KIDS FIRST! News

The time is 1939 and the place is Poland, homeland of Antonina Zabinski and her husband, Dr. Jan Zabinski. The Warsaw Zoo flourishes under Jan’s stewardship and Antonina’s care. When their country is invaded by the Nazis, Jan and Antonina are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck. The Zabinskis covertly begin working with the Resistance and put into action plans to save the lives of hundreds from what has become the Warsaw Ghetto. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha M. comments, “This film is truly incredible because it shows how kind hearted people are. Given that the movie takes place in Poland during World War II, there is a lot of tension among the Jewish and German residents because the Jewish Holocaust is occurring. But, the main characters, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, still manage to take care of their zoo and try to keep the animals safe.”Lucia F. adds, “I really enjoyed The Zookeeper’s Wife…This movie was moving and beautifully done, but there are some scenes that were a little too intense for me.” See their full reviews below.

The Zookeeper’s Wife

By Samantha Marcus, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

This film is truly incredible because it shows how kind hearted people are. Given that the movie takes place in Poland during World War II, there is a lot of tension among the Jewish and German residents because the Jewish Holocaust is occurring. But, the main characters, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, still manage to take care of their zoo and try to keep the animals safe.

In the midst of World War II, Adolf Hitler’s power permeates in Poland, specifically in the Warsaw ghetto, where there are many Jewish inhabitants. Living in Warsaw is Antonina Zabinski (Jessica Chastain), her husband Jan Zabinski (Johan Heldenbergh) and their son. They are in charge of the Warsaw Zoo, where any animal you can imagine lives. Bombs are hitting the Warsaw Zoo, killing many of the animals. The zoo is almost completely destroyed, and the Zabinski’s decide to use it as a Jewish sanctuary.

Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of Antonina is quite believable. Antonina is a beautiful woman who loves animals more than she loves herself and she does her best to ensure that everything goes as planned. Johan Heldenbergh, who plays Jan, is very brave. He acts as an assistant to a German soldier and looks for creative ways to transport the Jews to safety. They put their lives on the line to save others, which truly is remarkable.

The Warsaw Zoo looks astonishing. It is huge! There are so many beautiful trees, and there are animals walking around with Antonina. I want to now have my own zoo someday!

My favorite part of the movie is when Antonina is riding her bicycle and she calls her camel to walk alongside her. This camel is hilarious because he makes strange noises and he hops so quickly. He acts as a police patrol for the zoo, which I think is extremely funny.

The message of this film is to help others. Antonina and Jan Zabinski try to help hundreds of Jews stay safe and do not put themselves first. Antonina and Jan live in imminent danger themselves and all they can focus on is making a difference, which I admire greatly.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars. It is so inspiring and there are animals in it, for which I have a great soft spot. Given that there are many casualties among animals and people, I recommend this film to ages 18 to adult. This film is not afraid to depict historical reality, so it may be difficult to watch some scenes, but this movie is now one of my favorites. Watch this film if you enjoy history and films that are based on true stories. It comes out on March 31, 2017 in theaters so, make sure to keep your eyes open for it. It is a movie you certainly don’t want to miss.

The Zookeeper’s Wife
By Lucia Funaro KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 18

I really enjoyed The Zookeeper’s Wife. It is a real-life story about love and caring under extreme conditions in the midst of war. Antonina Zabinska and her husband, Dr. Jan Zabinski, are so brave and generous. They saved the lives of almost 300 Jewish people by hiding them in their basement under their zoo during the German invasion in Poland in WWII. This movie was moving and beautifully done, but there are some scenes that were a little too intense for me.

The plot is a true story that occurred during the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939 to1945. The Warsaw Zoo, owned by the main characters, is bombed and so many animals unnecessarily slaughtered. The brave owners rescued and protected hundreds of local Jewish people from the Nazis. The main character is Antonina Zabinska (Jessica Chastain). She is the leader of this establishment and comes up with the idea to hide the Jewish people. The film tells a wonderful true story about this modest woman who accomplished an amazing feat.

The message is that an unassuming woman was able to save many human lives even though she would have been killed instantly by the Nazis if they knew she had sheltered these people. She does everything in her power to ensure almost everyone’s safety. I love how Jessica Chastain portrays Antonina. She remains calm about the situation and believes it is going to work out okay for everyone. Even though she is nervous about the advances of the Nazi zoologist Heck, she still tries to manage her nervousness when in front of the children. She has tremendous strength of character.

What really stood out for me was the opening scene when you see two cute lion cubs sleeping with a young child and her mother watching lovingly over them. Juxtaposed with that adorableness is a scene later where many of the animals are killed by the Nazis. It is extremely shocking and sad to see these beautiful animals so needlessly slaughtered. Another very intense, but effective scene is when two Nazi soldiers are flirting with a young teenage girl and then, you see the girl beaten up and blood running down her leg. Even though the attack on the girl is not shown, the aftermath of the rape shows the cruelty of the Nazis.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it effectively tells a beautiful, true story about the power one woman’s loving heart. This movie contains intense scenes, so I recommended it for kids 13 to 18. This film is in theaters now so, check it out.

High school outcasts stumble upon an old alien ship, where they acquire superpowers and are dubbed the Power Rangers. Learning that an old enemy of the previous generation has returned to exact vengeance, the group must harness their powers and use them to work together and save the world. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “There have been many movies, shows and stories related to the Power Rangers series, but by far, Power Rangers (2017) beats all other installments in the series.” Arjun N. adds, “Saban’s Power Rangers is a great romp of Power Rangers’ fan service. I found the acting and special effects to be incredible throughout this movie.” See their full reviews below.

Power Rangers (2017)
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

There have been many movies, shows and stories related to the Power Rangers series, but by far, Power Rangers (2017) beats all other installments in the series. This doesn’t mean Power Rangers (2017) is perfect. The film has a fair share of flaws that could have been fixed, but for the most part, it leaves a pleasant and positive impression.

This film has plenty of action, with lots of comedic scenes to illicit frequent giggles from the viewers. Some romance blossoms between the characters and it is filled with a dramatic feel throughout the entire film. The story begins when five kids, despite having no previous connection with each other, all end up at a gold mine, where a strange rock with even stranger coins is revealed. Each of them take one coin and attempt to escape from the mine’s security. Sadly, while escaping, they get hit by a train in what would be a lethal crash. Yet, all five wake up the next day completely alive. More important, now they all share super hero strength, can jump really high and more. Soon the five learn that they are the Power Rangers and need to defend a crystal in Earth’s crust that allows life to exist on the planet, from an evil woman named Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks).

Power Rangers (2017) has entertainment value and fans of the brand will especially enjoy it. There are many aspects that come out perfectly. My favorite aspect, by far, is the cinematography. Every single shot in the 120 minute run time is wonderful, from twisting shots that give the viewer a first-person perspective, to shots flying through the air to give a sense of scale. Another aspect that the crew achieved successfully are the costumes. The Power Rangers look epic and the reveal of their costumes were cheered by viewers in the theater because of how iconic the designs are. The plot also has many good aspects. They don’t give the characters’ super powers and super suits at the beginning. For most of the film, you have five teenagers who are clearly mortal. This gives the viewer time to bond and connect with the characters and allows a sense of realism.

The plot does have its downsides. Even to people who have no idea who Power Rangers are, the story is quite predictable. From the first time they give information about the conflict in the story, I knew exactly how the adventure would turn out. One aspect that surprised me was the special effects. The designs of the monsters and robots all look very real and impressive, but their placements in the real world look forced and somewhat fake, and there are many times where it’s especially obvious to the viewer. Despite all these flaws, the acting is quite phenomenal. I love the way every character comes to life, and how the actors are able to transform. One character that I thought could be improved is the villain, Rita. The back story in Power Rangers (2017) is very vague, and turns her into another “good guy turned evil and now she is insane” example. This has been overused in movies, especially when it comes to stories about super-heroes. I do appreciate how diverse the background stories of these characters are and how in tune with today’s world they are as well.

My favorite scene has to be the compilation of clips where the five realize their powers. Of course, they wake up thinking that the previous night’s deadly train crash was simply a bad dream, but they soon start realizing something is very wrong. Not only are the stones from the previous night still in their pockets, but throughout the day, it becomes very clear that their strength has exponentially grown, and they are now stronger and more fit then the strongest people on Earth. I chose this scene because the acting and cinematography work together very well in these clips to show the true confusion on the characters’ faces. You really feel like you are part of the scene, instead of simply watching it.

This film has one major change from the older films. It is no longer appropriate for younger kids. They portray Rita in an almost horror-like way (which comes out stunningly) and, there are some scenes with adult language and slightly adult references. I recommend it for ages 12 to 18 and give it 3.5 out of 5 stars because of its many flaws, like the special effects, storyline and some of the characters. However, Power Rangers (2017) is still enjoyable to watch and really does justice to the series. It is in theaters now so, go check it out.

Saban’s Power Rangers
By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Saban’s Power Rangers is a great romp of Power Rangers’ fan service. I found the acting and special effects to be incredible throughout this movie. This will appeal to all Power Rangers’ fans. This film is about five teenagers, Jason (Dacre Montgomery), Kimberly (Naomi Scott), Billy (RJ Cyler), Zach (Ludi Lin) and Trini (Becky G.), who are all misfits. The five come across stones of the Power Rangers, an order of people who protect Earth, and they take these stones. The next day they wake up with superpowers. They go back to find an underground lair with a robot Alpha 5 (Bill Hader) and a former Power Ranger in the form of a talking wall, Zordon (Bryan Cranston). Zordon warns them of an imposing threat, Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks), who has the power to destroy Earth. This group of misfits must learn to overcome their problems to become the Power Rangers and defeat Rita Repulsa.

Dacre Montgomery presents leadership yet also being a troublemaker in his role as Jason (Red Ranger), and instead of falling to the stereotypes of being the bland leader who gives rules, he presents a charisma in his character. Naomi Scott as Kimberly (Pink Ranger) is fantastic in presenting a fierce yet caring Power Ranger. RJ Cyler as Billy (Blue Ranger) is my favorite character in the movie due to his comic relief. Ludi Lin as Zach (Black Ranger) presents a careless, yet quick Power Ranger. Becky G as Trini (Yellow Ranger) completes the team of Power Rangers. Elizabeth Banks can be a little bit too over-the-top with her villainous Rita Repulsa, who is horrifying most of the time but funny in the most unintentional parts.

The direction of the movie by Dean Israelite is fast paced with every character and especially during the action scenes. The special effects by Zoilo Abad are exceptional with the details on the costumes taking the highlight. My favorite scene is the final battle with Rita Repulsa in the Power Rangers’ mech suits due to the breathtaking special effects.

The movie’s message is about teamwork being the solution to the problem because the team is only able to defeat Rita Repulsa by working together as a team and using tactics they learn together. I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18 due to the intense action and language. This film is in theaters now, so go and check it out, if you want a mighty morphing time.

A new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator — a wildly imaginative 7-year-old named Tim. The most unusual Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) arrives at Tim’s home in a taxi, wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase. The instant sibling rivalry must soon be put aside when Tim discovers that Boss Baby is actually a spy on a secret mission, and only he can help thwart a dastardly plot that involves an epic battle between puppies and babies. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tristan T. comments, “The Boss Baby is fabulously directed by Tom McGrath, who you might recognize from his work on all three Madagascar movies and Megamind. He says that the movie is partially an apology letter to his own brother for all the grief he put him in when they were young.” Mia A. adds, “This film is very funny because Tim and the baby are always fighting. Sometimes they put scenes in slow motion which makes them extra funny. In one scene, the babies are going against Tim and everything is over exaggerated. I went with a 6-year-old and she and the rest of the audience laughed a lot.” See their full reviews below.

The Boss Baby

By Tristan Tierce, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Dreamworks’ The Boss Baby, is an extraordinary, fun and lighthearted animated film based on an award-winning picture book by Marla Frazee. 7-year-old Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi) had the perfect life and the full attention of his parents until one day, a new arrival took it all away and became the Boss of his family. Tim and Boss Baby face sibling rivalry, trying to both win the affection of their parents. Much to Tim’s surprise, the two bond when they join forces to uncover the evil plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. And in the midst of it all, Tim and his new brother Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) learn the true meaning of the love of family.

The Boss Baby is fabulously directed by Tom McGrath, who you might recognize from his work on all three Madagascar movies and Megamind. He says that the movie is partially an apology letter to his own brother for all the grief he put him in when they were young.

My favorite character is Boss Baby. Alec Baldwin voices this character with great panache. His witty personality mixed with a take-charge attitude bursts through the screen. I feel that Baldwin’s voice talent in this is one of the key reasons this movie shines.

My favorite scene is when Tim and Boss Baby work together to sneak into Puppy Co. and attempt to steal the secret file. Watching a working large scale replica of one of my favorite games when I was young (Mouse Trap) was particularly fun. Also, there are many toys from the 70s and 80s included which I enjoyed. Several times I found myself times trying to find them in the scene. There are so many magical moments throughout. As an only child, it’s funny that there are times the movie made me want to have a brother and, other times, I’m happy to be an only child.

The Boss Baby is an enjoyable film, safe to keep you and your family thoroughly entertained. Director Tom McGrath states “I want this movie to draw you in and make you move to the edge of your seat, not pull away from the screen” and I believe he achieved that goal. It is rated PG for mild humor and I recommend it for ages 6 to 14, although the whole family will enjoy it. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters nationwide on March 31, 2017 so, go check it out.

The Boss Baby
By Mia Anderson, KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Boss Baby is a hilarious movie about a boy named Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi) who has a pretty great life with his parents, until one day he gets a baby brother (Alec Baldwin) who wears a suit and tie. Tim is very skeptical about this new baby brother, but eventually he works with his baby brother to help stop the antagonist, the CEO of Puppy Co.

This film is very funny because Tim and the baby are always fighting. Sometimes they put scenes in slow motion which makes them extra funny. In one scene, the babies are going against Tim and everything is over exaggerated. I went with a 6-year-old and she and the rest of the audience laughed a lot.

The animation in this movie is very detailed and brightly colored. The creative use of so many colors help give each scene a happy feeling. There is a lot of detail in this movie such as the characters’ hair. You can see little strands of hair and each individual eyelash. Having so much detail on each character helps make it more realistic.

The moral to this film is “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Although Tim is right to be skeptical about the new baby, he doesn’t get to know the baby before judging him and jumps to the conclusion that he is bad. My favorite scene is when Tim tries to show the parents that the baby can talk. This is a very funny scene because everything is so over-the-top and the slow motion parts are hysterical. The music is primarily one song, Black Bird. This song is sung throughout and is Tim’s favorite song. Black Bird brings a sweet mood to the film whenever it is sung.

I recommend this film for ages 4 to 14 because. It is a pretty funny movie parents can take their kids to, but you should know that there is a reference to killing people which might be scary to little kids. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars, because the plot is really developed and it is very funny. Go see The Boss Baby in theaters when it opens March 31, 2017. I think you will love it!

Join the Floogals on a mission of discovery as they explore Earth and the funny “hoomans” who live there! Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo, and Junior Boomer are pocket sized alien adventurers on a mission to observe and experience a new and exciting world Planet Earth! Arriving in their spaceship from the distant planet of Floog, the Floogals are on a mission to document everything around them in the peculiar world of the “hoomans”. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lara M. comments, “I love how this show demonstrating the power of exploration and critical thinking. Floogals is a children’s TV show that mixes animated and real life images, exciting characters and unique episodes.” KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Rachael V. comments, “This show follows three little explorers observing the hooman (human) world in a way that we can only observe by watching a show like this. All the stories are fantastic…” See their full reviews below.

Floogals: DESTINATION PLANET EARTH!
by Lara Marcus, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I love how this show demonstrates the power of exploration and critical thinking. Floogals is a children’s TV show that mixes animated and real life images, exciting characters and unique episodes. Young children will enjoy the adventures the Floogals embark on.

This special Floogals DVD has eight episodes, stars Captain Fleeker, Officer Flo and Junior Boomer – aliens who have come to earth to explore the human’s objects. Episode #1, Project Caterpillar, explains the process of metamorphosis to the Floogals as they watch and wait for the Hooman’s caterpillars to change into butterflies. Episode #2 is Project Balloon, where the Floogals discover what a balloon is, how it works and why they are needed. The next Episode, #3 is Project Baby. The Floogals discover what a baby is exactly. Episode #4 is Project Bubbles. Along with discovering what a bubble is made of, the Floogals learn to work together to blow bubbles. In Project Hamster, the Floogals have to catch the Hooman’s hamster that escapes the cage. In Project Robot, they take Hooman’s son’s robot to rescue officer Flo. The episode Project Garden Hose has them finding out that the hose is turned on by a lever and learning that hoses are used to water plants. The final episode is Project Magnet where the Floogals’ learn what a magnet is and how it works. In each episode, kids learn the use of objects in our world.

My favorite character is Junior Boomer. Boomer’s adolescent character and curiosity is fun to watch throughout every episode. Of course, the other characters are exciting to watch too. Officer Flo’s intelligence and Captain Fleeker’s leadership qualities greatly enhance the show. In addition, I enjoyed the live elements incorporated into the show. In Project Hamster, I like how a real hamster is in the show along with the animated Captain Fleeker, who are both in the hamster’s cage.

Each episode teaches something different. Project Caterpillar teaches the audience about Metamorphosis. Project Balloon shows how balloons float. Project Baby demonstrates how we grow. Project Bubbles shows us what bubbles are made of. Project Hamster teaches about live animals and how to keep them in a cage. Project Robot shows how electronics work and how they run on batteries. Project Garden Hose demonstrates how a hose is used and how it works. Finally Project Magnet shows us how magnets work. As each episode teaches kids how ordinary objects in our world work, the Floogals’ comedic characters and unique adventures make the show enjoyable. I recommend Floogals for ages 2 to 6 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. This DVD is available now wherever DVDs are sold so, go check it out. You’re missing out if you don’t share it with your preschoolers.

The Floogals: Destination Planet Earth
By Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

This show follows three little explorers observing the hooman (human) world in a way that we can only observe by watching a show like this. All the stories are fantastic, but the one I like the most is Project Garden Hose. Due to the size of The Floogals, something like a garden hose is a behemoth to them (which becomes adorably obvious in Project Hamster). They are skating down the hose and it looks like this neat little jungle. It’s very fun. Something about this program that had me worried at first is that it mixes animation with live action. The Floogals and their belongings are shown in CGI, but the world in which they explore is all shown in live action. I’ve seen this before and didn’t care for it. Iwas not looking forward to watching it because of that. But the Floogals really pull it off! I can honestly say that the exploration would not be nearly as entertaining without the brilliant visual media mix along with the fun writing. I look forward to showing this to my son when he gets a bit bigger. I recommend this for ages 2 to 5 and give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Join Mack, a blue moose with a heart of gold and two left feet, and Moxy, a perky pink raccoon, on four new exciting adventures! Watch Mack & Moxy rescue another Great Helpee in a far off mystical place called HelpeeLand. In the first adventure, Mack & Moxy start a lively game of foursquare at the HelpeeLand School. When a disagreement develops over who won, Trooper Sydnee suggests Rock, Paper, Scissors to settle the dispute. It works like a charm except for one problem Shelfish Sheldon (Hank Azaria) is about to snatch the Great Helpee and keep all its happiness for himself. Guest celebrity, Simone Biles (Olympic Gymnastic Gold Medal winner), helps the Heroes on their mission. Three more adventures introduce kids to subjects like autism, buckling-up for safety and eating healthy foods. KIDS FIRST! Juror Tina B. comments, “This DVD has a beautiful way of explaining and expressing important ways of helping children understand some of life’s complicated issues.” KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Rohan F. adds, “Mack & Moxy: Adventures in Helpeeland! is a great DVD for preschoolers. It teaches basic lessons that kids will need for school.” See their full reviews below.

Mack & Moxy: Adventures In Helpeeland!
By Tina B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

https://youtu.be/GCvZW-nHReY

This DVD has a beautiful way of explaining and expressing important ways of helping children understand some of life’s complicated issues. Friendship, honesty, tolerance, patience, healthy eating habits, dancing, singing, playing together, solving conflicts and working together are not always easy for children to understand and the Mack & Moxy series really helps parents instill good values in their children and helps parents find ways to teach these qualities to their children in a playful, colorful yet firm way. A must for all parents!

The topics discussed, the music, the lyrics, the funny and unusual characters, and the vibrant colors are all spot on and will all appeal to children. Each story has a great topic and the characters are lively, honest, funny, believable and colorful. Each segment concentrates on a powerful message to help young children understand. The songs emphasize the message and make a great addition at the end of each segment. Having the words written on the screen also helps parents relay the words. The material in each segment is very relevant and is very easy for children to follow. Subjects such as honesty, proper car seats for children of different ages, healthy eating, friendship, cooperation, team work, understanding children with autism, respect and organized games at recess time, are all introduced. At the end of each segment a mention of where to find more information is listed.

The vocabulary is age-appropriate and the subject matter is very relevant. The songs are so lively and sing-able. The theme song which is sung throughout the DVD whenever the team is ready to go out on their mission, ‘Here We Go, Na Na Na, Off to Healthyland’ is great. I found myself singing to it too! The animation is fantastic. The colors are so bright and rich for each of the characters and each of the Great Helpees hatched is a different color! The songs are upbeat and uplifting! Having the words written on the screen helps adults learn the songs. The settings for each of the segments has lots of imagination built in and also has awesome colors. Each of the characters has their own unique costume and name. Shellfish Sheldon is a red lobster, Clicks the robot, Patches the tiger, Little Bird is Autistic as well as Trooper Charlie, who dances very well, and so many others.

These segments are all very interesting and colorful and playful and educational as well. One segment deals with normalizing autism and explains about the devices that help autistic children communicate with others. It stresses that ‘even though we are all different, we are all the same’. The song, ‘Each One of Us Is Different’ helps us to understand more. The theme of this segment is that children with autism can be a great friend and our differences are Okay. Yes, I love this! Recommended for ages 2 to 5 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Tina B., KIDS FIRST! Juror.

Mack & Moxy: Adventures in Helpeeland!
Reviewed by Rohan F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Mack & Moxy: Adventures in Helpeeland! is a great DVD for preschoolers. It teaches basic lessons that kids will need for school. This colorful DVD contains four episodes that combine animation, live-action, puppets and songs. The first episode teaches how to solve and arguments using “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” The second teaches you about buckling your car seat belt. The third talks about healthy eating and the fourth is about autism. In each episode, Mack (a moose-like giant) and Moxy (a perky pink raccoon) and their friends go to Helpee Island to save the great Helpee egg? One day they meet a new friend who helps them get the Helpee Egg. Meanwhile, the show’s enemy, Shellfish Sheldon is trying to steal the Great Helpee and keep all its happiness for himself. My favorite part of each episode is when Shellfish Sheldon is about to achieve his goal but fails, usually helping Mack and Moxy get the Helpee Egg. This show contains lots of repetition. At the end of each episode, they use exactly the same script as they did at the beginning. Repetition is good for younger children but can get tedious for older kids and adults so, I recommend this film for ages 1 to 4 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Rohan F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12.