KIDS FIRST! News

With flash bulbs popping and microphones extended to talent whose voices were, perhaps, more recognizable than their faces, the lucky kids at KIDS FIRST! Boot Camp plied their media skills at the pre-camp special event: Walt Disney Studios’ red carpet celebration for the new Winnie the Pooh movie opening this Friday (which gets an all-star rating from KIDS FIRST!).

Reviewing the film a thte screening that followed the red carpet appearances were seasoned KIDS FIRST! film critics Anthony Aranda (age 8), Makai Colvin (age 9) and Raven Devanney (age 13). Be sure to check out their reviews.

With the live set of Christopher Robin’s room in the background, Boot Camp-ers mingled with co-director Stephen Anderson and many of the actors whose voices give life to the beloved characters – Tom Kenny (Rabbit), Craig Ferguson (Owl), Jim Cummings (dual role of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger) — and some of the often unsung talent of the wonderful animation, like Andreas Deja, supervising animator of Tigger. Then, taking with them all the behind-the-scenes insights from these conversations, Boot Camp-ers headed to Disney’s theater — and all the excitement culminated with the premiere of the movie itself.

Disney’s Animation Studio

Animation is for every age, especially when it comes from leaders of the genre at Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. This sequel to 2006’s award-winning movie Cars is in theaters now, and KIDS FIRST! film critic Ny’Asia Bell (age 7) gives us several reasons to make Cars 2 a summer entertainment choice.

Cars 2
Reviewed by Ny’Asia Bell

Today I will be reviewing the new Cars 2.

This movie was great – full of fast cars, lots of action and flawless animation.

Lightning McQueen is voiced by Owen Wilson, and his long-time best friend, tow Mater, is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy. They accept a challenge from Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) to compete in the World Grand Prix in Tokyo. While there, Mater gets mistaken for an American secret agent, and eventually helps to solve a big and dangerous case.

My favorite characters are Mater, because of his courage and humor. He is a real hero.
Then there are the characters Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer) and Finn McMissile (Michael Caine). I loved all their cool gadgets.
 
My favorite part of the film is when Mater cracks the case and finds out what car is behind all this mayhem.
 
I rate this movie 4 out of 5 stars, because it does contain some violent scenes. I recommend this movie to kids ages 7 and up.
 
Photos: Cars 2 poster (top), Ny’Asia Bell (bottom)

The story of Annie has continued to warm the hearts through the decades, since Harold Gray created the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” in 1894. The sons from the musical version, Annie, which hit movie theaters in 1982, seem to be as enduring – “Tomorrow” is eternal. Take seven-year-old KIDS FIRST! film critic Ny’Asia Bell’s review to your heart, and plan to tune in to HDNet Movies on July 11 and even sing along.

Annie
Reviewed by Ny’Asia Bell

Today I will be reviewing one of my favorite movie musicals – the original classic Annie.

This movie is about a cute optimistic little orphan named Annie, played by Aileen Quinn, who gets lucky and is chosen to spend the week with Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire, played by Albert Finney. Only he does not like her and wants to trade her in for a little boy. His private secretary, Grace, played by Ann Reinking, persuades him to let her stay. While there, she softens him up, and opens his eyes to see things in a different way. Mr. Warbucks wants to adopt Annie, but she does not want to be adopted, and wants to find her biological parents. So he agrees to help her. Does she find her biological parents or does he adopt her? Find out for yourself.
 
My favorite part is when Annie rescues Sandy from the boys in the alley. I thought that was hilarious.
 
My favorite character has to be Annie, because even though she was an orphan she still remained hopeful.
 
Annie is one of many film classics being brought to your home by HDNET movies on Kid Scene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families.
 
I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars because it is fun and entertaining. I recommend this movie to everyone because it is definitely family oriented.
 
This has been Ny’Asia Bell reporting for KIDS FIRST!
Photos: Annie poster (top), Ny’Asia Bell (bottom)

Annie is one of many film classics being brought to your home by HDNet Movies, a KIDS FIRST! sponsor. HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, including the best classics of the 1950s-1970s, favorites from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films. Additionally, HDNet Movies offers kidScene, a morning and Friday night programming block specifically for kids and families. HDNet Movies kidScene can be followed at hdnetmovies.com and via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNetMovies.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight and Verizon FiOS.

You have one last chance to sign up your child for our second annual KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp taking place July 11-15 on the Disney lot in Burbank, Calif. It’s little more than a week away, and only three slots are open – so act now and click through to register your 8- to 13-year-old for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Boot Camp takes the interest kids naturally have in movies and builds an enriching curriculum that teaches valuable visual literacy skills. Watching the latest Disney film – including the new 3-D versio of the classic The Lion King! – will help them gain broader perspective; the kids will learn why and how movies create the impressions they do. Disney experts will also share information about upcoming 3-D technology, and some of the stars from PROM will meet with the Boot Camp-ers for interviews. Slated movies include Winnie the Pooh, The Lion King 3D, PROM, Phineas and Ferb and the all-new Muppets movie.

Filmmaker and Boot Camp director Janet Davidson, a member of hte Directors Guild, will lead the kids in exploring individual elements of filmmaking, from directing and acting to cinematography, writing and art direction. The campers will liearn to write film reviews and review films on camera – and the reviews will be broadcast nationally. We think you’ll agree that this is truly “the opportunity of a lifetime.”