KIDS FIRST! News

This very odd movie has drawn a lot of negative criticism from critics and fans alike. The storyline puts two of our beloved superheroes in direct conflict with one another. What is the point of that? It’s almost as if studio heads took a side track when they approved this story and the rest fell out of whack along with it. Certainly, our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics did not love this film and were, in fact, pretty disappointed. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nathaniel B. comments, “This movie is a disgrace to DC comics because there is almost no point. I will explain as best as I can why without spoiling it. First, I will answer a big question, “Why are two legendary heroes battling?” I don’t even know.” See the rest of his review below.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
By Nathaniel B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Straight up, I say I did not enjoy this movie. It is confusing and the title is misleading. This movie starts off with Batman, otherwise known as Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), at his parents’ funeral. Then it switches scenes and shows his parents being murdered, then back to the funeral. This is probably the least confusing part. And then, Bruce falls into a hole and is saved by a swarm of bats, yeah a bit more confusing, but now we know what inspired him!

Many years later, Superman (Henry Cavill) flies through the building that is Bruce’s adopted father’s office while battling some random alien invasion that is never explained and destroys the rest of the building with his laser vision. I think this might be part of why they fight, but I don’t know. That was unclear. By this point in the movie, my brain started to not understand what is going on at all. I asked my dad what was going on and he told me that it would make sense soon, but it never does.

This movie is a disgrace to DC comics because there is almost no point. I will explain as best as I can why without spoiling it. First, I will answer a big question, “Why are two legendary heroes battling?” I don’t even know. You might better understand why this movie is so completely confusing. Another reason that this movie’s title is very misleading is the battle has no meaning. It is only what happens next that matters.

This movie left me with a bad taste in  my mouth, but these are my favorites parts of this film: My favorite character was Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). Even though his lines were not so good, he made everything sound like the good, well bad, Lex Luthor that I know. My favorite costume and props are most definitely Batman’s super armor and his gadgets. But, Batman and Superman do something confusing just because they have a super random connection! Some of you may have seen the famous Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) in the trailer, but she practically has 2% as much of a role as she does in the trailer.

I recommend this movie for ages 15 to 18 due to the jump scares, blood, screaming, death, guns and bullets, and many more horrible and violent things. I give it 2 and a half stars out of five stars because it is confusing, has no moral lesson and does not even match its title. This film is in theaters now if you wish to check it out.

This timely sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding had a difficult task to measure up to the original. Unlike the first film, it doesn’t feel quite so Greek but, it definitely will entertain you and your family with its sweet comedy and romance. The storyline follows Toula who still works in her parents’ Greek restaurant and her daughter Paris, now a teen.  As she prepares to graduate high school, Toula and Ian experience marital issues. They discover a glitch in their marriage certificate and chaos results. Can this big, fat, Greek event help to bring the family together? You’ll have to see it to find out. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “Although it doesn’t live up to the first one, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 kept me laughing and wondering what was going to happen next. It felt like I visited with my own family!” See his full review below.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Although it doesn’t live up to the first one, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 kept me laughing and wondering what was going to happen next. It felt like I visited with my own family! Many fans of the original movie felt worried that Part 2 would be a forced sequel with stereotypical jokes. But rest assured it turned out into a sweet, hilarious and heartwarming tale.

The film defiantly belongs to a comedy genre, but contains quite a bit of romance. Another huge element the film represents – coming together of a family, which fits nicely with the other two genres.

The film follows Toula, (Nia Vardalos), the main character from the previous film, a happily married middle aged woman and a 17-year-old daughter, Paris, nearing the end of high school. Just like with Toula, her family tries to find a Greek boyfriend for Paris, but everything changes when they discover an issue with Toula’s parent’s marriage certificate. Because of this, the family tries to get them married in a real ceremony and hits surprising roadblocks right and left.

I have to say that some scenes felt forced and not necessary in the film and thus, made it a bit boring and it dragged somewhat. It connects to the first film extremely well, which I enjoyed greatly. Original jokes had perfect timing and a great sense of humor. Spot on acting benefited the film and, seeing the same actors play these roles as they did 14 years ago came as a welcome treat. The storyline surprised me and took completely unexpected turns. The soundtrack resembled the music in the previous movie and fit perfectly with the style of the film.

My favorite scene happens when Paris attends a college fair at school. Her parents come with her but stay out of her way. However, the rest of the family finds out about the fair and close to 20 family members come running in. As you might imagine, it gets a little chaotic, with some university representatives getting a few surprise visits along the way. The acting impressed me in this scene. Dealing with so many people on set, actors didn’t lose their energy and kept it heartfelt and really funny.

The film seems rather mature in terms of jokes and the story itself so I recommend it for kids ages 14 to 18. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because this film made the audience laugh again and again, has an unexpected story and fantastic acting.  However, several scenes make it feel stretched out at times and, once or twice, it gets a bit boring.

This 1960s Gumby claymation series is perfect fun for young children. Through its cute lessons and humor, this collectible box set brings enjoyment through short adventures of fun characters. Gumby, Pokey and new friends such as Professor Kapp go on fun adventures through different stages of history, often invoking trouble and learning lessons along the way. This series will appeal to the oldest, die-hard fans as well as new kids who will find joy in these classic stories.  KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “I am a big fan of Claymation and this is a collection of the classic clay animation series from the 1960s. The DVD has a ton of episodes and you get to watch the technical aspects of the animation and the characters evolve over time.” Samantha A., adds, “Something I immediately noticed about this series is that the animation isn’t like any film series you’ll see made today. It is a clay animated show. This type of animation is particularly interesting because it is made by taking pictures of each movement the characters take.” See their full reviews below.

The Adventures of Gumby: The Complete 60s series
Samantha A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Gumby is a very enjoyable and fun claymation series that is about a green humanoid character named Gumby and his side-kick and best friend Pokey. They go on wacky adventures that we see a lot while watching this series of episodes. Some of my favorite episodes were “ the zoops” “the glob” “Santa witch” and “hidden valley”. They are lots of other great episodes in this series as well, but these really stand out.

Something I immediately noticed about this series is that the animation isn’t like any film series you’ll see made today. It is a clay animated show. This type of animation is particularly interesting because it is made by taking pictures of each movement the characters take. The way the makers behind the animation create the claymation is included in the of the bonus features.

This show is also very creative. I watched the episodes and was amazed and often wondered about how they came up with these ideas. From the punch lines to the plot lines of each and every episode.

The bonus features on this DVD disc are something special. Included are behind the scene footage, a photo gallery of photos from making this film, the first aired pilot episode with sound and a very rare episode called “space ball”. I love that they include photos because it gives you an inside look on what was happening when they created the animation and it makes you feel connected to the show even more. Also, getting an exclusive look at never before seen special  episodes is very cool because, while watching them I kept thinking about how rare they are.

I recommend this series for ages 5 to 18 as well as adults. They are classic films that anyone can enjoy and they first aired over 60 years ago so, this disc is perfect for anyone who grew up with Gumby and would like to see him in action again. This series  also gets 5 out of 5 stars from me because these were such fun episodes that anyone can enjoy and the animation is interesting. Also, seeing the bonus features on the disc makes it much more enjoyable because I now have an appreciation for what went into making such this animated series.

The Adventures of Gumby: The 60s Series, Volume One
By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

The Adventures of Gumby: The 60s Series is a very good DVD collection with some very creative animation for its time. I am a big fan of Claymation and this is a collection of the classic clay animation series from the 1960s. The DVD has a ton of episodes and you get to watch the technical aspects of the animation and the characters evolve over time.

The Adventures of Gumby: The 60s Series follows the title character – an enthusiastic green clay-boy – and his friend Pokey, a horse, as they go on fantastic adventures from battling in a joust to keeping a king in power to saving a princess from a knight and even a high-speed chase from a sculpture come to life.

As the series goes on you meet several new characters, like the mopey yellow dragon Prickle and a blue flying mermaid named Goo. My favorite characters are Rodgy the bird and Henry the bear. Rodgy and Henry make an excellent duo. There is a great episode on Rodgy’s origin story called Who’s What. Henry is molding clay and he makes a bird that comes to life. While Rodgy may not always agree with Henry, they always stick together.

My favorite episode in this collection is Even Steven, which follows Gumby and Pokey on a road trip but the trip goes haywire because of some con artists trying to take their money. This cat and mouse chase is funny and unpredictable.

Another episode I enjoy is Treasure For Henry. It follows Rodgy and Henry as they find some treasure that turns out to belong to pirates. This is one of several episodes in this series that is very creative with the use of real life objects in the animation.

I recommend that you watch all the episodes in this collection as well as the special features, especially for Gumby fanatics. The DVD includes the original TV pilot and some behind-the-scenes footage on how they do the Claymation. I’m amazed by how they use clay and I like watching the animation grow more sophisticated and complex over time.

I recommend The Adventures of Gumby for ages 5 to 12. It’s colorful and a fun show to watch and the jokes are meant for all ages. I give this DVD 3 stars out of 5 stars.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Interview with Joe Clokey, son of Art Clokey, the creator of Gumby. Joe is the producer of the new compilations and new Gumby shows which are soon to be released. Listen to his interview on our radio show, KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions here:  http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/91099/zootopia-beauty-and-the-beast-the-musical-joe-clokey-the-adventures-of-gumby-the-60s-series

The message of this film is to feel free to explore, don’t be scared and how having a friend at your side helps you get through anything. I love that this message is told through heartwarming stories about friendship, family science and more.
I think the character voices are amazing and fit the characters just perfectly. The animation is simple, but very believable. The animated characters are adorable and all the stories take place in an animated forest and meadow that are beautifully colorful.

I think viewers will love this DVD released by N Circle Entertainment because, overall there is a lot of heart, great messages and lots of educational lessons. It is a fun and an entertaining DVD. N Circle offers a nicely package product and they even include a fun craft activity. The animation and stories are simple enough for little ones to understand and, at the same time, offer good learning lessons for older kids. I give Guess How Much I Love You DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 8. Check it out!

Guess How Much I Love You: The Song of Spring
Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

This collection of TV episodes is adorable. The hand drawn features are exquisitely detailed. It looks like just what I pictured it would in my head when I read the stories on my Leapster when I was younger. It has a quaint fairy tale feel to it with huggable characters. It is a fun collection to watch. The DVD comes with seven episodes that flow flawlessly together and it is easy to sit and watch the whole collection although your face might hurt from smiling and giggling too long. It was refreshing to sit back, chill and watch a DVD that was easy to watch and made me smile.

The Little Green Worn is my favorite episode because I laughed out loud while watching the animals investigating their newfound insect.

My favorite character is Little Nutbrown Hare. I like seeing how he interacts with all the different animals. His relationship with his father is adorable. He spends his days playing in the meadow and discovering mysteries and, with the assistance of his father and the other animals, they learn many new things and solve mysteries. They think up different ways to express their love for each other – “as much as all the insects in the meadow,” “bigger then the moon,” and things like that. I find this to be a cute game that all parents should play with their children. This game applies to any relationship. It is a fun way to express our feelings towards others and is very fun and loveable.

One of my favorite things about this series are the voiceover talent. They are perfect. They matched the characters wonderfully. For example, the tiny characters have small, squeaky and adorable voices. All the animals are cute, huggable and each one has a different personality that makes you love them and smile each time you meet another one. It makes you want to jump through the TV and play in the meadow. This is a perfect way to get into the spirit of the spring season after a long winter. Easter is on its way and these hare-based stories are perfect for the holiday. They offer a good refresher course on basic science and have many learning lessons. The best lesson is that things change.

I recommend these stories for kids age 3 to 9. Older kids might like it as well because, although they already know the lessons this DVD teaches, many kids might enjoy remembering what life was like when they were younger and seeing how much they have learned. I give this movie 5 out of 5 sparkling carrots. It is available now on DVD so, go check it out.