KIDS FIRST! News

Everyone’s favorite monsters from “Monsters Inc.”, plus a few more, are back in “Monsters University.” This time, instead of telling the story of what happened next, they’ve created a prequel to show us how the monsters first became friends and give us more insight into the characters. Mike, Sulley and the gang bring a ton of laughs to the screen as they learn how to become “scarers” and become best buddies in the process. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jailene A., age 13 especially loves the animation in this film, “every character has its own personality and special features, as none of the monsters look exactly the same.” She was excited to see an advance screening of “Monsters University” and shares her thoughts below.

“Monsters University”

Reviewed by Jailene A.

Click here to see Jailene's full video review!

I just watched “Monsters University” and it is an amazing prequel to Disney Pixar’s classic “Monster Inc.” “Monsters University” is the back-story of how Sully and Mike Wazowski became the best friends they were in “Monsters Inc.” It all starts in college, from day one Mike has been a perfect student ever since he decided he wanted to be a top scarer when he grows up. That is his dream and he works hard to accomplish it. Sully, on the other hand thinks everything is going to be handed to him because he’s a Sullivan and his father is the ultimate top scarer. Everything changes when both of them get kicked out of the scare program. This is when Mike and Sully must work together to prove they can be worthy of scaring. There’s a surprise plot twist at the end that you’d have to watch to see what happens.

I like the concept of “Monsters University” just as the original “Monsters Inc.” touched the hearts of many in 2001. However, no one really knew how they became best friends in the beginning. This is what makes the concept of this movie so interesting because of the fact that normally you would see the movie of how they met first and then see them continue their life in a sequel. I also like the animation in this movie. Every character has its own personality and special features, as none of the monsters look exactly the same.  Some have tentacles, some have more than two eyes and some monsters are scarier than others, but everyone has something in common: they all want to be a scarer.

All the characters are very amazing but my favorite character is Mike Wazowski. When Mike was little, everyone always made fun of him for being too small and no one thought he would accomplish anything in life. He works hard to get into Monsters University because he is determined to succeed and in the end, he may not get what he wants but he is still happy, and that’s what is important.

My favorite scene is when Mike and Sully are in the first round of the scare games and they have to race through a dark tunnel with spiky balls on the floor that make you blow up like a marshmallow. Both of them come out of the race with a puffy lip and swollen legs because they touched the spiky balls and they could barely talk. It made me laugh a lot.

I recommend “Monsters University” for ages 6-14. It is an amazing family movie and kids will love it. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars so go check it out. Make sure you get to see this amazing movie when it releases in theaters on June 21, 2013.

“After Earth” is a glimpse of post-apocalyptic earth, showing us what it might look like years after humans no longer live on our blue planet. Will and Jaden Smith bring their own brand of humor to this dramatic story of father and son working together to save mankind. Including a genre for almost every movie-goer, this PG-13 movie provides us with drama, “adventure, comedy and Sci-fi all in one!” Gerry O., 11-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, warns us that this film may be a bit intense for younger viewers, but claims, “if you like adventure and action you will adore this movie!”

Listen to the KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions Radio Show episode where our film critics discuss the film. Read Gerry O.’s full review below and visit www.kidsfirst.org to see our other critic’s reviews of the film.

“After Earth”

Reviewed by Gerry O.

Click here for Gerry’s full video review!

“After Earth” is a combination of adventure, comedy and Sci-fi all in one! If you love adventures, you would love this movie. It begins one thousand years after humans are forced to leave Earth because they destroyed it. They reach a new planet. Humans think they are safe until they find an alien species that are putting humans in danger. General Cypher Raige (Will Smith) has to find a way to defeat the aliens. The General’s son, Kitia Raige, (Jaden Smith) goes on a trip with his father and the ship crash-lands on Earth! Cypher’s legs are broken and Kitia has to go far away to retrieve an emergency beacon! Can he do it? Would they be able to survive in this dangerous environment?

I loved “After Earth!” This film is a mixture of everything! It shows what can possibly happen to humans. I personally adore Will and Jaden Smith. Any movie where they are together makes it a fantastic and funny movie. What makes the movie better is that they play father and son, when in real life they are just that! Father and son.

Also interesting is how many birds, animals and whales were in the movie, clearly showing what our planet would be like without human interference.

There are a few scenes with Cypher and his wife, Faia (Sophie Okoneda) where they have a very cute and adorable conversations showing General’s soft side. My favorite character is Kitia. He is scared and frightened a lot. He is alone at a young age, on unfamiliar Earth, one thousand years after humans left. It would be scary! Kitia grows quickly and learns many things on this hunt for the beacon.

My favorite scene is when Kitia does not listen when his father orders him to come back, and instead jumps off a very tall cliff and tries to make it to the beacon without proper gear. He is chased and caught by a giant eagle that decides to adopt Kitia, and even helps him along the way. Kitia’s camera, that Cypher is using to see what’s going on, is destroyed and he must continue his journey without his father’s guidance.

I recommend “After Earth” to ages twelve and up. This movie is very graphic and may be a bit too intense for younger kids. If you like adventure and action you will adore this movie! I give “After Earth” five out of five starts because it was so great in many ways. This movie comes out in theaters everywhere May 31, 2013.

Check out these other great video reviews from KIDS FIRST! Film Critics

Anthony A., age 10

Keefer B., age 12

Raven D., age 15

Teens and adults will love “Now You See Me” a hilarious and entertaining story about street magicians turned crooks. With an all-star cast and unending surprises, twists and turn that KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D. likens to a “pretzel” there isn’t a dull moment in this new film. As 15-year-old Raven D. tells us, “it keeps the audience guessing the whole time and hits you with major shock factor.” Rated PG-13 for violence and mature language, “Now You See Me” is a unique and entertaining story that is not to be missed. Enjoy Raven’s full review of the film below.

“Now You See Me”

Reviewed by Raven D.

Click here to see Raven’s full video review!

I absolutely love this film. “Now You See Me” is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It tells the story of a group of magicians called The Four Horsemen who use their skills to pull off some of the greatest international robberies of their generation. Featuring Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKenny (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), the Four Horsemen make a dream team of street magicians. Since they have made their stunts public, allowing the world to “witness” the robberies, authorities are in hot pursuit of the four wanted criminals. Detective Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) is accompanied in his search for the illusive magicians by Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) and French Detective Alma Dray (Melanie Laurent.) Will the Four Horsemen be able to pull of their final act without being caught or will it be curtains for the criminal performers?

The plot is so original and full of fresh ideas and witty comedy. I love how fast paced this film is, there isn’t a dull moment from beginning to end. The plot itself has so many twists and turns like a pretzel, but it keeps the audience guessing the whole time and hits you with major shock factor. The acting in this film is incredible. It features a group of incredible actors – Morgan Freeman, Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson and many others. I love how each character has a unique quirk and personality that you can really see, but they all work together so well. The cinematography and special effects in this film are phenomenal. It is bursting with rich colors and textures, drawing you into the magic and making the illusions appear real. The soundtrack is also amazing. It is suits each scene very well, while keeping a consistent theme and feel throughout the movie. “Now You See Me” is definitely not one to miss.

It’s hard for me to pick a favorite character because I love all of the Horsemen, but when it comes down to it I have to say I like the characters Daniel Atlas and Jack Wilder. Daniel (Jesse Eisenberg) often tries to assert himself as the head of the Four Horsemen. He is controlling, very specific and difficult to deal with, but he is also the funniest character, which is attributed to all of his demanding qualities. I love every film Jesse Eisenberg is in and I think he is perfect for the role of Daniel Atlas. I also like Jack Wilder, played by Dave Franco, because he is the craftiest of the magicians. He isn’t the “card trick” or “read your mind” type; he’s just a good old-fashioned pickpocket for whom no door is ever locked. He is sort of the “muscle” to the operation because he is able to help the horsemen get out of tight situations and is also very funny.

My favorite scene is when the Four Horsemen have to escape from the FBI after their second robbery. Jack Wilder has to stay behind to burn secret files. When he has an unexpected run-in with Detective Rhodes, an action filled fight sequence and high-speed chase follow. This scene is filled with suspense, action and incredible stunts and it shows that the Horsemen are always two steps ahead.

I recommend this film for ages 12 and up because of violence and mild mature language. Overall I give “Now You See Me” 5 out of 5 stars, so be sure to catch the magic in a theater near you when it takes over the big screen on May 31, 2013!

Want a positive film that portrays teamwork and friendship for your superhero loving or LEGO loving child? Look no further. Just out on DVD and Blu-ray, “LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite” will not let you down. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 11, says this DVD teaches us that “sometimes you can’t do things all by yourself, you need help” and that relationships aren’t always easy. To make this an even more exciting gift for your favorite LEGO kid, it comes with a Clark Kent/Superman LEGO mini-figure!

“LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite”

Reviewed by Gerry O.

Click here to see Gerry’s full video review!

At first I thought this movie would be kind of like “The Avengers.” The movie turns out to be very different! All the Marvel superheroes and everything else are made out of LEGOS. It is more focused on Batman as a man and other heroes like Robin, Wonder Woman, Superman, the Green Lantern and many others.

This move has a mix of comedy which I’ve noticed is in every LEGO movie. It has action, adventure, great actors and even a lifelong lesson – sometimes you can’t do things all by yourself, you need help. There are some pretty cool structures and machines. All these structures are built out of LEGO bricks so you can really build them yourself if you knew how!

The adventure begins when Bruce Wayne wins the “Man of the Year” award. If you don’t know who Bruce Wayne is, he is Batman undercover. Then the Joker commits a crime and Batman and Robin have to capture him once again. As they are trying to achieve their goal, Superman helps him. Batman gets annoyed with Superman but at the end they work together and call in all the superheroes to defeat the Joker

What I love about this funny, action-packed film is how it shows the relationship between Robin and Batman as somewhat difficult. This isn’t very good for a side-kick and a hero. Also, it shows all the heroes’ powers like Superman’s strength and Batman’s throwing skills. The best part for me is how everything is made out of LEGOS. And, as in most LEGO movies, there are cool animations, good action and great voiceover actors.

My favorite scene is when the bat cave gets destroyed. It’s action-packed and shows Joker’s funny side with his strange humor and his pie bombs. Superman helps them. But the Joker and his partner Lex, who is running for president and using Joker to win the election, gets away. Would you like to know how he was able to defeat Superman’s power? Get a copy of this wonderful film and find out!

I recommend this film for ages 3 and up. There’s no violence or harsh language in this movie. “LEGO Batman: the Movie – DC Superheroes Unite” is extremely kid-friendly. I give this movie 5 out 5 stars. You can find it on DVD everywhere now.

“Space Warriors” is a live-action film about kids who attend Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. Though it is a fictional story, it is based on a real place and according to KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 11, it “feels very real and positive.” All of our film critics agree that this is a fun and exciting film that inspired them to want to visit the real Space Camp. Adam C., Age 7, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic tells us that they even fact-checked the story with NASA “and it was plausible that this could have happened in real life.” Proving that it has multi-age and gender appeal, 13-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Cassandra H. calls this “a fun and unexpectedly down-to-earth film for all ages.”

Airing on May 31, this Hallmark Channel Original Movie is perfect for the whole family. You can hear our discussion about this film on the KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions Radio Show. Check out Cassandra H.’s full review below and many of our Film Critic’s full video reviews as well.

“Space Warriors”

Reviewed by Cassandra H.

See Cassandra’s full video review by visiting www.kidsfirst.org

Space geeks will envy the rip-roaring adventures in the movie, “Space Warriors.” I was pleasantly surprised to see that the plot was simpler than I imagined. Before I watched the movie, the title made me cringe, suggesting that it was about teenagers battling aliens in a cheesy rampage through outer space. Clearly, I was wrong to judge a movie by its poster. “Space Warriors” is a fun and unexpectedly down-to-earth film for all ages.

Jimmy Hawkins (Thomas Horn, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”), the son of a retired NASA astronaut, is a complete astronomy geek. His dream is to go to space, and the opportunity arises in the form of Space Camp, where teams can compete for the chance to go to space. His parents, played by Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino, forbid him to join Space Camp fearing for his safety, but Jimmy joins anyway. At Space Camp he meets the brightest, nerdiest group of astronomy-lovers, called Space Warriors. They have to learn to work together as a team not only to win the competition, but to save the lives of three astronauts along the way as well.

Colonel Manley (Josh Lucas), one of the commanders at Space Camp, is one of my favorite characters – he’s witty and smart with just a touch of dry humor and sarcasm. Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer”) is the director of “Space Warriors.” Along the same lines of “Soul Surfer,” this movie has many great themes that include teamwork, leadership, overcoming fear, thinking outside the box, making wise choices and most importantly, it shines a positive light on youth. The Space Warriors don’t let anyone look down on them because of their age – they prove to the entire world that age doesn’t matter as long as you have passion, a love of discovering, and an open mind.

The movie incorporates footage from history in outer space and was shot on-location at the Space Camp in Alabama. For science-lovers, this movie is the ultimate “easter egg” hunt, where geeks will want to shout and announce to other viewers, “That’s the actual footage of landing on the moon!” or “I’ve been on a moon-gravity stimulator just like that!” I found myself thinking that if I could go to a Space Camp that looks even half as fun as the one in the movie, it’d be the best summer of my life.

I recommend this movie for all ages, especially for aspiring scientists. I give it four out of five stars. “Space Warriors” will inspire viewers to look up and rekindle an excitement for learning about the unknown universe of space. Learn more about a world outside our own that we’ve barely begun to discover and catch “Space Warriors” on the Hallmark Channel, airing May 31!

Check out our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics full video reviews of Space Warriors!

Adam C.

Keefer B.

Gerry O.

Stacy and Valdi B.