KIDS FIRST! News

The story of The Super Mario Bros. on their journey through the Mushroom Kingdom. A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and to save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the perfect video-game to movie adaptation! There’s lots of laughs for all ages and loads of references to the Mario Games for all fans. I enjoy this animated movie because it gives the iconic characters we all know and love the movie adaptation that they all deserve.” See her full review below.  

The Super Mario Bros. Movie
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the perfect video-game to movie adaptation! There’s lots of laughs for all ages and loads of references to the Mario Games for all fans. I enjoy this animated movie because it gives the iconic characters we all know and love the movie adaptation that they all deserve.

In this movie, we learn the origin story of our favorite video-game brothers, Mario and Luigi. Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are just your average brothers living and working in Brooklyn as plumbers, but when they find a warp pipe in the sewer, they get transported to the magical land where Toads, Yoshi’s and Koopa Troopas roam. Along the way, Luigi gets captured by the evil Bowser (Jack Black) and with the help of Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Mario is forced to ‘level up’ and fight Bowser before he conquers the world.

There’s no need to play the video games to like this movie, but existing fans of the franchise will especially love it because of all the Easter eggs and familiar songs. This is such an imaginative story with characters and themes from some of my favorite games in the franchise – Mario Kart, Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. I love how this has elements of the classic games but also new twists, like how Princess Peach in this movie isn’t like your normal Princess Peach in need of rescuing, because she can save herself and is very skillful at doing so. I also love how relatable the brothers are as they are from our world.

We’ve been seeing a lot of high quality animation from Illumination recently, and this movie follows the trend. The animation is cheerful and lively and the quality is top-notch. Jack Black, as Bowser, is absolutely perfect in this role. His versatile voice makes for an almost manic Bowser – scary, evil, quirky and laughable – and he can flip the two like a light switch. Chris Pratt as Mario and Charlie Day as Luigi have a lot of chemistry and seem like very close brothers. Collectively, they are relatable and help us sympathize with the plot even more.

The messages of The Super Mario Bros. Movie are that family is the most powerful thing in the world (real and virtual) and when working together, you can accomplish anything.

I give The Super Mario Bros. Movie 4 of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Players of any Mario games will enjoy this. It comes out in theaters April 5, 2023.

Super Mario Bros. Movie
By Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is based on the classic video game that is known and loved by many, so why wouldn’t you love this fun, entertaining movie based on the brotherhood of Mario and Luigi? This film has a good message, a great plot and enjoyable characters that made me laugh throughout the whole film.

The storyline follows Mario (Chris Pratt) and his younger brother, Luigi (Charlie Day), as they find themselves in worlds that they are not used to. Mario ends up in Mushroom Kingdom and Luigi ends up in an underground world. The underground world is controlled by Bowser (Jack Black), a very cruel leader, and the Mushroom Kingdom is controlled by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). Mario and Princess Peach team up in order to find Luigi and defeat Bowser.

This is a completely family-friendly movie. The writers creatively include aspects of the Mario games throughout the film, such as the mystery box, the mushrooms, and the go carts. A notable moment of the movie is how the movie opens with a game-like simulation. Some characters that stand out are Bowser and Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) for being amusing and Mario for being resilient. Mario is a good example for younger audiences as he constantly steps into a leadership role. He continuously sticks up for Luigi and doesn’t let anyone pick on him.

My favorite scene is the fight scene between Donkey Kong and Mario because Mario and Donkey Kong’s interactions with each other are absolutely hilarious because of their unexpected banter. For example, before they are ready to make a move, they make a little joke, then they get to the fighting. Even though Bowser is the antagonist and the meanest monster around, he has moments that make him a lovable character like when he expresses his love for Princess Peach through a heartfelt song dedicated to her.

The message of The Super Mario Bros. Movie is that you should never stop trying even when it looks like you can’t win. The characters come across many obstacles, but they never give up. They push past them and move on.

I give Super Mario Bros. Movie 4.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find this movie out now in theaters, so go check it out!

After a small-town pilot mysteriously dies during flight, passenger Doug White is forced to land the plane to safety and save his entire family on board. Based on an astonishing true story of faith and survival, this film follows one man’s harrowing journey to save his family from insurmountable danger.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Based on a true story, (this film) will put you on the edge of your seat throughout its duration, with a compelling plot and sincere performances by Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham. It’s a film for aviation geeks and thriller fans, as well as general audiences.” See his full review and interview with the director below.

On a Wing and a Prayer
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

On a Wing and a Prayer, based on a true story, will put you on the edge of your seat throughout its duration, with a compelling plot and sincere performances by Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham. It’s a film for aviation geeks and thriller fans, as well as general audiences. My only advice: don’t watch this before you get on a flight!

On a Wing and a Prayer follows the story of Doug Smith (Dennis Quaid), a Louisiana pharmacist. On a family getaway, Smith hears of the death of his brother, a pilot, and is shattered to the point of questioning his faith in God. He is put to the test when, after the memorial services and as the Smiths are on their way home, the pilot of their private plane dies mid-air. Doug must pilot the plane to a safe landing and save his family from what seems like impending death, combating medical emergencies and a tropical depression….oh, and did I mention Smith has never flown for more than an hour before?

The cast of On Wing and a Prayer dazzles. Dennis Quaid plays Doug Smith with conviction and honesty. In one of Quaid’s more serious performances (I don’t think he flashed his famous grin even once during the film), he takes on a paternal role that will have you spellbound. What I especially like about Quaid’s character is how unapologetically clueless he is at times; the film shows that even the “macho man” can be rendered helpless in an unfamiliar environment and stressful circumstances. But he never gives up. Heather Graham, who plays Smith’s wife, acts as the consummate copilot, remaining strong and supportive throughout the film.

I never saw Graham as an actress made for maternal roles, but there’s something uniquely warm about her portrayal in On a Wing and a Prayer. A good portion of the film is shot in the cockpit of a King Air plane, and the versatility of shots used is understandably limited. This leads to parts of the film not feeling as visually stimulating as they could: you’re staring at a medium closeup of Smith and his wife for forty minutes. In On a Wing and a Prayer, two kids enthusiastic about aviation track the progress of Smith’s flight, even biking to the runway to watch him land. This angle feels unnecessary in the film and leads to some confusion. On a Wing and a Prayer is certainly a dialogue-heavy film; the actors’ lines are what carry it. Still, the music could have been better utilized to accentuate the tension of the situation.

On a Wing and a Prayer promotes perseverance when times get tough. The film assures viewers, especially those who feel like all’s lost, that they have people in their corner who will support them at all costs, in the same way that the Florida air traffic control metaphorically held Doug’s hand throughout the whole harrowing experience. In terms of parental advisories, there are mentions of death, and Smith’s daughter suffers a violent allergic reaction onboard the plane. If you’re afraid of planes or of flying, this also might not be the best film for you.

I give On a Wing and a Prayer 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. On a Wing and a Prayer is available on Prime Video on April 7, 2023.

Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz (Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston) are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect. Murder Mystery 2 sends Nick and Audrey Spitz on a high-stakes case that finally gives them everything they’ve ever dreamed of: a shot at their detective agency finally becoming successful…and their long-awaited trip to Paris. The film is directed by Jeremy Garelick and also stars Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, with John Kani, and Dany Boon.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Calling all murder mystery lovers! Murder Mystery 2 is even more hilarious than the original and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. I love how this movie has the perfect amount of suspense and comedy to keep me both interested and entertained.” See her full review below.

Murder Mystery 2
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

https://youtu.be/mNdy05pYxYU

Calling all murder mystery lovers! Murder Mystery 2 is even more hilarious than the original and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. I love how this movie has the perfect amount of suspense and comedy to keep me both interested and entertained.

The Spitzes have now – four years after their first mystery – created their own detective agency. However, they aren’t doing as well as they had hoped, so when their old friend (from the first movie) the Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar) invites them to his wedding, they take up his offer and use it as a much-needed break. However, Nick Spitz (Adam Sandler) and Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston) seem to have bad luck on vacations, and this trip is no exception. The night before the wedding, Vik’s bodyguard gets killed and Vik gets kidnapped. So, the Spitzes must solve the mystery and get Vik back before he gets harmed!

Even though this is a sequel, it’s not necessary to watch the first movie. There are a couple characters from the old movie that reprise their role in this one, but it isn’t too important to know about their backstory to understand Murder Mystery 2. However, the first Murder Mystery is a very funny movie so I would recommend it anyway. And if you liked the first movie, you will love this one. I actually enjoyed this one more than the original because of its hysterical writing and engaging story.

Although I enjoyed every single performance in this movie, the funniest performances come from Jennifer Aniston (Audrey), Adam Sandler (Nick), and Adeel Akhtar (Maharajah/Vik). The cleverness of the actors mixed with the crazy situations they find themselves in creates scenes that have so much humor. Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler have so much chemistry and throughout the movie, they seem like a genuinely married couple.

The messages of Murder Mystery 2 demonstrate the power of love and how going through difficult situations will only make it stronger and that it’s important to enjoy yourself along the way. The movie has mild profanity and violence and is rated PG-13.

Murder Mystery 3 gets5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out on Netflix on March 31, 2023.

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.  Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a comedy-filled, action-packed film. Its intense build up thickens the plot as it goes on, and helps to develop an interesting, heartwarming storyline.” See her full review below.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 16

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a comedy-filled, action-packed film.

Its intense build up thickens the plot as it goes on, and helps to develop an interesting, heartwarming storyline.

The film takes place in the Forgotten Realms and follows Edgin (Chris Pine), who is on an epic journey to find a long lost relic that supposedly will bring his wife and mother of his daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman) back to life.

Unfortunately, while he’s gone, his long trusted friend Forge (Hugh Grant) betrays him, and Kira starts to become collateral damage. This quest completely takes over Edgin’s life, but he must stay determined in order to achieve his long term goals.

A huge standout in this film is the cinematography. Every camera angle is so strategic and well thought out, which makes everything feel so real. For instance, the scenes in the large arena feel so big and alive. The costuming is also great; every outfit is executed extremely well. Holga’s (Michelle Rodriguez) outfit really grabs my eye; every piece and every accessory is so cohesive and make her appearance really eye-catching.

Lastly, it’s really refreshing how the two lead characters, Edgin and Kira have a platonic relationship. Kira is Edgin’s best friend who helped him after he lost his wife. Their dynamic is so strong and really moves the plot forward. It really contributes to women’s empowerment by showing Kira’s character as powerful and helping Edgin, rather than the other way around. She is powerful and shows that she’s capable of taking initiative.

The film’s message is to not lose sight of all the good things that are happening in the present, because you’re too focused on the future. Be aware that this film does include violence and many fight scenes.

I give Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters March 31, 2023.

A young girl dreams of a life riding horses but can’t because of a disability. When Bridget, the reigning equestrian champion is injured, the two girls come together to learn the importance of following your dreams and never giving up.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “I really enjoyed If I Could Ride’s message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.” Kyla C. adds, “If I Could Ride is an uplifting and engaging film that’s perfect for kids, teens, families and especially horse lovers. If I Could Ride emphasizes how anyone can form a life changing bond, even if they come from different backgrounds.” Anna Clara B. wraps it up with, “This is a very emotional story, well made. The storyline is well written and the girls’ personalities are well developed.  They won my heart!…The film’s message is to never give up on your dreams; everything is possible; just try.” See their full reviews below.

If I Could Ride
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really enjoyed If I Could Ride’s message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.

The storyline follows a girl with a mobility disability who wishes she could ride horses. Another girl who is an outstanding rider gets hurt and the two girls start a friendship because they are both injured. It asks the question, “Who will step in to cover for the champion rider?”

There is more to this movie than a horse competition – the plot left me on the edge of my seat and the emotions of the girls are very relatable, especially for teenagers. The main characters are Jolie (Alexis Arnold), Bridget (Eva Igo) and Coach Jimmy (Tom Vera). Jodie has a back disability and Bridget is a champion rider, coached by Jimmy. They are all entwined in an intricate storyline that is well-planned and intriguing. The sets and locations stay true to the plot, as the action takes place mostly in the stable or the arena. My favorite part is when Jodie becomes strong enough to ride a horse. The look on her face is heartwarming and it’s rewarding to see her develop the strength and courage to ride. Sometimes, the lighting and the sound are a bit off and the camerawork is shaky at times, all of which are unsettling.

The film’s message is that friends and family are extremely important. They’ll always be there for you throughout hardships and we see that between Bridget and Jolie. It’s also about following your passions, especially when they make you happy. It promotes overcoming challenges and reminds us that we are capable of pursuing our dreams.

I give If I Could Ride 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. If I Could Ride comes out on VOD and DVD April 4, 2023.

If I Could Ride
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

If I Could Ride is an uplifting and engaging film that’s perfect for kids, teens, families and especially horse lovers. If I Could Ride emphasizes how anyone can form a life changing bond, even if they come from different backgrounds.

If I Could Ride follows Bridget Van Heusen (Eva Igo) and Jodie Davis (Alexis Arnold), two girls from completely different worlds. Bridget is a rich, talented horse rider who is constantly pressured and berated to do her absolute best and uphold the Van Heusen legacy. Jodie is a poorer girl with a physical disability that prevents her from doing many things, including walking and riding a horse, her dream in life. Bridget must navigate her family issues and her own internal struggles; while Jodie must keep a positive attitude as she takes small steps towards her dream of riding a horse. An unexpected crossing of paths leads to an unlikely friendship that might last a lifetime.

The actors’ performances in If I Could Ride are what make this film so impactful emotionally. Eva Igo amazingly portrays every emotion that Bridget is feeling. Bridget’s life is very difficult, with doubts of whether her parents love her and constant pressure to do her absolute best every time she competes on horseback. Eva Igo shows her frustration and sadness building up throughout the entire film until it reaches its breaking point. The raw emotion truly makes the film’s message so much more effective. Similarly, Alexis Arnold’s performance as the optimistic, determined and unbelievably sweet Jodie is just as important for If I Could Ride’s theme. Alexis Arnold captures Jodie’s delicate personality in a way that gives the audience someone to root for. Both actresses show their characters’ development emotionally and physically throughout the entire film. Additionally, Tom Vera’s performance as Jimmy is vital for the plot. Tom Vera embraces Jimmy’s backstory and turns him into another treasured protagonist rather than just a backup character. Jimmy could just be Bridget’s trainer and the person who cares for the horses, but he instead connects his own background to his job and Bridget’s story. The landscapes in this film are beautiful — from wide open fields to forests crowded with towering trees to horse stables, every setting is simple yet magnificent.

The theme of If I Could Ride is that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Jodie must overcome many obstacles if she wants to reach her final goal of riding a horse. If I Could Ride also shows how family life can really affect someone’s personality and feelings, as we see with Bridget and her situation. The film also focuses on forming bonds and taking steps towards good communication with people you love. There are some very sad and slightly scary moments, such as falling off of a horse and some scenes in hospitals.

I give If I Could Ride 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch If I Could Ride on DVD and VOD beginning April 4, 2023.

If I Could Ride
By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

If I could Ride is an emotional movie filled with amazing life lessons that I enjoyed.

The storyline follows two girls living in two different worlds – Jodie (Alexis Arnold) who dreams of a life riding horses but can’t because she has a physical disability and Bridgett (Eva Igo), the reigning equestrian champion. When Bridgett is injured, the two girls come together to learn the importance of following your dream and not giving up.

This is a very emotional story, well made. The storyline is well written and the girls’ personalities are well developed.  They won my heart! Jodie’s live is difficult and, with the passing of her father, her hard-working mother works even harder. Bridgett lives at a beautiful farm, rides well, and is very competitive. She is unappreciative of what she has and is mean and belittling to everyone. These two girls’ paths cross and the story follows the success of one and the failure of the other.  My favorite part is when Jodie´s mother motivates her when she’s sad. I enjoyed the soundtrack for the film, especially the voice of (name the singer here).

The film’s message is to never give up on your dreams; everything is possible; just try. 

I give If I could Ride 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and DVD April 4, 2023.