KIDS FIRST! News

In this sequel to the popular film, Dolphin Tale which follows the rescue and recovery of the beloved dolphin Winter, young Sawyer Nelson and the dedicated team at the Clearwater Marine Hospital face another crisis when her surrogate mother, the elderly Panama, passes away. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I love this film! It is a fun and heartwarming movie that I think families will love too.” Samantha A., age 11 adds, “Dolphin Tail 2 is a movie based on a true story that teaches you about friendship, to NEVER give up and ALWAYS HAVE HOPE – literally. See their full reviews and Gerry O’s coverage from the World Premiere below.

Dolphin Tale 2
By Katherine S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

I love this film! It is a fun and heartwarming movie that I think families will love too.  It is a sequel to the original film Dolphin Tale, where Winter, a stranded dolphin was injured and a team of people care for and give her a prosthetic tail. It is now three years later and Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff return as Sawyer and Hazel along with star studded cast of Morgan Freeman as the Doctor, Ashley Judd as Hazel’s mom, Harry Connick Jr. and Kris Kristoferson as Sawyer’s dad and grandfather. This time, Winter’s mother dies and the team needs to find her a new companion or they will lose her to another aquarium.  Soon, they get a call about a new dolphin they are thinking of putting her with. Now the question is will it work out?

Sawyer is also faced with an opportunity of a lifetime, but he struggles with the decision to stay and care for Winter or, go on a new adventure.

My favorite part is when Sawyer swims in the tank with Winter and the real Bethanie Hamilton, who quest appears as herself. I also love when they rescue Mandy, another hurt dolphin and potential companion for Winter. And, the Pelican provides great comic relief – it is especially funny when they are x-raying a rescued sea turtle and the pelican goes crazy!

My favorite character is Sawyer who does an amazing job in this film, showing a range of emotions – looking worried, happy and confused as he faces tough decisions for Winter and for his future.

The sets in the film are spectacular – at both the ocean and inside the aquarium.  The Cinematography by Daryn Okada is awesome, especially the underwater photography.

One of the main messages in this film is “to never give up.”  Another is that “Change is good. But, to experience new things, sometimes you have to leave old things behind.”

Dolphin Tale 2 is a great family film. I recommend it for both boys and girls ages 6 to 18 but, adults will love it too because, who doesn’t love dolphins?  I rate this 5 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to check out Dolphin Tale 2 which will be in theaters nationwide on September 12.  Reviewed by Katherine Starr, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9.

Reviewed by Samantha A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11Dolphin Tail 2 is a movie based on a true story that teaches you about friendship, to never give up and always have hope – literally. In this sequel to the first movie, Dolphin Tale, the Clearwater Rescue Team bands together because of a tragedy that involved the death of Winter’s best friend Panama, which leaves Winter without the only pool mate she has ever known. Winter goes in deep depression and the clock is ticking. They need to pair Winter with another dolphin fast.

Dolphin Tale 2 is one of those movies that might not catch your eye because it doesn’t appeal to you, or it just doesn’t look like much but trust me, I thought the same thing and this movie changed my mind fast. It’s one of my favorite movies now because it’s so much more than just an average movie about a dolphin that needs help. It’s also an educational, feel-good movie. And, it has messages about companionship and love, about never giving up and about exploring new possibilities. This movie is not only fantastic, it is also hilarious, mostly because of a crazy pelican that flies in and out of the aquarium and does unpredictable and wild things. For example, it steals food from unsuspecting visitors and stands guard over a wounded turtle that was found in wrapped in fishing line.

I was really excited to see Dolphin Tale 2 because the first one was so good. It is really fun seeing what happened to Winter and everybody at Clearwater Aquarium. This movie isn’t just heartwarming and fun, it is also such an emotional roller coaster when something unexpected happens (which is often).  My eyes were glued to the screen. I learned that dolphins have feelings to and, as Sawyer says “That’s not a bad thing”.

Dolphin Tale 2 is a phenomenal film. I would give it 4 out of 5 golden stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18 because some scenes are a little mature and might be scary for any kids under 7.

Life changes in an instant for young Mia Hall after a car accident puts her in a coma. During an out-of-body experience, she must decide whether or not to wake up and live an altered life, far different from what she imagined. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D. comments, “If I stay is a beautiful, moving film about a teenage girl and the life or death decision she must make.” See her full review below.

If I Stay
Reviewed By Raven Devanney

If I Stay is a beautiful, moving film about a teenage girl and the life or death decision she must make. Mia is a teenage girl who has a wonderful, quirky family, a boyfriend who loves her to pieces and a bright, ambitious future. But, all of that changes when she and her family are in a fatal car accident. While Mia’s body is in a coma, her mind journeys back to all of her memories, triumphs, heart breaks and future. She has to make the decision on whether or not to fight and stay alive, or let go and leave this world. Will Mia stay?

I love this movie. It made me laugh, cry and it helped me to see all of the good in my own life that I should cherish, because you never know when it could all change. The cinematography is beautiful. Most of the film is filled with memories that Mia has and the way they are portrayed is very neat. The music is also beautiful. Mia is a cellist and a lot of the film focuses on her dreams of becoming a successful musician, so the film is filled with beautiful classical music.

My Favorite character is Mia played by Chloe Moretz. This film shows so many aspects of Mia’s life, so it’s easy to find something to relate to. She has a great passion for playing the cello and dedicates most of her life to it. She has difficulties relating to her parents and even her boyfriend since their musicals tastes are far more edgy than hers. She has to face her insane loss and she has to choose between many different things in life. There’s something about her life that I think anyone can relate to, so she’s a wonderful character. Chloe does a wonderful job portraying everything she’s going through and she moved me to tears many times.

This film makes me think about my own family and everything I would do for them. It makes me think of my life and all the joys and sorrows I’ve faced. There was not a dry eye in the audience because this film provokes unique memories for every individual. I felt especially connected to Mia’s family because I too have a younger brother and am very close with my parents, so I was very touched by Mia’s situation.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18 because of the intense emotions and mature content. Make sure you check out. It is playing in theaters now.

The Identical is a heart-touching drama about twin boys who are separated at birth and one becomes a rock ‘n’ roll star while the other struggles to balance his love of music with pleasing his father. Taking place in 1936, during the Great Depression, this film faith-based film is likely to move you to tears. Stars Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta, Blake Rayne and Amanda Crew. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B, age 14, comments, “This film has great music, family principles and really zones in about finding and following your dreams.” See her complete review below and listen to it on our radio show, KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions next week.

The Identical

Reviewed by Brianna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
The Identical is a great film with a powerful message and fantastic story line that always keeps you guessing. It’s really an enjoyable film to see.

Twins, Ryan Wade and Drexel Hemsley (Blake Rayne) are separated at birth, for financial reasons, during the Great Depression. A preacher and his wife adopt Ryan to give him a better life. Although the boys have different lives, they both share their passion for music. Drexel performs as a famous rock star while Ryan struggles between pleasing his parents and following his dreams.

This film has great music, family principles and really zones in on finding and following your dreams. I also like its captivating and unique story that is beautifully portrayed on the big screen. It’s set in 1936, way before my time, but I still enjoyed watching and listening to the music. Blake Ryan plays both of the twins and is able to keep their characters separate. At the same time, he projects the intense connection that twins have between each other. The wardrobe, hairstyles and historical props all contribute to the rich details that create this special period piece.

My favorite scene is when Ryan listens and looks at his twin brother’s record album and he does not notice that he looks and sounds exactly like him. This scene is funny because you question why he wouldn’t notice it. It seems so oblivious that you can’t help but feel bad for him. My favorite character is Ryan’s Mother, Louise Wade (Ashley Judd), because she is very kind and has a light spirit when you look at her and hear her beautiful voice. You somehow know that she only wants the best for her son.

The Identical also stars Seth Green (Dino) and Ray Liotta (Reece Wade) who contributes their exceptional acting abilities to this film with great humor and emotions.

I love the powerful message in this film which is to follow your dreams and not other peoples. It’s your life so work hard to fulfill your dreams and it will make you happy. I recommend The Identical for all the music lovers at heart and ages 10 to 18. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars as I really enjoyed the music, the story line and the message. The Identical rocks in to theaters on September 5th, so please check it out.