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The storyline follows a girl named Mabel (Piper Curda) trying to save her local glade filled with peaceful animals. She would go there with her grandma whenever she wanted to find some peace in her life. The Mayor of Beaverton (Jon Hamm) has plans to destroy the glade with new construction. With the help of her teacher, Mabel uses technology to hop into a beaver‘s body and teams up with the animals and mammal King George (Bobby Moynihan) to save her land.

(L-R): King George, Mabel Beaver, and Ellen Bear in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The animation in Hoppers is bright, lively and full of motion. Every scene feels like it’s bursting with color and energy. The characters move so smoothly that I easily smiled along with them, especially during the funniest moments.

The voice actors’ performances stand out and really make this film shine. Piper Curda, as Mabel, shows her passion for nature through her voice so well. You can hear the excitement and the energy in her voice when she’s happy and feel the desperation when her animals are hurt. Bobby Moynihan, as King George, has a parental tone when he teaches Mabel the ways of the pond and when he teaches her lessons about friendship, family, and trust. Jon Hamm, as the Mayor of Beaverton, also delivers a great performance; I particularly like how he shows how sometimes people try to be there for others, but hurt other things in the process.

Insect Queen in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Meryl Streep’s presence is felt even in a small body as the Insect Queen. Though she is small, she is formidable.

The music adds so much joy to the story, with upbeat melodies that fit perfectly with the action and softer tunes that make the emotional parts feel warm and touching. The music works together with the animation to bring the world of Hoppers to life in a way that’s fun for both kids and adults.

The film’s message is about being still, watching, and listening; it shows that everyone and everything is connected, and how paying attention to the little things can help you understand the world around you. It also reminds us that everyone has good in them, even when they make mistakes.

A scene from Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

We see characters making choices that aren’t always perfect, but by looking for the good in others, they learn kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Finally, trust is shown like a dam – sometimes it might leak or get broken, but it can always be repaired when people work together to fix it.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages to 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on March 6, 2026.

Hoppers
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, Age 11

Mabel in Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

From the very first scene, Hoppers jumps straight into the kind of fun, heart, and adventure that Pixar does best. I was instantly pulled in by the humor, the colorful world, and the lovable characters. Before I knew it, I was fully invested in their journey. What I love most is how the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, making it entertaining for kids while still meaningful for adults.

In Disney/Pixar’s all-new animated comedy adventure, Hoppers, animal lover Mabel gets the chance to use groundbreaking technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate directly with animals. As she uncovers incredible mysteries of the animal world, she befriends the charismatic beaver King George and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face an imminent human threat: smooth-talking local mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm).

(L-R): King George and Mabel Beaver in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Disney/Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Visually, Hoppers is stunning. The animation is vibrant, detailed, and bursting with life – every frame feels thoughtfully crafted. The character designs are expressive and full of personality, making their emotions feel real and relatable.

The voice cast brings incredible energy and heart to the film, perfectly matching both the humor and emotional beats. Bobby Moynihan voices King George, the leader of the pond, and his voice is perfect for the role. Piper Curda shines as Mabel, a passionate animal lover with so much heart, while Dave Franco is hilarious as Titus, a demanding and spoiled character who transforms into the Insect King.

The music and sound design elevate key moments throughout the film, making the action exciting and the quieter scenes especially touching.

(L-R): Mabel and Grandma Tanaka in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Hoppers delivers a powerful message about empathy, teamwork, and embracing differences. It reminds us that everyone has a voice and a purpose, even if they do not fit the mold or feel confident at first. It encourages viewers to be brave, to listen to others, and to believe that working together can lead to positive change, making Hoppers not just a fun movie, but a meaningful one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  You can watch Hoppers in theaters March 6, 2026.

A small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, “GOAT is the absolute, well, G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time)!  Fast paced action, innovative animation styles, a strong and relatable storyline, plus basketball Easter eggs and nods galore, all work together to create a film that proves once and for all that anyone can dream big.” Kennedy P. adds, “The new animated film Goat comes out of the gate strong and never misses a shot. The film delivers high energy, heart, and style. I love how confidently Goat blends sports excitement with emotional storytelling.”

Julie O. wraps it up with, “The film’s messages include follow your dreams, never give-up, and embrace the qualities that make us unique. There are also messages about the importance of family and friends and a reminder that there is so much more to every individual than what we see on the surface.” See their full reviews below.

GOAT
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

GOAT is the absolute, well, G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time)!  Fast paced action, innovative animation styles, a strong and relatable storyline, plus basketball Easter eggs and nods galore, all work together to create a film that proves once and for all that anyone can dream big.

Will Harris (Caleb McLaughlin) is one of the best Roarball players in the town of Vineland, and he pursues the dream of one day joining the big leagues to play for his hometown team, the Thorns. There is just one… small problem. Will is a goat, and no animal his size has ever even attempted to set foot on the court. But that’s all about to change. When Will gets the golden opportunity he’s been waiting for to join the team, he jumps at the chance. Unfortunately his towering teammates aren’t exactly stoked that he’s joining their ranks. However, with a little work, Will is determined to win over his team and show the world that “smalls can ball!”

What set this film apart from others is the level of authenticity and attention to detail that it provides. I had the opportunity to go onsite at Sony Pictures Animation and meet some of the creatives that worked on this film. From John Clark, GOAT’s head of cinematography, and Keely Propp, the head of story, I discovered that many of the Roarball play sequences were inspired by actual basketball plays used by the Golden State Warriors. The moves were modeled like a game of chess using 3D printed incarnations of the characters before being animated. Speaking of the animation, the style is unique and very fast, with camera angles that zoom right into the middle of the action. It felt like I was on the court with the team! The storyline is one that I am able to appreciate, with Will giving his all to make his mother, Louise Harris (Jennifer Hudson) proud. The other members of the Thorns, Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union), Modo Olachenko (Nick Kroll), Olivia Burke (Nicola Coughlan), Archie Everhardt (David Harbour), and Lenny Williamson (Stephen Curry) have unusual chemistry, and Will’s small-town personality clashing with their big-league personas is a great source of humor. Jett has been Will’s hero since forever and, though things start off rocky between them, they soon learn to trust each other, and work together with the team.

This film’s message is that no one is too small to dream big. Though Will might be the smallest player in all of Roarball history, he doesn’t let that stop him from bringing his team together, and becoming the G.O.A.T.

I give GOAT 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 13, 2025.

GOAT
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

The new animated film Goat comes out of the gate strong and never misses a shot. The film delivers high energy, heart, and style. I love how confidently Goat blends sports excitement with emotional storytelling. It’s the kind of movie that had me cheering from the get go, laughing on the sidelines, and fully invested in every play.

Goat is an animated sports comedy following Will, a small underdog goat with big dreams to play “roarball,” a high-intensity, full-contact sport dominated by large animals. Produced with Stephen Curry, the film follows Will’s journey to prove that “smalls can ball” in a story inspired by overcoming odds.

Set against a sports-driven backdrop, the story centers on perseverance, teamwork, and finding your inner strength when it matters most. As the pressure builds and challenges mount, the journey becomes less about winning the game and more about discovering what it truly means to have heart. The characters are dynamic, relatable, and full of personality, each bringing their own strengths to the court. The music is phenomenal, perfectly amplifying the emotion and adrenaline of every major moment. The bold animation style, vibrant colors, and eye-popping visuals are truly a feast for the eyes, every frame feels alive and in motion. Combined with a sports-driven storyline, nonstop visual creativity and an all-star voice cast, which includes Stephen Curry as the voice of Lenny, a giraffe, Gabrielle Union, who voices Jett, a black panther, and Caleb McLaughlin, who voices Will, a goat. Goat plays like a fast break straight to the hoop, keeping audiences engaged and energized the entire time. It is truly an animated slam dunk that proves Sony Animation is still playing at an elite level. With its uplifting themes and emotional payoff, Goat proves that when you trust your game and keep pushing forward, anything is possible.

Goat delivers a powerful message about self-confidence, resilience, and never giving up, even when you miss a few shots along the way. It reminds viewers that greatness isn’t just about talent, but about heart, determination, and believing in yourself when it counts.

I give Goat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  So lace up your sneakers and sprint to the theaters to watch it on Friday, February 13, 2026.

GOAT
By Julie O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love this film! GOAT is a fun filled, humorous, inspirational animated story that made me feel happy throughout the film. I found myself laughing and being drawn into the plot and caring about each character’s storyline.

GOAT is about a young goat, Will (Caleb McLaughlin) who dreams of playing professional Roarball. He works hard and trains until one day his wish comes true. However, he has a lot to learn about being on a team, believing in yourself, and never giving up. His teammates, Jett (Gabrielle Union), Lenny (Stephen Curry), Olivia (Nicola Coughlan), Archie (David Harbour) and Modo (Nick Kroll) are along for the journey with their own challenges.

This is one of those films that is a feast for your eyes. The background animation looks like it comes from a story book and every scene is filled to the brim with details. The film also includes camera angles that make it feel like you are there in the story instead of feeling like you are watching from the audience. There are so many details that I plan to watch this film again to see what I missed the first time. It excels in incorporating modern trends and music. I love the creativity that went into making each stadium where Roarball is played.  I really like how each character is developed with anthropomorphic behaviors unique to each character. My favorite part is when Will takes Jett to the diner where he and his mom used to work at so she can meet some of her most loyal fans.

The film’s messages include follow your dreams, never give-up, and embrace the qualities that make us unique. There are also messages about the importance of family and friends and a reminder that there is so much more to every individual than what we see on the surface. I also like that this film demonstrates taking ownership and responsibility for your actions.

I give GOAT 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. GOAT releases in cinemas February 13, 2026.

600,000 Black women broke racial and gender barriers by working in factories and offices during WWII, defying racism and sexism to help win the war and pave the way for future generations. Transforming civil rights and women’s opportunities, their courage and resilience forever changed the American workforce.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Julie O. comments, “This is a powerful documentary about the women who helped our country during World War II against many obstacles. I enjoyed hearing the women’s experiences as they told their stories…. I learned so much from this film and was surprised to learn that the nearly 600,000 African American women that helped the country during the war have been largely ignored by history.” Madison M. adds, “Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II is an interesting and powerful documentary.  I really like how this film includes real interviews from women who lived during this time.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “The film’s message is that African American women worked hard in unfair environments behind the scenes of a war and played a huge role in history, yet failed to be recognized for their efforts. The film emphasizes the idea that many groups throughout history have done valuable work that continues to go unnoticed due to the beliefs of the time period.” See their full reviews below.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II
By Julie O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I was deeply moved by Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II. This is a powerful documentary about the women who helped our country during World War II against many obstacles. I enjoyed hearing the women’s experiences as they told their stories. I also love the use of video clips and images of the women in action.

This inspirational documentary features interviews and footage not only from the women featured in the documentary, but also other prominent people during this time period, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor Roosevelt, President Harry Hoover, and Mary McLeod Bethune. Invisible Women is directed by Gregory S. Cooke and is narrated by Regina Cooke.

One of the many things I love about this documentary is how the film goes into detail about life before World War II, during the war, and after the war.

It was touching to see the incredible challenges and endurance that African-American women had. I learned so much from this film and was surprised to learn that the nearly 600,000 African American women that helped the country during the war have been largely ignored by history. These brave women worked alongside white women and had to take the more dangerous and less desirable jobs, without promotions, and faced extreme conditions and unimaginable racism. One of my favorite parts is the reference to the image of “Rosie the Riveter” and the saying “We Can Do It!” followed by the image of an African American woman saying: “We Did It!” The stories of these remarkable women will stay with me long after watching this documentary.

The film’s message is that the African-American women who entered the workforce during World War II were pioneers who overcame incredible obstacles to pave the way for future generations.

They endured, persevered, and became role models for the Civil Rights Movement. Be aware that this film does contain brief discussions and images of sexual and racial violence.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Invisible Warriors releases on VOD on February 3, 2026.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II is a moving documentary about African American women who worked during World War II. The film has high-quality interviews and footage, an easily comprehensible format, educational and interesting content, and an impressive appeal to emotion. It is a worthy watch for anyone who is interested to learn about a severely undervalued group of workers during a prominent historical time.

The documentary portrays World War II from the perspective of African American women, showing their often unobserved efforts and accomplishments that were vital to the country. It emphasizes the prejudice and stereotypes, harsh working conditions, unjust pay, and lack of high-quality jobs that were available to African American women during this time period. Despite unfair conditions and their apparent absence from history, these women fought hard to work for their country and provide for fellow citizens.

The film’s structure allows it to be informational and engaging, never spending too long on one interview or topic before moving on. It features photographs and archival footage from the time as well as present day interviews. The format of voiceover and narration placed with footage from the period allows viewers to hear women who actually experienced these things while also watching it take place. There are plentiful high-quality videos that authentically portray what their lives were like during this time period. Additionally, the film offers diverse perspectives, with multiple women sharing their stories. Whether on farms or in office positions, they worked long and hard hours to support industries as the country’s soldiers fought in Europe and Asia throughout the war. The element that stood out the most to me was the raw emotion that was expressed in many of the interviews. At this time, many African Americans, especially women, were treated unimaginably poorly. This film portrays the tragedies of the time period first hand, showing children living in poverty and terrible health outbreaks such as TNT poisoning. The interview topics and timely footage work effectively to give an authentic and emotional learning experience for viewers.

The film’s message is that African American women worked hard in unfair environments behind the scenes of a war and played a huge role in history, yet failed to be recognized for their efforts. The film emphasizes the idea that many groups throughout history have done valuable work that continues to go unnoticed due to the beliefs of the time period. Be aware that the film includes profanity and discusses and shows mature topics including sexual and racial violence.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on video on demand and streaming beginning February 3, 2026.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II
By Madison M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II is an interesting and powerful documentary.  I really like how this film includes real interviews from women who lived during this time.

The storyline focuses on African American women and the struggles they faced while trying to help their country during World War II. It consists of interviews and footage with the women involved and other prominent people from this time period.

The film shows how African American women wanted to work and support the war effort just like men, but were treated unfairly because of both their race and gender.

It highlights how important equality was during this time and how hard these women had to fight to be seen and respected.  The documentary begins with a shot of a poster saying, “Women needed for work!” which shows how badly the country needed workers at that time. Ruth Naomi explains how African American women wanted to help just as much as everyone else. A moment that stands out to me is when Willie Mae Goven says, “I looked in the mirror and we were people.” This quote is very meaningful because it shows how these women wanted to be recognized as human beings.

The film’s use of interviews and actual footage really shows us what life was like for these women. However, the pacing sometimes is a bit slow.

The film’s message is about equality and people who feel unseen who fight invisible battles even as they are helping their fellow Americans. Be aware that the film includes references to racism and some profanity.

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases on VOD on February 3, 2026.

Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man.” These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “Wonder Man combines amazing drama and action while giving an incredible look into acting in Hollywood and the process behind it. Every actor truly shines and it has amazing visuals, storytelling, and pacing.”  Zoey F. adds, “Putting aside the strange pacing and an anti-climactic first few episodes, Wonder Man is a funny show with amazing acting and great themes!” Kennedy P. wraps it up with, “What I love most about the series is how different it feels from the usual superhero story. Instead of focusing on powers and battles, Wonder Man dives into identity, ambition, and what it really means to chase your dreams.” See their full reviews below.

Wonder Man
Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo Courtesy of Marvel Television. © 2026 MARVEL.

Wonder Man combines amazing drama and action while giving an incredible look into acting in Hollywood and the process behind it. Every actor truly shines and it has amazing visuals, storytelling, and pacing.

The story follows Simon Williams (Yahya Abul-Mateen II) as he tries to make his big break in Hollywood, pairing up with famous actor Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), a man looking to reform his acting experience. However, in the process, Simon is forced into the world of superheroes as he finds he has his own powers, with Trevor attempting to help him hide it to make it in Hollywood.

The visuals are immaculate. It’s filmed as if it is a documentary, following the characters around as they make it through life, which makes the series look realistic.

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2026 MARVEL.

For example, the camera follows Trevor and Simon as they look for a place to record in the second episode. The acting is phenomenal, especially Yahya Abul-Mateen II’s portrayal of Simon Williams. He plays a character that is an actor, which means playing a character that plays characters. This is no easy task and he manages to perfectly encapsulate that while also playing his own character and showing us that Simon is a good actor. The story is outstanding – the comparisons between Simon and Trevor are brilliant, and their dynamic is super endearing. However, I especially appreciate how the film examines how Hollywood works within a universe where people are superheroes. The way it’s written makes perfect sense and adds another obstacle onto the protagonists as people with powers cannot act. The pacing is quite good and helps give a feeling of suspense to what may happen next, especially when showing Simon’s powers.

The story also balances both Simon having powers and looking for acting roles, even managing to weave them into each other through both opposing the other.

Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2025 MARVEL.

The series kept me invested and engaged the whole way through and also got me thinking about the way different people view acting and how they work together.

The series’ message is that though an endeavor may not be working now, with more time and help from others you can make it happen. Be forewarned that there are depictions of murder and mentions of terrorism.

I give Wonder Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Disney+ on January 27, 2026.

Wonder Man
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2026 MARVEL.

Putting aside the strange pacing and an anti-climactic first few episodes, Wonder Man is a funny show with amazing acting and great themes!

The plot follows aspiring actor Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his unlikely friend, Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) as they desperately chase the role of Wonder Man. But this proves a challenge due to Simon’s overthinking nature and Trevor’s secret agenda. Their friendship strengthens as they adventure through family reunions, auditions, and Simon’s secret superpowers.

Wonder Man was a roller coaster watch. Good TV shows often have some confusion at the beginning to build up curiosity NS Wonder Man takes this to the next level. I was extremely confused about what was going on for the first four episodes. The plot in episodes one through three revolves around Simon trying to get the role of Wonder Man. This was not interesting enough to hold my interest. The show picks up after episode five. Simon’s role as an actor is the focus for most of the show and actual action is often overshadowed by this story. Wonder Man makes many Shakespearean and theatrical allusions that are confusing. In fact, most of the dialogue between Simon and Trevor is about allusions and acting. A lot of time is spent discussing acting and we barely get to know the characters early on. I had a tough time connecting with his character and seeing his pain. Simon cannot reveal his powers and be himself because having powers is looked down upon. Although this is interesting, I didn’t see Simon’s struggle with this. There is no one in Simon’s life that doubts him or enforces the “superpowers ban.” The plot is not that bad and there are definitely elements that kept me watching.

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II), Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) and Von Kovak (Zlatko Buric) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2026 MARVEL.

I loved seeing the parallels between the Wonder Man script and the actors’ actual lives. I also love the metaphors the show hints at in the side stories about DeMarr Davis (Byron Bowers). They show how greed and fame can corrupt people; this episode is important to the plot and explains a lot about why Simon is afraid to show his powers. A highlight of the show is the acting and comedy. Trevor’s comedic presence is extremely fun, and his jokes always land without being overly corny. Ben Kingsley’s versatility as an actor is heavily highlighted throughout this. We see his serious side when Trevor comforts Simon and teaches him how to handle his anger. Kingsley portrays the perfect father figure to Simon as Simon believes he can fully rely on Trevor which leads to a perfect conflict between Trevor’s secret agenda and his drive to help Simon.

Wonder Man explores themes of belonging and self-discovery. Simon is trying to find where he fits into both the acting scene and the world. Trevor’s coaching helps Simon find himself through his acting. Wonder Man shows how the right people can bring out the best in you. Be aware that it contains some profanity and alcohol use.

I give Wonder Man 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it on Disney+ beginning January 27, 2025.

Wonder Man
Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 11

Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television. © 2025 MARVEL

Marvel’s Wonder Man is one of those shows that feels fresh while still fitting perfectly into the Marvel universe. What I love most about the series is how different it feels from the usual superhero story. Instead of focusing on powers and battles, Wonder Man dives into identity, ambition, and what it really means to chase your dreams. The tone balances humor, heart, and emotional moments, making it easy to connect with, even if you are not a hardcore Marvel fan. It is entertaining, relatable, and surprisingly thoughtful.

The storyline follows aspiring Hollywood actor, Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul Mateen), who is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns that legendary director Von Kovak (Zlatko Buric) is remaking the superhero film Wonder Man. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as viewers get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

(L-R) Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2025 MARVEL.

The series follows Simon Williams as he navigates Hollywood, fame, and his unexpected journey into becoming Wonder Man. The characters feel layered and real, not just superheroes or villains, and the cast brings a lot of personality and depth to their roles. The acting feels natural, especially in the quieter moments where emotions really land. Visually, the show stands out with its behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, using real studios, streets, and iconic locations that make the world feel authentic. The sets blend everyday Hollywood life with Marvel’s larger-than-life energy, which makes the story feel grounded but still exciting. The show is not just about becoming a superhero.  It is about figuring out who you are when everyone expects something different from you. It shows how hard it can be to believe in yourself when you are surrounded by pressure, comparison, and failure.

Wonder Man reminds us that success does not happen overnight and that our worth is not defined by fame, powers, or what others think. It is a powerful reminder that finding your voice and staying true to oneself is its own kind of superpower.

I give Wonder Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  All episodes of Marvel Television’s Wonder Man debut on Disney+ on January 27, 2026.

Taylor Swift’s concert film captures the magic of her record-breaking tour, featuring backstage moments and special performances with fellow artists, while sharing personal insights from her closest circle.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Adele B. comments, “Taylor Swift: The End of an Era is a six episode series showing the strongest moments and struggles of Swift’s Eras tour. I was captivated by the raw emotions of Taylor, her family and those working on stage and behind-the-scenes.” Kinsley H. adds, “This series is full of heartfelt experiences and emotions. Swift’s dedication to her fans, crew, family, friends, and others who come into her life is inspiring. The film takes time to not only look at Swift’s life but also the people who contributed to making the tour a success.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “This six-episode docu-series provides insight into how Swift’s team made this happen, with behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, performer spotlights, and peeks into Swift’s personal life.” See their full reviews below.

Taylor Swift: The End of An Era
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I found Taylor Swift: The End of An Era so inspiring. This six episode docuseries follows Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour that took place from 2023 to 2024. It provides behind-the-scenes access to all the twists and turns that happened during this tour of epic proportions.

This docu-series covers Swift’s journey through the ground breaking Era’s Tour which ran from March 17, 2023 through December 8, 2024. It showcases everything from scary terrorist threats to her personal love story. It highlights many of the tour’s performers showing that Taylor Swift is not afraid to share the spotlight. She states multiple times throughout the series how she doesn’t want her performers to blend in but to stand out as individuals. Everyone has a story, and people should always feel bigger than they are. Swift’s professionalism comes through as we see how she started her journey and became the superstar that she is today.

This series is full of heartfelt experiences and emotions. Swift’s dedication to her fans, crew, family, friends, and others who come into her life is inspiring. The film takes time to not only look at Swift’s life but also the people who contributed to making the tour a success. The personal segments about individual tour dancers give a new perspective to Swift’s ability to make sure everyone gets respect and acknowledgement for what they put into the show. The show really highlights the raw emotions of each individual and showcases their resilience to fight through everything from cancer to the challenges they overcame on their path to success. We see how Swift takes time to show her appreciation.

In one episode, Swift is shown writing handwritten notes to all members of the show and how she met with each one of them individually. Taylor Swift’s impact on the world is huge and her creativity and drive is the fuel to her success. She is constantly creating, and does everything she can to provide a positive escape for her fans as well as herself. The tour helped her find her purpose while creating a bonding experience for thousands of fans across the world.

The film’s message is about the importance of accepting all people. Allowing individuals to be unfiltered is small, but meaningful. Her impact is widespread. Be aware that this series has mature themes and strong language.

I give Taylor Swift: The End of An Era 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Disney+ beginning December 23, 2025.

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era gives us the opportunity to discover what made the difference between a regular high-grossing tour and the experience of a lifetime! This six-episode docuseries provides insight into how Swift’s team made this happen, with behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, performer spotlights, and peeks into Swift’s personal life. We get a full look into what it is like to live the life of Taylor Swift as she performs one of the most remarkable tours of all time and its mind boggling.

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era focuses on Taylor and her journey throughout The Eras Tour. From the tiny plastic stage models to the live concerts with over 70,000 attendees each, the viewer gets a glimpse into how this tour was created.

The episodes generally follow chronological order, with the first episode focusing on pre-tour rehearsals and the last episode showing the tour’s conclusion and lasting impact. The docuseries spotlights many of the dancers, singers, band members, and backstage workers.

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour set records in nearly every measurable aspect of a musical tour– spreading across countless countries, earning billions of dollars in revenue, and generating jaw-dropping attendance both inside and outside the stadiums. However, the true accomplishment of this tour simply can’t be described by statistics. This 21-month sensation of a pop phenomenon changed not just economies; it impacted each and every concert attendee on a personal level.

Considering The Eras Tour’s incredible success, it’s natural that both devoted Swifties and outside observers would be interested in how this tour came to be. This series absolutely delivers in answering my questions. It dives deep into the stage effects, dance rehearsals, song choices, guest appearances, costume design, acoustic set mash-ups, and so much more.

A highlight in each episode is the performer spotlights. Whether showcasing one of the dancers or a costume designer, we get a close look into not only their work for the tour, but also their personal life and accomplishments. This provides a well-rounded view of the tour, as it shows the personal journeys of those who were vital to the tour becoming such a phenomenon.

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era continues to exceed my expectations through its emotional reach. Each episode is guaranteed to leave the audience with laughs, tears, and most importantly, smiles. Despite the presence of some unimaginably tragic obstacles that the tour’s performers, fans, and attendees faced, the tour continued delivering the audience what they needed: an escape from the constantly changing world around them. Taylor emphasizes this throughout this series as she shares both personal and large-scale difficulties that occurred throughout the tour and how she knew her priority had to be showing up for the fans and giving them the experience they both paid for and expected. The docuseries portrays this purpose with such clarity, painting a picture of not only the tour itself but the goals and vision Swift had for the tour.

This series expresses the purpose of The Eras Tour, which was to provide a space for people to join together, escape from the outside world, and have the time of their lives. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and family within a work environment, showing how this promotes positivity and unity both on and off of the stage throughout the tour. Note that it does include some profanity and some mature topics, such as a detailed discussion about attempts at violence on the tour.

I give Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can view all six episodes of Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era on Disney+ beginning December 23, 2025.

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era
By Adele B. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era is a six episode series showing the strongest moments and struggles of Swift’s Eras tour. I Was Captivated By The Raw Emotions Of Taylor, Her Family And Those Working On Stage And Behind-The-Scenes. The music and camera work pairs well with the emotional depth of the tour story and it kept me wanting to watch until curtain closed.

The series gives us a thorough understanding of what it took to create Swift’s record-breaking 18 month tour. Each episode layers the logistics of producing this show and gives insights into the tremendous dancers and musicians that share the stage with her. We see the special relationships Taylor forms with her team in rehearsals that come to life on stage. The series also displays collaborative moments with fellow artists and the impact they had on the tour. The real life struggles that happened alongside the tour are showcased with emotion and care. I love how the series highlights Taylor and who she is as a person, what goes into her songwriting, the tour’s vision, and the people that surrounded her to make this amazing tour happen.

The people who contributed to the 149 shows across the world come to life in this series. You can feel how special they all are and how they each are part of the story. I was inspired by one of Taylor’s  dancers, Kameron, who talks about how people always made him feel like he had to change himself if he wanted to be successful. He says that Taylor never made him feel that way and she was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I was brought to tears more than once. One moment that really stands out to me is when there was an attack on the tour. Taylor emotionally talks about how that moment was not only very scary for her and her team, but devastating for her fans. Her fans ultimately are what gave her the motivation to show up and give the best show to bring happiness during a dark time.

I love the portrayal of Taylor as an iconic performer and also as a human with real ups and downs. She shares that when one of her singers has health struggles. I also enjoyed how perfectly the moments in the tour match Taylor Swift’s songs to reflect and bring them to life. Moments that resonate with me are the quick wardrobe changes and seeing the countless fans showing up for her performances.

Authenticity and personal drive are themes woven throughout the series. It shows us that people from all backgrounds, with their own stories, can come together to experience joy in a fun and meaningful way.

I give Taylor Swift: The End of an Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. All six episodes are streaming on Disney + as of December 23, 2025.