Quality Children's Entertainment Family Movie Reviews

The Iron Giant Signature Edition – Remastered, rereleased, in-theaters and coming to DVD/Digital

October 8th, 2015

TheIronGiant.jpgThe Iron Giant, the beloved animated film directed by Brad Bird, is being re-released in theaters this fall by Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events. Known as The Iron Giant: Signature Edition, the re-release is a remastered version of the movie that also contains two bonus scenes. It played as a special engagement at 7 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Sept. 30, followed by an encore presentation at noon on Sunday, Oct. 4, in select theaters across America. For those who didn’t make it to the screenings, a high-definition digital version of The Iron Giant: Signature Edition will be available to purchase later this fall.

The Iron Giant, Bird’s directorial debut, premiered in the summer of 1999 to rave reviews but didn’t come close to breaking even at the box office. The film, which is based on Ted Hughes’ 1968 novel The Iron Man, tells the story of a young boy who finds a giant robot that fell to earth from space. Bird went on to direct The Incredibles and Ratatouille at Pixar, winning two Academy Awards, before breaking into live-action filmmaking with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This film is truly wonderful. Brad Bird, the director, is famous for making some of the best animated films and I think this is one of his best work even through it is one of his first.” See his full review below.

The Iron Giant : Signature Edition

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

The classic animated film, that millions and millions people loved, from the genius mind of Brad Bird, comes the sixteen-year-old, ultra-famous, The Iron Giant.

The Iron Giant has a lot of action. However, this isn’t just about explosions and fights. It is also a major drama with many twists and turns in the story that make it compelling and interesting. There is still a good amount of comedy to keep the viewer entertained. Actually, there is a fantastic amount of drama that keeps you at the edge of your seat and  still a good amount of comedy to make sure you enjoy it.

The story begins when a nine-year-old boy named Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) accidentally finds a 200 foot Iron Robot from outer space. They become close friends until the government realizes its existence and tries to destroy the robot. It is up to Hogarth and his family to protect the Iron Giant from destruction.

This film is truly wonderful. Brad Bird, the director, is famous for making some of the best animated films and I think this is one of his best work even through it is one of his first. Considering it was made in 1999, the animation is excellent and, some of the more tricky shots, such as the giant explosion, all done wonderfully well, just as if it was made more recently. The message of the story is truly sweet and is an important one – Don’t judge a character by his appearance. The army looks at this giant iron creature from space and thinks it is there to kill them. Really, he has no idea why he is here. It’s as if he is just a young boy.

My favorite scene is the opening shot. It starts by showing the first satellite in space in the 1950s. Then, a meteor flies by the satellite straight into the ocean. This meteor holds the one and only Iron Giant. I loved it because the animation is just amazing. You can even see some 3D animation, which was very new at the time.

Because there are some dramatic and intense scenes, I recommend it for ages 7 to 18. I also give it 5 out of 5 stars since this film is a wonderful animated classic. The voice acting, the animation, the storyline and everything about this film is simply magical. I do hope there will be a sequel!

 

Pan

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

 “Sometimes, to truly understand how things end, you must first know how they begin.”  

Pan is a beautiful film full of fun and adventure – giant crocodiles jumping high into the air, beautiful mermaids gliding through the water and pirate ships sailing through the sky.  It all looks so real and the colors are so rich. I enjoyed every bit of it and think you will too! 

This Warner Brothers live-action feature, Pan, is an amazing film that is a great prequel to Peter Pan. This story starts when infant Peter (Levi Miller) is dropped off at a boys’ orphanage by his mother. He grows up with his friend Nibs (Lewis MacDougal) and is raised by evil nuns.  One night, 12-year-old Peter and Nibs get taken away to Neverland by pirates in flying boats. Nibs escapes from the boat by jumping onto a roof. Peter and the other kids from the orphanage have to mine fairy dust for the evil Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) in order to survive. He meets Hook (Garrett Hedlund) in a mine chamber while they are going to sleep. The next day he finds fairy dust but a man steals it from him and Blackbeard makes him walk the plank. When he gets kicked off the board, he flies before he hits the ground, surprising himself and everyone else. Peter’s adventures in Neverland are full of many more surprises, epic battles and answers to many of the questions he’s always wondered about.  

The incredibly talented Hugh Jackman is completely unrecognizable as Blackbeard. He’s ruthless but has an oddly compassionate side. He sends Peter to his death and, when he survives, he lets him live. He tells Peter, “We have an ancient prophecy that tells of a boy, a boy who would disappeared from his world until he was old enough to return and lead an uprising against me. A boy who could fly…

To find the right actor to play Peter, the filmmakers looked at thousands of kids in the UK, the United States, Canada and Australia before finding Levi Miller.  I think he does a good job playing this mischievous boy who wants to know where he comes from and where he’s headed.

Pan is suitable for ages 8 to18 because there is some violence but it’s not gory.  I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. Check it out in theaters October 9.

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The Martian – One Of The Best Movies Of This Decade

October 6th, 2015

TheMartian.jpgThis 2015 space odyssey delivers an emotional survival story filled with humor and love Matt Damon’s performance really steals the show and the direction by Ridley Scott is perhaps his best in years. Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, we are drawn in by the humanness of the situation when Astronaut Mark Watney is left behind by his crew and finds himself stranded and alone on a hostile planet. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Willie J. comments, “The sheer message and theme of this movie and the way they’re presented is what gives this movie its greatness. It’s a movie that explores the human condition and has something positive to say about it.” Keefer B. adds, “This film executes this kind of story in a novel way… Not only is it a captivating scenario that keeps you on the edge of your seat but, the protagonist is incredibly likable and complex.” See their full reviews below.

The Martian
By Willie J, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Ridley Scott turns in his finest film since Blade Runner. The Martian is such a touching film, that its flaws can be easily overlooked and forgotten. The sheer message and theme of this movie and the way they’re presented is what gives this movie its greatness. It’s a movie that explores the human condition and has something positive to say about it. We need that in today’s cinema and I thank the cast and crew of this movie for giving us this gem. It’s an experience worth having.

The Martian stars Matt Damon in one of his career best performances as an astronaut who gets stuck on Mars when his teams leaves him behind, thinking he’s dead after he is struck by debris in the middle of a storm. When he is able to get in touch with NASA, their higher-ups and a few other organizations, rally up to rescue him. I have to tell you that is NOT like Gravity. It is not a one-man show, though Damon does have significant screen time. There is an entire supporting ensemble that provides serviceable and strong performances. And yet, despite the acting of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig, and Michael Peña, Matt Damon does steal the show. He is very committed with every character choice and really inhabits the man he’s portraying. Damon doesn’t layer him with underlying sadness or anxiety, instead he shows us the determination of a man who has weighed his options, and has chosen to do something about his situation. Towards the end, when he finally breaks down, it hits us harder. We get choked up seeing this person who has stayed strong for so long and then finally lets out what he’s been holding back. It’s a powerful thing.

Secondly, the film has an amazing tone. With a soundtrack filled with Gloria Gaynor, ABBA, and David Bowie, the fun of this movie won’t go understated. The soundtrack compliments the numerous comedic moments that come at a rate that could have this film labeled as a sci-fi comedy. It is funny and entertaining and will have you dancing or humming along. It’s good Scott gave this movie this tone because it matches the lasting message he wants us to have – that even though the situation is bad, a combination of survival instincts and intelligence can get us through it. And, with the love and care of others, a seemingly insurmountable situation becomes surmountable.

I’ll tell you my favorite part. There is a moment in the movie when NASA is having trouble getting supplies to our protagonist and the issues are being broadcast. A major science organization is watching it from China, and they decide to help out NASA. There are no hard feelings, ill will, prideful rejections or rivalries going on. The Chinese organization asks for nothing in return. It is just two organization banning together for the same cause. It is beautiful and speaks volumes, especially considering the public perception of American-Chinese relations.

Now there are those who may say that the tone demeans the more dramatic moments, but I disagree. The dramatic moments in this movie aren’t really all that dramatic anyway. They’re more like lighthearted drama if anything. There is one moment in the movie in which we abruptly and rather un-smoothly get shown the inevitable “problem” within the film. The Debbie Downer that the protagonist must overcome to make his victory that much sweeter. I’ll admit, it isn’t presented in the best way, but that’s not the most dramatic part of the film. That comes at the time our main character believes he’s about to go home. That moment is built not by the tone of the film, but by the performance of Matt Damon.

As a matter of fact, the only criticism other than the aforementioned is the pacing of the movie. It’s about 10 minutes too long. There are many throwaway scenes, scenes that aren’t necessary and could be done without whether because they’re repetitive, or just get in the way of Scott getting to his point quicker and more effectively. The problems ensue towards the end as well, when the pacing suffers and so does the tension. It is so close to being what it should have been, but I wasn’t hanging on as much as I could or should have. That’s because of the moment of comedic relief that is added and the same with many of the scenes I mentioned. There are some scenes that are necessary, or helpful, but could be trimmed down.

Nonetheless, the flaws are minor and able to be overlooked. The Martian is still one of the best movies of this decade. With that said, I give this movie 5 out 5 stars and, due to some surprisingly frequent language, I recommend it for ages 13 to 18. It opens October 2 at a theater near you. Please go see it.

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The Walk – Phenomenal and a Bit Terrifying

October 5th, 2015

TheWalk_1.jpgThis film is based on the true story of high-wire artist Philippe Petit who recruits a team of people to help him realize his dream: to walk the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lainey A. comments, “This live action feature film directed by Robert Zemeckis is phenomenal!  There is nothing about it that I don’t like.” See her full review below.

The Walk
By: Lainey A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This live action feature film directed by Robert Zemeckis is phenomenal!  There is nothing about it that I don’t like.

The Walk is set in 1974 and is about a high-wire artist named Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who lives in Paris.  He sees a photo in a magazine for the construction of the Twin Towers in NYC and gets the inspiration to walk a tight rope connecting the two buildings.  This is highly illegal and very dangerous. He meets a girl named Annie Allix (Charlotte Le Bon) who falls in love with him and supports him in following his dream.  He finds a mentor and father figure in Pappa Rudy (Ben Kingsley) and 5 other accomplices who support him in this life or death adventure.  The Walk is based on a true story.

The Walk is a drama/thriller with a spice of romance and comedy.  Also it is a true story and that makes it even cooler and much more intense!  This is also an educational movie because I didn’t know much about high-wire artists until I watched this movie. I learned that there is a lot of science and math involved in how the wire is secured to provide safety for the walker.

My favorite character is Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) because, he is just flat-out amazing and super believable!  My favorite scene is when Philippe is facing his biggest dream of tightrope walking between the twin towers. They were 140 feet apart and 110 stories high! This scene is so realistic and exhilarating that my palms were sweaty and I noticed audience members squirming in their seats.   Philippe said that high-wire artists are never supposed to look down when tightrope walking.  Does he heed his own advice? You’ll have to watch the film to find out.

The Walk has jaw-dropping special effects.  The opening scenes in Paris are completely in black and white except for an occasional pop of color which sets a nostalgic mood.  The Twin Towers were already gone when this movie was filmed, so it’s interesting that they were able to make this look so realistic. This part is truly fantastic!  Watching it in 3D makes it so lifelike and adds to the intensity of the viewing experience.

I recommend The Walk for ages 11 to 18 due to the suspense and some mild language.   Hands down, I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars because it is so amazing! The special effects can’t be beat and the acting is super strong! I loved this movie and it is definitely on my favorites list!  You can see this movie On Imax on September 30th and everywhere else on October 9.

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