it. There is always someone out there who will love you for who you are.

Monster Island is inspirational and just a very interesting film to watch. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for the ages of 4 to 12. Monster Island is available online at YouTube, Google Play and other locations now so, go check it out.

West Virginia family man Jimmy Logan teams up with his one-armed brother Clyde and sister Mellie to steal money from the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Jimmy also recruits demolition expert Joe Bang to help them break into the track’s underground system. Complications arise when a mix-up forces the crew to pull off the heist during a popular NASCAR race while also trying to dodge a relentless FBI agent. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha M. comments, “With such a divine plot, exquisite action scenes and comedic jokes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The more you watch it, the better it gets.” See her full review below.

Logan Lucky
By Samantha Marcus, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

This enticing film kept my eyes peeled for a full two hours. With such a divine plot, exquisite action scenes and comedic jokes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The more you watch it, the better it gets.

Set in West Virginia, Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) works at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as a heavy equipment operator. Unfortunately, he loses his job because of a leg injury. Trying to reverse a family curse of failure and poverty, Jimmy Logan works with his brother Clyde (Adam Driver), his sister Mellie (Riley Keogh) and his friends Joe (Daniel Craig) and Fish Bang (Jack Quaid) to rob the Speedway.

Channing Tatum portrays Jimmy exceptionally well, especially his desire to never give up. When the robbery needs to be moved up a week earlier in the midst of the Coca Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend, those events do not stop Jimmy from attaining his goals. Clyde Logan plays an Iraq war veteran who lost an arm and is very inspirational because he doesn’t let it affect his everyday life. Mellie Logan is the beautiful hairdresser who acts as a motherly figure to Jimmy’s daughter, Sadie (Farrah Mackenzie). Sadie is a confident girl who competes in beauty pageants and wins the audience over with her priceless smile. Every character is quite unique, so you are sure to relate to at least one of them.
Since the film is set in West Virginia, Southern accents are evident. It is great to see a film set in such a different social atmosphere. I enjoyed hearing the accents and it made me wonder if those same people might think California accents just as fascinating. My favorite part is when Jimmy uses a self tanner on his daughter. I am surprised that his ex-wife Bobbie Jo (Katie Holmes) allows this, since she is very strict and has full custody of their daughter. Sadie puts a bathing suit and goggles on while she tanning and it is hilarious.

The messages in this film are never give up, work with others and stay true to yourself. These are very inspirational, because the robbery couldn’t have taken place without a tremendous amount of teamwork and responsibility. If you want to achieve something, go for it, if that is what you truly want to do. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. Since there is alcohol use, it is most suited for teens and adults. This film comes out in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 18, 2017. Go see it and find out if the Logans are truly lucky.

An orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for Paris, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera house. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen M. comments, “Leap! is a great film with a big meaning. This film teaches it all – honesty, perseverance and the importance of practice, family, believing in yourself, believing in your dreams and passion.” Sahiba K. adds, “A quick dive into the storyline and action captivated me from the beginning. The animation engrossed me with its beautiful and realistic settings of buildings, streets and skies. The designs of the characters’ outfits are unique and exquisite.” Dariana A. wraps it up with, “Leap! is a marvelous movie that is so inspirational. It has a classic plot of a dance movie, with amazing twists that keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more.” See their full reviews below.

Leap!
By Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Leap! is a great film with a big meaning. This film teaches it all – honesty, perseverance and the importance of practice, family, believing in yourself, believing in your dreams and passion. Felicie makes a lot of mistakes during her journey, which set her back, but that doesn’t stop her from continuing to push through.

The story begins when Felicie and her best friend, Victor escape from an orphanage. They take a train to Paris so that Felicie can attend a dance school there and Victor can become an inventor. They arrive in Paris without any money. During their journey, they encounter many challenges. As Felicie meets new people, a love conflict arises as well as a conflict with a wealthy lady who is pure evil and wants to crush Felicie’s dream.

A wealthy woman Regine (Kate McKinnon) is cruel, rude and arrogant, but a boy with a crush on Felicie protects her from Regine.  McKinnon makes Regine sound totally wicked in a bad but great way. The boy, Victor (Natt Wolf) is portrayed as a timid, but an optimistic and caring friend.

The animation in this film is spectacular! It is very detailed and their mouths move with the words they are saying so well the animated characters seem real. The voice acting is spot on. The voices are filled with emotion and an inspiration to the audience, including me.

My favorite part is when Felicie watches a ballerina at the French dance school. She takes just one look at the ballerina’s dance and knows she wants to dance and that she can dance. You can really see Felicie’s passion for dancing right there. The whole movie is all about passion and the movie will inspire viewers to follow their dreams.

The message of this film is to follow your dreams. It show how, in order to succeed, you have to work very hard, believe in yourself and have passion. Felicie is an exemplary role model.

Leap! is a very inspirational film with a very important lesson and a pleasure to watch. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 18. Adults will love this movie as well. I really enjoyed watching this film. Definitely check this awesome movie out when it opens nationwide in theaters August 30, 2017.

Leap!
By Sahiba Kaur, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Leap!, directed by Eric Summer is a fun filled, adventurous experience! A quick dive into the storyline and action captivated me from the beginning. The animation engrossed me with its beautiful and realistic settings of buildings, streets and skies. The designs of the characters’ outfits are unique and exquisite.

The story follows two best friends, Felicie (Elle Fanning) and Victor (Dane DeHaan) who have tremendous dreams. Felicie yearns to be a ballerina and Victor, an inventor. Together they escape their home at an orphanage and arrive in Paris to pursue their ambitions.

Elle Fanning as Felicie’s voice communicate sadness when she sniffles, happiness as she squeals with joy and courage with a firm voice. Through Felicie’s voice, I connected to her. Dane Dehaan as Victor’s voice adds great joy and lightness to the film. The humor in his voice made me laugh out loud along with the audience.

The animation is the highlight of this film. The settings and surroundings are intricately detailed. When Felicie and Victor walk through the streets of Paris, the walls of the different buildings are covered with posters that have been ripped or worn down, the individual bricks or stones that make up the walls and street floors are covered with moss and miniscule cracks which adds to their realistic look. The architecture is angelic. The images of the Grand Opera house does true justice to the actual opera house. The ballet choreographer, Benjamin Millepied, wonderfully creates dance masterpieces. Although animated, I felt as if I was watching Felicie dance in real life. In one scene, two girls dance side by side and gracefully migrate from the stage to the chairs in the audience, to outside the stage. They use multiple areas as their stage and still look skillful and elegant.

My favorite part are the costumes. Designed to be sophisticated, from the ballerina’s tutus to the vest of the Director of Opera, they have beautiful flower prints with bright colors and are very visually appealing.

The messages of this film is “never give up on your dreams” and “persevere towards your goals.” I give 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It opens nationwide in theaters August 25, 2017 so, check it out.

Leap!
By Dariana Alvarez, KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 11

Leap! is a marvelous movie that is so inspirational. It has a classic plot of a dance movie, with amazing twists that keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Leap! has fantastic animation and shows some of the real struggles of being a ballerina. This film shows how hard work pays off and really motivates you to work as hard as the characters in the film. I love how it has cliches, but still kept me glued and wanting to know more.

The storyline is about an orphan girl, Felicie (Elle Fanning) and her best friend Victor (Dane DeHaan) who escape an orphanage to pursue their dreams. Felicie’s dream is to dance and she gets her own chance to pursue that.  Along the way, she faces challenges and setbacks that help her learn about her longing to dance.

Something really amazing about this film is that during the group dance scenes, they only show the dancers feet, while they dance on pointe. I love it because of how in sync all the feet are and how realistic the animated ballet shoes are. The one thing I didn’t like about the movie is how old some the characters sound compared to their age. For example, Felicie is 11 years old and is voiced by Elle Fanning whose voice sounds much older. In some scenes, Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen) who is much older than Felicie sounds younger than her. But, the animation is so beautifully unique and unlike anything I’ve seen in any other movie. My favorite scene is when Victor (Dane DeHaan) and Rudy (Tamir Kapelian) fight over Felicie and it turns into a very funny slap fight. My favorite character is Odette because she is the one who teaches Felicie how to dance and always believes in her no matter what happens.

I think there are two messages in this film.  The first is to follow your dreams because, if you can dream it, you can do it (shout out to Walt on this one). The second message is that practice makes perfect. This is what Felicie has to do in order to achieve her dream. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars because it is such a marvelous movie that I loved watching. I recommend this film for ages 6 to 18 because even my 17-year-old brother enjoyed it! You can find this film in a theatre near you on August 25.