KIDS FIRST! News

Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This film has everything. It has a wonderful, heartwarming plot with a good 50/50 split of drama and comedy and is filled with many wonderful morals and messages. It can be called a tale, sci-fi, adventure and more.” Clayton P. adds, “Disney’s Tomorrowland is a most imaginative, elaborate adventure with a lot of heart.  The idea of the movie is fresh and unique.  Every dollar of the $190 million budget is put to use and is seen on the big screen.”

Tomorrowland
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

How can you describe this film, a film that is original (very rare these days), surprising (also rare) and it has a perfect ratio of pretty much everything! Tomorrowland is a movie of WOW, that makes you want to go out and do something knowing that nothing is impossible!

This film has everything. It has a wonderful, heartwarming plot with a good 50/50 split of drama and comedy and in this story are many wonderful morals and messages. It can be called a tale, sci-fi, adventure or more, but this film has something for everyone.

Tomorrowland starts off when a young high schoolgirl named Casey, (Britt Robertson) is being told that the world is being polluted, destroyed and pretty much slowly ending. She asks why they don’t do something about it. One day, she finds a mysterious pin which takes her to a world not in the future,  not on Earth but somewhere beyond our knowledge, known only as Tomorrowland. She goes on adventure trying to get there and meets many people including Frank Walker (George Clooney) who is a former child genius and who actually lived in this place for some time.

This film is truly an enjoyable experience just to watch! Director Brad Bird has outdone himself making this master piece. From the perfect cast, to the original story, it is just breathtaking to watch. The cinematography is perfect. It is not too modest but not to forced either. The acting is spot on. George, Britt and the rest of the cast have great chemistry. They joke with other, pull us into their drama and make us believe their story. The relationship between the main characters vacillates. At times you’re sad; at other times happy times in seeing these heartwarming relationships develop. Disney has outdone itself so many times, but again they have surprises us with a very original and nicely created film based on Walt’s original vision of Tomorrow.

My favorite scene is when Casey, Frank and a girl named Athena (watch the film to learn more about this very special character) go to Paris where they launch something out of the Eiffel tower! It is action packed, funny and just stunning to watch. The special effects are out of this world and perfectly executed.

There are so many moral messages, but the main one is – Nothing is impossible and never stop questioning the world around you. In this film, Casey never stops asking questions and, because of this, a very surprising thing happens.

With the release of Tomorrowland on Blu-Ray and DVD, there are a whole bunch of cool and interesting bonus features. My favorite thing is that most of them are narrated by Brad Bird. These include the first day they started shooting, deleted scenes, Brad Bird vs. Weather (that was my favorite!) and even an exclusive animated short showing the creation of Tomorrowland!

This film has very few scenes that are too mature for younger kids so, I recommend it for ages 8 to 18. I also give this 5 out of 5 stars as this film is truly one of the greatest family films of the year.

This film is truly an enjoyable experience just to watch! Director Brad Bird has outdone himself making this master piece. From the perfect cast, to the original story, it is just breathtaking to watch. The cinematography is perfect. It is not too modest but not to forced either. The acting is spot on. George, Britt and the rest of the cast have great chemistry. They joke with other, pull us into their drama and make us believe their story. The relationship between the main characters vacillates. At times you’re sad; at other times happy times in seeing these heartwarming relationships develop. Disney has outdone itself so many times, but again they have surprises us with a very original and nicely created film based on Walt’s original vision of Tomorrow.

My favorite scene is when Casey, Frank and a girl named Athena (watch the film to learn more about this very special character) go to Paris where they launch something out of the Eiffel tower! It is action packed, funny and just stunning to watch. The special effects are out of this world and perfectly executed.

There are so many moral messages, but the main one is – Nothing is impossible and never stop questioning the world around you. In this film, Casey never stops asking questions and, because of this, a very surprising thing happens.
With the release of Tomorrowland on Blu-Ray and DVD, there are a whole bunch of cool and interesting bonus features. My favorite thing is that most of them are narrated by Brad Bird. These include the first day they started shooting, deleted scenes, Brad Bird vs. Weather (that was my favorite!) and even an exclusive animated short showing the creation of Tomorrowland!

This film has very few scenes that are too mature for younger kids so, I recommend it for ages 8 to 18. I also give this 5 out of 5 stars as this film is truly one of the greatest family films of the year.

Tomorowland

By Miles T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

This futuristic film has an advanced plot and is full of surprises. It uses a lot of special effects, green screen work and wires and contains a lot of action! This film is about a teenage girl who has glimpsed the future and is determined to figure out how to get there.

My favorite character is Frank Walker played by George Cloony. In the movie, he is very funny and sarcastic. I like this character because it seems like he has no hope, but then something happens and he is suddenly soaked in hope. I love everyone in the cast because their acting is so good and their work with ropes and harnesses and special effects is nothing short of amazing. The action looks very real.

I was very confused at the start of the movie because it does not give you a lot of information and I was not sure where the movie was going. I think that they did not have any idea how to start the movie so they chose to do it as if it was a documentary. It has that feel to it. However, it got less confusing as it developed and the actors and all the action scenes are fun and exciting.  The ending is the best part because it leaves you hopeful and, now I want to see Tomorrowland 2.

Definitely get the DVD because there are a lot of fun extra scenes they had to cut out of the movie. I wish they had left these scenes in the movie because it would been less confusing. But, thankfully, most of it is saved and is now part of the extras. Also, the extras show how the movie was made.  It looks like it was difficult for the actors and took a lot of takes. Brad Bird (Director) exercised his wild imagination and excelled in making things look realistic.  I understand that he was an animator before he was a Director and had specific ideas about how he wanted everything to look.  Well, he succeeded as everything looks beautiful and interesting.

I recommend this movie for ages 6 to 18 up because it shows some violence. I rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars. I hope you enjoy the movie!

The Aladdin Diamond Edition is available now on DVD/Blu-ray/Digital. Climb aboard for a magical carpet ride with nonstop laughs, action-packed adventure and Academy Award(R)-winning music that will make your heart soar (1992: Best Music, Original Song, “A Whole New World,” Original Score). Now for the first time ever, a whole new world of Disney’s ALADDIN is revealed in a whole new way on Blu-ray and Digital HD — with never-before-seen bonus! With the help of a hysterically funny, shape-shifting, 10,000-year-old Genie, street-smart commoner Aladdin and clever, confident Princess Jasmine join forces against the evil sorcerer Jafar to put an end to his plans to take over the kingdom! Starring Robin Williams, Linda Larkin and Scott Weinger. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “…one of the greatest is Aladdin with flying carpets, magical Genies, giant talking sand monsters. Aladdin is beloved by me along with millions of others and it will be loved by many more with this new Diamond DVD.” Haley P. adds, “Aladdin has so many jokes that it makes you laugh, but also has quite a few dramatic scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat with relationships sprouting into wonderful romance. And, it is all wrapped together in one fantastic adventure.“ See their full reviews below.

Aladdin (Diamond Edition)

By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Disney has so many classics, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, but one of the greatest is Aladdin with flying carpets, magical Genies, giant talking sand monsters. Aladdin is beloved by me along with millions of others and it will be loved by many more with this new Diamond DVD.

Aladdin has so many jokes that it makes you laugh, but also has quite a few dramatic scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat with relationships sprouting into wonderful romance. And, it is all wrapped together in one fantastic adventure.

The story begins when a Middle Eastern princess decides she had enough of being stuck in her palace and goes out into the city for once in her life. She goes to the market and gets in a little bit of trouble, thanks to a poor young man named Aladdin. Sadly, he is accused of kidnapping the princess. Now in jail, he and another man manage to escape to go find a massive treasure and most importantly – a Genie bottle. The Genie (our favorite Robin Williams) comes out and grants Aladdin three wishes – now Aladdin can decide what he wants to do.

Aladdin is such a fantastic and entertaining film. The animation is just mind blowing. How good it is, considering that it was made over 20 years ago, how full of emotion the voice actors ate, it is quite different than many other famous Disney animations. With such a famous cast, it is truly a masterpiece. And, quite nostalgic to hear Robin Williams’ so recognizable voice as this is one of his most iconic roles. It really shows how he entertained the world with laughter for so many years. The soundtrack in Aladdin is incredible. Each song is catchy and kind of gets stuck in your head (I will show you the woooorld!) and so many of them are now classic songs that people of different generations sing.

This special Diamond edition of Aladdin comes with quite a few bonus features. In one of my favorites, conversations with the casts, I found out a lot of interesting facts such as Scott Weinger, the voice of Aladdin, actually didn’t know how to sing when he auditioned for it at the age of 15! There are also several deleted scenes, showing how different they originally planned the film and even a deleted song that was done by Jafar, (Jonathon Freeman)!

My favorite scene is when Aladdin releases Genie for the first time and he quickly gets out of his small bottle (he is rather big). I love his first line, “10,000 years will give you such a crick in the neck!” I love this scene because instead of ranting about something, he just does his first line as a pretty funny joke, which forever brought this lovable special character into our lives.

Aladdin has something similar to the other Disney animated films in that they are meant for the whole family. So, I recommend it for ages 7 to 18. I wouldn’t show it to kids younger than seven because there are a few dramatic scenes that might be frightening for then. It isn’t exactly bright and fun throughout the whole film. I give it five out of five stars because this is truly a classic and I love every aspect of it, especially our wonderful Genie who we miss every day.

Aladdin
Reviewed by Haley P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Aladdin is an amazing classic and one of my favorites.  It is a wonderful fairy tale that makes you want to see more even after it is finished.

This movie is about a boy named Aladdin (Scott Weinger) with his pet monkey named Abu (Frank Welker) who are considered street rats in the town.  Then there is the Sultan (Douglas Seale), his daughter, Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin), his evil advisor, Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) who live in the Palace and also a genie (Robin Williams).  The Sultan tells his daughter, Princes Jasmine that she has to find someone to marry. She is tired of being forced to stay in the palace and wants to live her life without her father telling her what to do and who to marry.  She sneaks away from the palace.  When she gets into trouble at the marketplace, Aladdin rescues her and they run off together.  However, Aladdin gets thrown in jail by Jafar, and caught up into his evil plot to take over the land with the help of a genie in a lamp.

My favorite part is when Aladdin rubs the lamp and the genie appears.  He starts singing a song about all the things he can do.  I also liked the part where Jafar steals the lamp and wishes the genie to turn him into a Sultan.  The parrot then shoves crackers into the original Sultan’s mouth as payback.  It was hysterical.

My favorite character is Abu because he is always saving Aladdin when he gets into trouble.  He is an awesome sidekick, even though he keeps trying to steal everything.  All the characters do an amazing job of playing their parts. The animation was fabulous. It really made the movie come alive!  The moral of the story is no matter how many lies you tell, the truth will always come out.

There is even a bonus feature that shows a deleted song made for Jafar named “My Finest Hour.”  The producers and directors discussed for a while about a part in the movie where Jafar would have his own song.  However, they decided not to use it.  I liked song because it puts more emphasis on how evil Jafar really is.

I think this movie is good for ages 5 through 18. Both boys and girls will watch this movie because it has the fairytale for the girls and the action for the boys. If you don’t have this movie, you will be missing out on something special.  I give this movie a 5 out of 5 dazzling stars. Aladdin is now available on DVD/Blu-ray/Digital so check it out. 

Bridge of Spies
By Tre’ana H.,  KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Bridge of Spies is a fantastic film that is based upon a true story that took place during the Cold War.  Steven Spielberg, as a director, is one amazing fellow. He is known for so many films, but this one takes the hat off.  This movie is filled with drama and thrills and will keep you sitting straight up in your seat.  You will want to know what is going to happen next because there is so much going on in this film. I got a little lost in the story but, once I got back on track, it was astonishing to watch the government in action.  James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks) two-time Academy Award winner is phenomenal.  He is outstanding in whatever role he plays and he always commits and fulfills his obligation with greatness, as well as his sly comments.  The costume is formal and direct.

The film tells the story of an American lawyer, James B. Donovan who is asked by the CIA during the Cold War to represent Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) who is a spy that has been captured in the United States. He does not reveal any information to James because he wants him to have a fair trial. The twist to this involves an American pilot, Francis Gary (Austin Stowell), who is caught when on a mission in the Soviet Union. What a mess?

My favorite part is when James’s son Roger Donovan (Noah Schnapp) is filling up the bath tub and sink with water. He is doing this because, if there was a war of any type or danger, they will always have source of water for drinking and washing. I think that this is very smart and yet hilarious since the war hasn’t even start.

The message of the film is always treat someone fair because you never know when you may have to compromise or make an even exchange.  You should always treat people with dignity and respect.

I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 because it is challenging to follow the storyline and it does contain some violent scenes. I enjoyed watching the film even though I am not big on spy movies.  I give this film 4 out of 5 Stars because it is very informative and  I became more informed.

Bridge of Spies
By Willie J, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

It was worth the three year wait. Steven Spielberg has come back with one of his finest films ever, quite easily in his top 10. Bridge of Spies is an engaging journey that entrances you in its story and doesn’t let you go. Led by Tom Hanks, this movie about an American lawyer who is recruited to lead trade negotiations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, is a story they didn’t teach you in history class. But, it’s a story you won’t forget.One thing I have to get out of the way before I burst, is my love for Mark Rylance. He plays Abel, a Soviet spy who is caught, put on trial (with unfair treatment) and then used as bait to get back an American spy that was caught by the Soviets. Mark Rylance is one of the world’s greatest actors and I do hope this movie puts him on a bigger radar. The subtle depth to which he plays Abel goes so smoothly with the more humorous and determined way in which Tom Hanks plays James Donovan. It is a chemistry that can’t afford to be missed. Together, they lead this cast that also includes Alan Alda and Amy Ryan.

The most essential parts of this film are the writing and cinematography. Matt Charman and the Coen brothers have truly outdone themselves. The Coens, as you may know, have written such classics like No Country For Old Men, Fargo and The Big Lebowski. They are versatile writers who you wouldn’t think to have written this movie. Because, despite their versatility, this doesn’t seem like a movie where their darkly humorous and violent style could be intertwined. But I think it is forgotten that the Coens are masters of plot. The plot of this movie is so well structured and put together, and flows seamlessly with Spielberg’s direction. Furthermore, there is STILL plenty of their witty, banter-type, sarcastic dialogue, that provides more than enough gems of laughter. I must praise their innate ability to have well placed exposition, and not shower us with too much of it. The story is always moving, and is never at a stand still. It transitions from theme to theme and point to point so smoothly. The bridge scenes are arguably the most essential because they get us from place to place in the plot, and the writing takes us there with a serene intention.

To add to the brilliance, Janusz Kaminski (Cinematographer) creates beautiful and effective color palettes to convey different tones so well. They’re obvious enough to have an effect on us and discrete enough not to be distracting. The mix of blues and greys and dark and light make for a more interesting watch, and each choice of cinematography is motivated. Of course, we have the patented Spielberg lighting designs (which never get old) and his trademark close-up zoom ins, and they are welcome.

This movie is very old fashioned in some ways. Unlike many movies today that try to give us a message or say something essential or bombard us with themes to mull over, this is just a story. It’s an extremely well told story, with some nice themes scattered across, and some history being taught – nothing more or less. It’s a mixture of a blockbuster and “artful” film, if you will. It is a movie I knew would be sensational, considering it is a collaboration between Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and the Coens. These four legends have each done their jobs well, as usual, and their talents and signature styles mesh well as one. This is model filmmaking.

I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars because the pacing is slow. There are moments where it could have sped up and further utilized Thomas Newman’s score (which is beautiful, but underused). I also feel the ending isn’t satisfying enough and could have been much more. Still, this movie is a great experience and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Luckily, it can be seen at a local theater near you.

Bridge of Spies
By Jorge L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

I strongly believe this movie will be a contender for Best Picture award at the Academy Awards.

The world is on the brink of war and one man has the power to maintain peace. His name is James Donovan, an insurance lawyer from Brooklyn, New York. The year is 1957 and the Cold War is in full swing. When a Soviet spy is caught in the United States, Donovan is hired to defend him in court. This all seems pretty easy but the anti-communists assume that he is guilty and, by association, James is also considered a communist. This puts his and his family’s lives in jeopardy as well as his career. Meanwhile, in the USSR, U.S. spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers is shot down while on a reconnaissance mission. These unlikely circumstances allow for both nations to be put into positions to negotiate the release of their counterpart. This leads to great debate on both sides.

This film is directed by Steven Spielberg and, it is great seeing him back in the director’s seat. With Spielberg, comes his famous style of shot composition and setting. This is evident from the very beginning. The cinematography is grainy, giving it the feel of being  filmed in the late 50s. Also, we get small glimpses of 50s Brooklyn as well as Soviet-controlled East Berlin. The color scheme really reflects the emotion that the audience should be feeling. For example, in moments of great tension and anxiety, the colors are less saturated and have a gloomy feel to it. All this makes it clear that Spielberg is back and ready to work.

The Story is based on a true story and with something so iconic as the Cold War and the U-2 incident, it has to be accurate and persuasive. The writers have created a script embedded with a 50s feel. The dialogue also gives a Cold War feeling. For example, one part of the film depicts Donovan’s son talking about preparing for a nuclear attack. Unless you personally experienced this era, it is hard to relate to the fear that children had at that time. However, this part allowed me to feel the what kids must have been feeling. The writers divided this film into two parts and this may have not been the best idea because, at times the movie ran on too long.

This film demonstrates the emotions felt during the Cold war while also allowing you to cheer on the defendant of this Soviet spy. With such a sensitive topic as war, it is clear why this movie is rated PG-13. Because of that, some profanity and the need for having some prior historical knowledge about the era, I recommend this movie to ages 13 to 18. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. I would have given it a 5th star if it hadn’t dragged on.

Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful girl, Hannah (Odeya Rush), living right next door. But every silver lining has a cloud, and Zach’s comes when he learns that Hannah has a mysterious dad who is revealed to be R. L. Stine (Jack Black), the author of the bestselling Goosebumps series. It turns out that there is a reason why Stine is so strange… he is a prisoner of his own imagination – the monsters that his books made famous are real, and Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books. When Zach unintentionally unleashes the monsters from their manuscripts and they begin to terrorize the town, it’s suddenly up to Stine, Zach, and Hannah to get all of them back in the books where they belong.

Goosebumps
By Nathaniel B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

I love this movie!  It starts when Zack (Dylan Minnette) and his Mom move from New York to Madison, Delaware not long after his Dad dies.  Their house is right next door to a very odd neighbor, but Zack meets the neighbor’s daughter, Hannah (Odeya Rush) and she shows him a really cool abandoned amusement park.

On his very first day of school, he meets a kid named Champ (Ryan Lee).  Later that night, Zack hears Hannah screaming next door and he calls Champ to help him check it out.  Champ thinks he’s coming over to meet girls and his reaction to finding out he’s been asked to help save Hannah is very funny.  They sneak in and that is when the adventure begins.
This story has many cool Goosebumps characters including Slappy (aka the Living Dummy), the Invisible Boy, the Haunted Car, the Abominable Snowman, Werewolf of Fever Swamp and the Blob that eats everyone.

The cinematography and special effects are amazing. I especially liked when the ink  flies off the pages of the book.  The monsters look great and have a lot of detail. They look very real.  I have to admit, I am a big fan of the Goosebumps books and they have excelled at making a movie that is true to the books.  I also love the acting. It is one of the perfect things about the movie. They react like some one really would in a similar situation.

This movie is kind of scary. There are some jump scares. But, it is funnier than it is scary.  There are many jokes such as when Champ says “Most teenagers aren’t afraid of death, but I was born with the gift of fear.  When I was four and put on a swing, I thought, so this is how it ends.”

I like the music. It really suits the mood of the film, creating suspense throughout the film. During Zach’s first day of school, the music is happy just like you feel on the first day of a new school year.

Goosebumps is a great story and will be enjoyed by many different ages. I definitely think you should check it out, especially if you love the books. I recommend this for ages 7 to 18 because younger kids could get scared. I give Goosebumps 5 out of 5 stars because I loved the story line, the great music, the acting and the special effects!

Goosebumps
By Tre’ana H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I like this film because it is replete with action, adventure and comedy. Even though I unfamiliar with the Goosebumps TV and book series from the 90s, I enjoyed the eccentricity of this film. The movie keeps you in cliff hangers and makes you think about the possibility of all this craziness actually happening. The director, Robert Letterman really amazed me by how real he made the monsters look. R.L. Stine(Jack Black) is sensational and I don’t think any one else could have played him. He is a little weird though.

This film is about a boy named Zach (Dylan Minnette) and his mom Gale (Amy Ryan) who moved to Madison, a small town outside of New York City. The next door neighbor’s daughter Hannah (Odeya Rush) welcomes him to the neighborhood. R.L. Stine comes to the window and says “stay away from my daughter and don’t cross the gate” with an unpleasant facial expression. There is a reason why the dad is so strange. He is a prisoner of his own imagination. R.L. Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books.  When Zach unintentionally releases them, all the excitement begins. That’s all I can reveal.  You’ll have to go see the film to find out more. It is a must see.

My favorite part is when R.L. Stine is stuck between the two doors to get out the grave yard and the monster is chasing him and Hannah’s friends. He says, “go I will be fine” and  Champ (Ryan Lee) actually leaves him and runs away without turning back while the others try to get him out.

The costuming is original and modern. The monsters are bright, colorful and spooky looking.
The message of this film is that you should treat people the way you wish to be treated. Everyone’s aspirations are different but, be fair because it will take you a long way.

I recommend this film for ages 10 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 Stars because this film is an adventure comedy that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved this movie. It is just right. This film is not for a younger audiences because it might be a little scary for younger children. Check out this movie when it hits theaters Friday, October 16, 2015.

The latest installment of the film series. My Little Pony Equestria Girls, will come as a please addition to My Little Pony fans and newcomers alike. It is colorful with great animation, songs and loads of positive messages. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 13 and a self-proclaimed Brony comments, “After two series consisting of seven seasons, almost 200 episodes and two movies, people might think the series is getting old. But, I think it is not even half way over. The third installment in My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls does not disappoint My Little Pony fans of all ages.” KIDS FIRST! adult reviewer, Eli B. comments, “This title approaches many social elements for children to consider. Throughout the film, characters prevail by using kindness, honesty, courage, teamwork, friendship, sacrifice and a little ‘Equestrian Magic’.” Mia A. adds, “As a true My Little Pony fan,  I was so excited when I heard that My Little Pony Equestria Girls Friendship Games had been released!  I was not disappointed.  This animated movie is so fun and entertaining! “See their full reviews below.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games
By Eli B. KIDS FIRST! adult reviewer

This title is very colorful with great animation and songs. It teaches lots of positive lessons including kindness, forgiveness, courage and teamwork. This title approaches many social elements for children to consider. Throughout the film, characters prevail by using kindness, honesty, courage, teamwork, friendship, sacrifice and a little “Equestrian Magic”. This title will prompt any child to examine the way treating others affects everyone including themselves. The ponies face many challenges and through teamwork, courage and kindness, they find resolve.

This film also teaches that although cheating may seem easy and produce results, that trying and losing is better than winning dishonestly. Its great to see so many different and at times opposing characters come together to find the common goodness in everyone. This DVD has bonus features including audio commentary, animated shorts, sing-a-longs and deleted scenes. You can easily choose specific chapters to watch or stop and play as needed. 

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games
By Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

After two series consisting of seven seasons, almost 200 episodes and two movies, people might think the series is getting old. But, I think it is not even half way over. The third installment in My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls does not disappoint My Little Pony fans of all ages.

This movie is an adventure about the main characters. However, with most My Little Pony titles, friendship is a magic related thing. There is also a good amount of silly humor that viewers can enjoy and a small dose of drama which makes it more entertaining.

The story follows Twilight Sparkle, the only pony who seems to be able to go between the human and pony world. She hasn’t been in contact with any of her human friends and one day she arrives there.  However, it isn’t the Twilight they know. Additionally, the six friends are starting to get better control of their hidden magic powers which they need to learn to control for the friendship games (an athletic and academic competition between rivalry schools). If you would like to find out what happens, you have to watch the movie or read the book.

This film continues developing the positive reputation for the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic movies. The story is exciting, with many twists, and you still learn an important message. For this film, there are many. One of them is that, when help comes, accept it. The animation looks very tidy and, even though this is 2D animated, they are very creative with adding some 3D camera shots. The voice talent for Ashleigh Ball, Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash are spot on. Tara Strong who plays Twilight Sparkle makes us love the character, hate her and pity her all at the same time. The rest of the cast are also great at projecting the emotion of their characters. For example, in one scene with Applejack, she is helping her competition with archery and you don’t hear pity in her voice, you hear a kind, friendly tone, which Ashleigh Ball is so known for.

My favorite scene is when two of the main characters are fighting the enemy high school on a dirt bike course. It includes my favorite character, Rainbow Dash and another main character, Fluttershy. The race goes well at first. However when the other Twilight Sparkle accidentally releases some strange magic, the race goes haywire.

There is something you should be aware of. You don’t need to follow the TV show that the film is based on in order to understand the storyline of the film. However, it is probably best if you watch the first movie, My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls, in order to understand this story.

Age rating is surprising for My Little Pony. A lot of people think this show is meant for 2 to 6-year-olds. But really, it is suitable for older kids and event adults. Many of this show’s fans (including me) are 12 years old and older so, I recommend this for ages 2 to 18 and adults as well. Small children will enjoy the fun, bright, colors and the funny characters. But, older kids and adults enjoy the show as a fans. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it entertains people while teaching important messages. This film is out on DVD/Blu-ray on October 13 so check it out.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games
By Mia A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

As a true My Little Pony fan,  I was so excited when I heard that My Little Pony Equestria Girls Friendship Games had been released!  I was not disappointed.  This animated movie is so fun and entertaining!

If you haven’t seen the other My Little Pony movies, this plot will probably be confusing.  These My Little Pony movies need to be watched in chronological order just like the Hunger Games or Harry Potter.  This Friendship Games movie reminded me of the first My Little Pony movie because of reasons I can’t say because it would be a spoiler.

This movie is about Sunset Shimmer and her friends (Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinky Pie and Applejack) at Canterlot High.  They are competing against Crystal Prep in the Friendship Games which are held every year.  This time, the human world’s Twilight is competing against them during the friendship games!   Who will win, Canterlot High or Crystal Prep?  Will the human Twilight ever come together with Sunset Shimmer and her friends?  In Equestria there are ponies and there is a portal that goes to the human world which is where this movie takes place.

If parents don’t want their kids to be watching movies about portals, this is not the movie for them because there is a portal in this movie and all the other My Little Pony movies.

The moral to this movie is that friendship is more powerful than magic or anything else. I really enjoyed this movie because of the design of the characters and settings.  The songs and music in this film also help set the mood and emotions.  I love all the characters because they all learn a valuable lesson such as how people make mistakes.  Even when the characters disagree and get in little fights, they always forgive each other.  These characters are good role models for younger kids because they learn and care.