Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: It’s Always Sharkest – Stealth Learning at its Best,
June 16th, 2017
Unknown to the world, Thomas Edison built a secret lab where he invented a virtual version of himself and a steampunk robot named Von Bolt. Years later, Angie, a twelve-year-old science prodigy, discovers the lab. While visiting one of Kent’s relatives, the kids come up with a great idea for attracting more tourists to his restaurant – the only catch is that it also attracts a very big shark with very big teeth! What will the Secret Lab Kids do? Guided by fun-loving Edison, Angie and friends will show just how fun science can be. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen M. comments, “I love all of the puns and the jokes. I thought that they were very funny. I also thought that it was awesome that everything tied in with learning, so that you could enjoy watching the movie while learning new things about science.” Carla P. adds, “The show has cool features that I’ve rarely seen on a TV show. At the end of every episode, they have a music video recapping what they learned in that episode.” KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror, Rachael V. wraps it up with, “This collection is called “It’s Always Sharkest” because it features an episode regarding a shark’s sense of smell. Thinking about subjects such as DNA and radioactive decay doesn’t seem to be very appealing to younger kids, but these episodes change that. It gives a very hands on, kid friendly approach to not just learning about these subjects, but enjoying the adventure along the way.” See their full reviews below.
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: It’s Always Sharkest
By Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
This film is very educational and humorous. I love all of the puns and the jokes. I thought that they were
very funny. I also thought that it was awesome that everything ties in with learning, so that you can enjoy watching the movie while learning new things about science.
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab is about Angie and her friends who discover Thomas Edison’s secret lab. They go on multiple science adventures to learn how to solve their problems in everyday life. They go back in time, shrink to be super small, go snorkeling and even go inside animals’ bodies to learn as much as they can about their situation to help solve their problem at home.
Phillipa Alexander (Angie), has a voice of a child, which is probably why they chose her for the role of Angie. Phillipa Alexander’s voice can sound nerdy and smart or be used to sound enraged and mad. Shash Hira (Kent) can make his voice sound small and awkward. He portrays Kent as an intimidated character.
The animation in this movie is not that good. When they talk, their mouths mostly just move up and down. The arm movements they do are also really repetitive. Overall, the movements for the characters and scenery are not very life like. But, I don’t think a young child will mind. This movie is made for younger audiences, but the science they teaching is suitable for older kids.
My favorite part of the movie is when Angie and her friends shrink and go through the process of 
pollination. It looks really cool to see how pollination works, when you are super small actually see the inside of the flower and bee hive.
The message of this film is to accept yourself for who you are, and to realize that science isn’t lame and can actually be useful. When Angie was building a robot for a competition, the opponents were calling her a geek and science nerd. But Angie isn’t discouraged and actually likes that she knows a lot of things. She doesn’t let them distract her and ends up winning the bot fight.
You can learn a lot from this show. I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12. The animation and plot seem suitable, but the science and vocabulary is more suited for older children. It’s on DVD so, go check it out – especially if you love science!
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: It’s Always Sharkest
By Carla P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I like Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: It’s Always Sharkest because it is an educational show, has very unique features and really good animation.
This show is about a group of kids and a few robots that do scientific research. They do it in a secret lab that Thomas Edison left behind with a digital version of himself. They do research about a shark’s sense of smell. When the group gets into situations where they mess up on a project or experiment, they always find a way to fix it. And, they have adventures with famous scientists such as Charles Darwin.
The show has cool features that I’ve rarely seen on a TV show. At the end of every episode, they have a music video recapping what they learned in that episode. I’ve only seen this once before on Bill Nye’s old TV series. The only thing different between Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: It’s Always Sharkest and Bill Nye’s music video is that Bill Nye did a parody of popular songs while the songs on this show are all original songs.
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he animation reminds me somewhat of the TV show The Fairly Odd Parents. Both have similar animation styles. They both look sort of like paper cutouts. Furthermore, I like how the robot’s actions are animated. In the first episode, one of the robots is almost eaten by a shark so he spins out of control to try to get away from the shark’s mouth. I thought that was hilarious, seeing him spin out of control.
The message of the show is to find ways to fix problems and it encourages kids to appreciate and learn more science. In the first episode, the group tries to make a slide but fails because there was too much friction. The whole series is based around science and boosts kids’ interest in science. The program shows how science can be fun. I rate this show 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 9. It is available now on DVD so, go check it out.
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: It’s Always Sharkest
Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
I’ve been lucky enough to review two of the Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab DVDs and I just love them. As a
kid I always loved science class, but I know that not everyone did. There were lessons that appealed to me less than others and I was lucky enough to have shows such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and The Magic School Bus to inspire me. This collection is called “It’s Always Sharkest” because it features an episode regarding a shark’s sense of smell. Thinking about subjects such as DNA and radioactive decay doesn’t seem to be very appealing to younger kids, but these episodes change that. It gives a very hands on, kid frie
ndly approach to not just learning about these subjects, but enjoying the adventure along the way. One of my favorite things about this program is meeting the creators take on other scientists like Darwin and Watson. The animation is phenomenal and the lessons learned are even better. I recommend this to kids ages 5 to 12, but make no mistake, I greatly enjoyed learning new things and relearning things I had long forgotten. If I could rate this higher than 5 stars I would, but since I can’t, I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
From the mind of Gwen Stefani comes the world of Kuu Kuu Harajuku! Say hello to HJ5! A super cool band made of five super cool girls! Love, Angel, Music, Baby and their inspirational leader G love to sing, dance and sport the latest kawaii fashions (Kawaii is “cute ” in Harajuku speak)! With help from their loveably incompetent manager Rudie, HJ5 travels all over to put on shows for their fans! Although they are totally talented, every time they start a gig, something wild and crazy happens before they finish the first bar! I mean, it’s not easy performing while you are being attacked by space aliens, adorable (and ravenous) monster pets OR hunger (you don’t want to mess with Baby when she’s hangry). No m
atter what challenges come their way, they always work together to save the day! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, “The perfect animation colors and style make this concoction a work of art that is pure genius. This is an adorable fun world full of fashion, original songs and five smart girls with problem solving skills and teamwork.” Kamryn B. adds, “Kuu Kuu Harajuku is a jamming new TV series that is now available on DVD. This show is filled with humor and adventurous episodes. The vibrant colors make the show even more “Kawaii,” the Japanese term for cute.” KIDS FIRST! Juror Rachael V. wraps it up with, “This program was co-created by Gwen Stephani (No Doubt) and you can really tell. It’s extremely girly and stylistic and the music is fantastic.” See their full reviews below. 
Stefani is the executive producer and along with her, many other wonderful actresses are a part of this crew. Lessons to be learned from the show are inspirational and helpful. HJ5 helps kids learn to be themselves and accept who they are. That is what makes this show so special. People are all different and have a unique quality about them. The world would be boring if everyone was the same. We should accept each other’s differences. It is okay to be different. Embrace our differences and have fun with it. That is what makes you who you are and what makes you special and unique.
humor and adventurous episodes. The vibrant colors make the show even more “Kawaii,” the Japanese term for cute. The characters Music, Baby, Love, Angel and G experience different puzzling situations together as they sing to their accumulating fan base. Their unorganized manager Rudie and General No Fun are always trying to ruin the band’s plans.
purple and pink that would make any girl squeal. The characters are all quite unique and well defined. G, the leader of the band, helps the group focus on the task at hand. Whenever General No Fun gets in the way of fun, she helps figure out a way to have fun despite his intentions. Since their manager Rudie isn’t much help, G has an important role to play. Baby is childish and knows what’s cute and what isn’t. Love has all the smarts to create a formula of success. Angel is the fashionista who wears all the newest looks and styles. And Music is my favorite character because of her sense of humor and a hint of sass.
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Benjamin P. comments, “The animation in Cars 3 is great. No other film succeeds in making everyday objects feel truly human as well as this franchise does. This gives it a sense of realism and puts me more in tune with characters’ emotions and makes me care more about them in the process.” Jolleen M. adds, “This film is really unique and well made! I really enjoyed watching it. The storyline is well thought out and original. I also love the animation which is very detailed.” Lucia F. wraps it up with, “As a teenage girl who did not see the first two Cars films, I had serious doubts about this movie. Imagine my surprise when I found myself enjoying Cars 3 from beginning to end.” See their full reviews below.
it still is the best Cars film yet.
not going down without a fight.
well as this franchise does. This gives it a sense of realism and puts me more in tune with characters’ emotions and makes me care more about them in the process. The backgrounds in this film are gorgeous. They’re detailed, picturesque and really reflect the quality of Pixar’s animation. The total effect makes me envy the characters and wish I could visit them in their rich, colorful world.
and original. I also love the animation which is very detailed. I especially love the facial expressions of the cars which show a lot of emotions.
makes McQueen sound desperate, frustrated and on the edge of breaking at times, but can make him also sound determined and hopeful. Armie Hammer, the voice of Jackson Storm, voices Jackson as an arrogant character. The voice fits very well because Storm always makes fun of Lightning McQueen.
former racer Doc Hudson. McQueen sees all of the letters that Hudson sent back home about him. McQueen starts feeling emotional and begins to really miss Hudson. I really like this scene because it warmed my heart to see McQueen realize that he made Hudson happy till his last days. Lightning McQueen was like a son to Doc Hudson.
my surprise when I found myself enjoying Cars 3 from beginning to end. Although this movie is clearly an action movie, it is also hilarious! I am a huge Larry the Cable Guy fan and, as Mater the Tow Truck, he provides plenty of comic relief. I also love how loyal and heartwarming Mater is as a friend to the protagonist, Lightning McQueen. Of course, his is not the only remarkable performance. Owen Wilson, as Lightning McQueen, is a very effective leading man. His performance is pure genius.
competition to our hero, Lightning McQueen. Unfortunately, Storm steals Lightning’s thunder (sorry, I couldn’t resist). Viewers will find the many racing sequences extremely exciting. I actually jumped during the nighttime race through the forest with no headlights. Parents should know that there is another scene that might be disturbing to younger viewers which occurs during the Crazy 8’s demolition derby race at Thunder Hollow. Since all the characters are cars, the destruction could be considered quite violent.
Lightning’s female trainer provides a completely unexpected result. Another message is to value and honor the old-timers who succeeded before you and paved the way for your success. We see this when an older lady racer talks about the days when she was not allowed to have a number, so she stole one. The third message, which provides yet another surprise, is that those who support actual heroes are indeed, heroes themselves.
are of two types – absolutely breathtaking scenery, such as the trip to the Rusteeze Racing Center, and the appealing, animated car characters. It is also very interesting that Lightning McQueen keeps changing his look throughout the film .
Alisa Knows What to Do! is based on the extremely popular Russian science-fiction novels by famous Russian author Kir Bulychiov about a young girl from the future, Alisa Salazar. This animated series weaves a tale about the adventures of a group of teenagers living at the end of the 21st century. The world has changed yet the burning questions that occupied people at the beginning of the century are still pertinent today. Alisa and her friends not only battle evil and injustice but they are also concerned with global problems like the natural balance, both on the planet and in space. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lucia F. comments, “I like the animation because the special effects are very cool. Young children will enjoy this because it is filled with adventure and action.” Gerry O. adds, “There are not many animated kid shows that can teach important life lessons, entertain and spark the viewer’s imagination. Alisa Knows What to Do: Season One accomplishes all of this and more.” Calista B. wraps it up with, “This series is really enjoyable. I was honestly surprised by how much I was invested in the story and the characters. It is surprisingly solid.” See their full reviews below.
English.
e surprise endings. I also love the interesting perspective of the future. It feels possible but still makes you dream about endless possibilities. The animation itself is a quite different style than what is generally seen on TV, due to being produced in Moscow. One small issue that is very apparent throughout the show is the dubbing. Due to being converted from Russian to English, there are many times when the characters’ lips do not match the audio perfectly. The problem isn’t too noticeable most of the time, but there are scenes where it is distracting.
galaxy opens on Pluto. The top scientists, including Alisa’s father, attend the opening. Disaster strikes when an eclipse by a Pluto moon causes the release of “Zye” waves, which turns people into statues. Luckily Alisa and her friend find out about this and destroy a crystal to rescue the people. The animation of the museum and the dwarf planet is beautiful and the plot has unexpected and entertaining twists.
isn’t a bad thing, because they switch the spotlight to the other kids every once in a while. And they try to develop the characters of the other kids, which I like. In terms of personality, the characters are pretty stereotyped. There’s The Jock, The Nerd, The Girly Girl who only cares about her looks and similar. As much as I disapprove of stereotyping in general, these are probably some of the best stereotypes I’ve seen. However, I will say that I found the girls way more likeable than the boys.
ep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess, whose destiny was unjustly taken from her, is awakened in our current day bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, “The Mummy impressed me with its spooky horror, top level stunt work spectacular direction. “ KIDS FIRST! Juror Juanita L. adds, “The story is not a new – disturbing an ancient evil which comes back to wreak havoc on everyone. However, the visuals are very exciting and explosive with a hint of suspense.” See their full reviews below.
ypt of Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella) and flies her crypt via airplane when things go amuck. She is awakened and then controls Chris Vail (Jake Johnson) to crashes the plane. He crashes the plane to curse Nick who wakes up despite the plane crash. Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) then hunts down Dr. Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe) who is also looking for Princess Ahmanet and is the only who can cure 
Nick. However, when Ahmanet is fully formed, Nick needs to stop her from destroying London and goes to extreme levels to defeat Ahmanet and save Jenny (Annabelle Wallis).
Johnson as Chris Vail provides comedic relief. Annabelle Wallis as Jenny Halsey clearly presents determination in tracking down Princess Ahmanet. However, she still falls to the trope of damsel in distress. Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll is my favorite character because he impressively presents the transition of his character.
n is splendid. The pace from scene to scene is superb and kept me at the edge of my seat. My favorite scene is when Ahmanet attacks London. The special effects are outrageously impactful. My only problem is that the movie’s finale is quite anti-climactic. Despite this flaw, Tom Cruise fans will rejoice at this movie.
ong with his partner Chris Vale (Jake Johnson) are soldiers of fortune who steal timeless artifacts from ancient sites and sell them to the highest bidders. While in the Middle East, the duo accidently uncover Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), an ancient princess awakened from her crypt beneath the desert after thousands of years. She uses her powers which evolve throughout the film to bring her revenge and furious rampage to the streets of London.
sy action and violence with some blood spatters, guns and shooting, stabbings, fighting and punching, crashes and explosions, jump scares, zombies and a lab full of gross things. There are several mildly suggestive sexual references as well, including partly naked and somewhat obscured male and female bodies, kissing, a couple in bed together and other sensuality.
