KIDS FIRST! News

The eighth album by award-winning children’s music artist Andy Z is brimming with fervor, fun, and sincerity. It features a well-balanced mix of stand-out original songs and kids’ classics ranging from lighthearted to heartfelt, playful to deeply thoughtful.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, “I like Andy Z – My Voice because it’s fun, playful and …will have your little ones laughing, singing, jumping, and dancing. Hadley B. adds, “I like the music album Andy Z – My Voice because it’s upbeat, engaging and gets you moving. I love that there are a variety of different instruments played in every song …” Ilana O. adds, “Andy Z – My Voice is a family-friendly album that features a plethora of tracks that help inspire, educate, and entertain young children. The humorous and engaging lyrics, the sound quality of the instruments, and the variety of tones are what make this album worth listening to!” John Wood, KIDS FIRST! Adult Music Critic says, “The music in Andy Z – My Voice covers a variety of upbeat danceable tunes and insightful lyrics. This album is a musical gift for your child – expertly conceived and performed.” See their full reviews below.

Andy Z – My Voice
IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I like Andy Z – My Voice because it’s fun, playful and some of the songs have an underlying message.

This is the eighth album by award winning artist, Andy Z. Its 16 songs offer a variety of genres, from jazz to soft rock — including “Song For My Baby,” “Flutter Flutter, Butterfly,” and “Mariposa Vuela” — a collaboration with PBS Kids, and more. Andy Z is beloved in the children’s music community for his commitment to fun and sincere songs that are a well-balanced mix of kids’ classics and original tunes ranging from lighthearted to heartfelt, playful to deeply thoughtful – a hallmark of Andy’s body of work that spans over two decades.

This album will have your little ones laughing, singing, jumping, and dancing – it’s a great way to get your kids up and running in the mornings. I have a three-year-old nephew and I would certainly have him singing along to its catchy lyrics. The atmosphere of the music is lighthearted, kid-friendly, and all around goofy. Kudos to Andy Z for hitting his target audience perfectly. The song quality and production are terrific. Even though this album is targeted for younger children, I found myself nodding my head to the beat and humming the tunes at times. Its continuity is right on – the lyrics go perfectly with the instrumentals and portray the silliness of his songs very nicely.

Andy Z’s vocals are amazing; he enunciates clearly and uses language that young children are familiar with.  He really makes sure that the listener understands what he’s saying. Also, the recording quality is outstanding; there is no static or background noise. The variety of genres is noteworthy. I love how he mixes in multiple genres like jazz for “Song For My Baby” and soft rock in “Buzzabee.” In addition, Andy Z’s way of creating ear-wormy tunes and fun lyrics, some of the songs in this album are deeper than you think. For example, in “My Voice” he references the beauty of free speech, and in “It’s Not Your Fault” he explains that not everything that happens to you is your fault. This album is by far one of the best children’s albums I am aware of.  My favorite song is the one about the tipping boat, because it really shows Andy Z’s fun lyricism.

The album’s messages convey fun and entertainment, with some deeper messages that sneak up on you.

I give Andy Z – My Voice 5 out 5 five stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. You can find it at online retailers beginning August 29, 2025.

Andy Z – My Voice
Hadley B, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I like the music album Andy Z – My Voice because it’s upbeat, engaging and gets you moving. I love that there are a variety of different instruments played in every song and, even though it gets a little silly at times, I think younger kids will love it.

This album is a collection of tunes performed by renowned artist, Andy Z. It has a bunch of different types of songs – familiar songs, happy songs, slow songs, silly songs and more! This album also has great guitar licks, and some nice percussion work that help tell the stories. I like how Andy never does two songs about the same topic. It makes each song special and notable.

One thing that stands out to me most on this album is definitely the sound of the guitar. It is very bright, unique, appealing and doesn’t sound like most songs you hear on other albums or the radio. The lovely harmonies also stand out. They aren’t like others, which is what sets it apart.

Also, something that is fun and captivating on the album is having kids join Andy Z on various songs. One of the most exciting things is that there are some songs that kids may recognize and be excited to hear his interpretation of a familiar tune. I like how at the end of the soundtrack it settles kids down to get ready for bed and go to sleep. I actually think I prefer the instrumentation and background music better than the actual lyrics and I didn’t particularly care for some of the songs. One of the other things I really like is how Andy Z takes a silly subject and turns it into an interesting, catchy song. It’s memorable to me, and I think it is very amazing to be able to do that. There is also a special collaboration with the 123 Andres, and they sing “Flutter Flutter Butterfly” in Spanish, which is really cool.

The messages in this album theme are all very positive, encouraging and uplifting. It’s a reminder of the good side of life.

I give Andy Z – My Voice 4 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it for ages 2 to 8. You can find it at online music retailers beginning August 29, 2025.

Andy Z – My Voice
By Ilana O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Andy Z – My Voice is a family-friendly music album that features a plethora of tracks that help inspire, educate, and entertain young children. The humorous and engaging lyrics, the sound quality of the instruments, and the variety of tones are what make this album worth listening to!

The album interestingly features a mix of heartfelt songs, immersive audio stories, modern takes inspired by older classics, and educational songs that help instill good values for the younger generation and boost imagination. The album expresses a diverse range of moods suitable for different occasions that can resonate with young children from different walks of life. In addition, most of the songs are influenced by styles that aren’t often commonly put together in a singular album, which contributes to its unique lineup.

Andy Zamenes (aka Andy Z), the lead singer of this album, delivers strong and impactful performances. From a musical point of view, the recordings of every vocal and instrumental part are very clean and polished and Andy Z’s voice sounds pitch-perfect.
Vocal expression is abundant, and his diction allows for the lyrics to be heard with clarity. In addition, every song utilizes a wide range of dynamics. The lullabies like “Song For My Baby” and “Lullaby” demonstrate Andy Z’s ability to modulate his voice to a softer pianissimo dynamic, while maintaining clarity in his enunciation. Much livelier tracks like “Five Green Speckled Frogs” are very humorous, which provides a stark contrast in tone and expression to the more reverberative songs like “It’s Not Your Fault.” On the other hand, the structure of the album and the random organization causes a bit of a lack of continuity. While the order of the songs may feel somewhat scattered and thematically different, Andy Z pays a meaningful tribute to the different styles of music, from original compositions to revamped classics.

The album’s messages have a variety of educational aspects and emotional support intertwined. For instance, “Apples” promotes healthy eating and “Good Morning” teaches children good manners. In contrast, some songs like “It’s Not Your Fault” carry a deeper message that many kids can resonate with about the harsh reality of bullies and how to navigate that.

I give Andy Z – My Voice 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It will be available on all major music platforms on August 29, 2025.

Andy Z – My Voice
By John Wood, KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer

The music in Andy Z – My Voice covers a variety of upbeat danceable tunes and insightful lyrics. This album is a musical gift for your child – expertly conceived and performed.

Andy Z’s lovely new album My Voice dives headfirst into the joy of being a kid—a sensory feast of upbeat, danceable tunes that make sitting still nearly impossible. (I’m pretty sure I saw my cat dancing.)

Andy’s years on stage shine through. His vocals, harmonies, and instrumental choices are all spot-on. Experience counts—and so does pacing. He knows exactly how to grab a live audience from the first downbeat and keep that energy humming for listeners at home. That’s the mark of a true pro who clearly loves what he’s doing. One can tell when a performer is ‘seasoned’ from countless live shows where songs have an opportunity to grow and engage with a variety of children and environments.

After eight albums, Andy Z keeps honing his craft and this album is a result of his dedication to his music and continued development of his personal ‘voice.’

Andy Z’s recordings draw on a variety of familiar musical styles, great vocals and expert production work or values. The best way for someone to listen and share is by feeding them. To follow that analogy, this album offers a musical feast for the ears and we learn things we didn’t know and are eager to share with others. The artist doesn’t preach or talk down to his audience. Individually we are made up of a bundle of stories.

As we share, as Andy Z has done, with this album, My Voice, we hope that our many years of experience and awareness will transpose and touch the hearts of many others. This album does exactly that.Why is My Voice a KIDS FIRST! All-Star? After more than 8,000 live performances in every imaginable setting and climate, I can say, “It takes one to know one.” Andy’s a kindred spirit with an irresistible appeal to kids—and, yes, parents too. They’ll grin at the familiar riffs and nod knowingly. (I suspect he knows more than four chords.) Like the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper or Magical Mystery Tour, Andy invites us into his world—full of musical colors, funny voices, and whimsical twists—guiding his audience on a magical journey and bringing them back safe, sound, and a little richer for the ride. Andy Z hits all the right notes—and a few delightfully unexpected ones—reminding us that the best music for kids is music everyone loves. We’ll be sitting by the headsets waiting for your next album, so don’t wait too long. Catch you on the flip side!

I give Andy Z – My Voice 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. It is available now at online retailers and streaming. Check it out.

A young boy and friends, with the help of his grandfather who served in World War II, his loyal friends, and his love of history, takes on the neighborhood bully and learns the importance of teamwork, family, and friendship.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harper B. comments, “This film is fantastic; I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. Operation Friendship is a wonderful film about two enemies becoming friends. Having friends is important but making them is even more important.” Jude A. adds, “I like Operation Friendship because of its faith-based storyline, the honoring of soldiers, and the action-packed thrill. I also like it because of the grandpa who is funny and repeats things over and over. The film’s message is that you should always stand up for what you believe in, no matter what. Somehow, God will cause the right people to come your way to lend a helping hand to defeat your enemies.” See their full reviews below.

Operation Friendship
By Harper B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Operation Friendship is a wonderful film about two enemies becoming friends. Having friends is important but making them is even more important.

Operation Friendship is about a boy, Chaz Smith (Izaak Bellis), who loves to play with toy army men. Chaz gets bullied by Jimmy Roland (Grayson Stalcup) and challenges him to an army soldier battle; the community supports Chaz. Even the teacher, Miss Mullens (Kera O’Bryon) gives Chaz her nephew’s old toys and she comes to referee.

This film is fantastic; I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. The costumes are realistic, while none stand out. My favorite character is Phoebe (Gabriella Dillenback) because she doesn’t mind hanging out with all boys if she gets the opportunity to support her friends. The scene that really stuck to me is when Chaz’s dad (James Arnold Taylor) and grandpa (Vincent Dantone) reveal their surprise to prove that they are really on Chaz’s side. My least favorite scene is when Chaz has a nightmare because it seems unnecessary. The actors’ performances are magnificent. They are in character throughout the film.

The grandpa’s acting of Grandpa especially stands out because he can be fun or funny but also has the ability to talk seriously with Chaz, his grandson. Grandpa, dad, and Chaz have a very special relationship. We see this at the beginning of the film when the mom, Lisa Smith (Libby Smallbone) goes to the spa and the boys go have fun together. The background music is superb, especially during the battle scene. It truly adds drama and depth to the plot. The character’s facial expressions also add depth and drama to the plot. I truly enjoyed this film because it surprised me.

The film’s message is that when people team up and help others you can make everyone happy. The students in Chaz’s class give some of their troops to Chaz. This shows that when everyone pitches in, it can make a difference. It also teaches us about the meaning of friendship and how it can be found in the most bizarre places.

I give Operation Friendship 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on It releases on VOD and streaming on August 12, 2025.

Operation Friendship
By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I like Operation Friendship because of its faith-based storyline, the honoring of soldiers, and the action-packed thrill. I also like it because of the grandpa who is funny and repeats things over and over.

The storyline is about a young boy named Chaz and his loyal friends who want to beat up Jimmy (Grayson Stalcup) because he always bullies his friends.

The main characters are Chaz Smith (Izaak Bellis) and Phoebe (Gabriella Dillenback). I like how Chaz and his grandpa always play with toy army men and how, in the morning, grandpa blows a trumpet to wake Chaz up. I also like that, with the help of his grandfather who served in World War II, and his loyal friends they were able to take the neighborhood bully down. I was confused about exactly what the story is about. Another thing I don’t like is the dream, which I found a bit disturbing. In spite of all his challenges, I like how Chaz stands up for what he believes. It seems that Chaz’s friends criticize Phoebe a lot, which I didn’t care for. I like how the camera zooms in on the dirt to make it look like a real battle field.

The photography is pretty good, especially the shots with the background scenery. The graphics stand out because they are good crisp.

The film’s message is that you should always stand up for what you believe in, no matter what. Somehow, God will cause the right people to come your way to lend a helping hand to defeat your enemies. The film also reminds us about the importance of teamwork, family, and friendship.

I give Operating Friendship 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on VOD and streaming on August 12, 2025.

Follow the temple cat, Little Ba, as she searches for her lost companion, the initiate Tsillah. The little cat travels through history for nine lifetimes learning lessons along the way. When she finally reunites with Tsillah, she is rewarded with a final choice.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kyla C. comments, “The Nine Lives of Little Ba by Genie Valen is an intriguing read that leads to self-reflection and a deep analysis of the meaning of life.” Kinsley H. adds, “The Nine Lives of Little Ba, a novella by Genie Valen, is an extraordinary tale about a cat named, Little Ba, who gets the chance to experience nine different lives in order to find the soul of her former companion. I really enjoyed this cute and loving story.” Junior R. adds, “I really like The Nine Lives of Little Ba because there are so many fun and surprising adventures. Ba kept me on my toes and always wondering where she would end up next. In every one of Ba’s nine lives, each feels like it’s a new story.” Elsy S. wraps it up with, “One aspect that really impressed me about the book is how the tale goes on to tell what happens to Little Ba, and how it follows her as she lives her nine lives. There are some deeper concepts that may be lost on younger children, but I enjoyed them.” See their full reviews below.

The Nine Lives Of Little Ba
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

The Nine Lives of Little Ba by Genie Valen is an intriguing read that leads to self-reflection and a deep analysis of the meaning of life. Although some concepts are a bit confusing, the captivating illustrations, the unique format, and the excellent concept work together to create a high-quality novel.

The story of The Nine Lives Of Little Ba is almost exactly what it sounds like. It follows Little Ba, a cat, as she experiences nine different lives with the hope of reuniting with her lost friend, Tsillah. The story begins with a young girl, Tsillah, at a temple school, learning the skills of mindfulness, reflection, and telepathy. She meets Little Ba, and the two form an emotional bond but are separated. Little Ba was not trained to be a proper companion for Tsillah and when she meets with the High Council of Cats in the interlife, is given the option to experience nine lives, learn lessons along the way, and reunite with the soul of Tsillah. Little Ba accepts the challenge and thrives throughout each very different life.

Standing out immediately and one of the most prominent aspects of the book is the format. Rather than normal chapters, the book is divided into nine lives. Each individual life tells the story of a different group of people and Little Ba in an entirely different location and situation. This allows readers to open their minds to the diverse experiences of many groups. In addition, there is an ‘interlife’ section at the conclusion of each life that Little Ba experiences. This is when she returns to the High Council of Cats to discuss what she has learned. This format emphasizes the morals and themes that are expressed in each life. This direct way of identifying the messages makes the book suitable for not just more advanced readers who can deduce the important lessons, but also younger or less advanced readers. Another stand-out is Leslie Cook’s illustration. Throughout the book, these pictures add complexity and understanding, representing the difference in personality and appearance of the various cats. Additionally, the concept itself is creative and unique. It stresses the importance of self-reflection and consistently working to improve. The concept of the interlife gets a bit confusing at times and is a bit hard to keep track of and can be misleading. Despite this, the book is a worthy read and incorporates many valuable themes.

There isn’t one singular theme of The Nine Lives Of Little Ba. Instead, there is a different theme for each unique life. These themes are stated directly at the end of each life in the interlife when Little Ba discusses what she learned with the High Council of Cats. Some of the themes include courage, friendship, equality, and recognition of the impact we have on each other.

I give The Nine Lives of Little Ba 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It is available to purchase at online retailers now, so get ready for a journey of unique experiences and revelations.

The Nine Lives of Little Ba
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Nine Lives of Little Ba, a novella by Genie Valen, is an extraordinary tale about a cat named, Little Ba, who gets the chance to experience nine different lives in order to find the soul of her former companion. I really enjoyed this cute and loving story.

This story focuses on Little Ba’s journeys through nine lives in order to reunite with her initiate, Tsillah, after they become separated in the dream state. While sitting inside the open doorway to Tsillah’s subconscious, Little Ba tries to protect Tsillah from her fears, but they become too overwhelming. This forces Little Ba to slam the dream door thus becoming shut away from Tsillah’s earthly life as well as Tsillah. Heartbroken, Little Ba begs for a second chance to prove herself to the High Council of Cats. Her wish is granted, and she embarks on an adventure of many lifetimes.

The Nine Lives of Little Ba is a heartwarming story that reminds me of the bond between pets and their owner. Tsillah and Little Ba were destined to be together. The prelude gives the reader that familiar connection of finding the perfect pet. Tsillah finds her cat by finding the one that is most like her — timid, small, and quiet. I can relate to this connection, and it immediately made me want to read more. I also like the unexpected twist of their separation. It made me look forward to what other twists and turns the story might bring. Although the cover of the book could be more eye-catching, I really love the illustrations created by Leslie Cook inside the book. The cat drawings show Little Ba’s transformations, and they paint an adorable picture of what Little Ba looks like in each of her lives. My favorite of those lives is when Little Ba is Luna. I love the message that a person should allow their life to be guided by optimism. This is exactly the motto that Little Ba lives by and it is shown in this halfway point through her journey.

The book’s message is that, even though every life is not the same, there is always a lesson to be learned. This view is seen through each experience that Little Ba lives. Parents should be aware that the text has a lot of advanced vocabulary, so it may be difficult for younger readers. There is no bad language.

I give The Nine Lives of Little Ba 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It can be purchased through most online retailers.

The Nine Lives of Little Ba
By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I really like The Nine Lives of Little Ba because there are so many fun and surprising adventures. Ba kept me on my toes and always wondering where she would end up next. In every one of Ba’s nine lives, each feels like it’s a new story. If you find yourself not so interested in one story, you might enjoy the next one.

The book centers on a little cat, Little Ba and her quest to reunite with her companion, Tsillah. She experiences nine lives and faces all kinds of situations – some scary, some funny, and some sad. The author, Genie Valen, is fabulous at providing unforgettable details that make you feel as if you’re right there in each of Ba’s lives.

I did not want to put this book down until I found out what happened in the magical ending! It is a little confusing at the start, but once I got through Ba’s first life, it became easier to follow. Each chapter is a new life for Ba and, at the end of each one, there’s an “interlife” where she talks with the High Council of Cats about what she learned. That is a cool way to show her growth. Most of the chapters don’t really connect to each other, which makes each life feel like its own little adventure. My favorite characters are Little Ba-Muir and her injured human companion, Hum. Their relationship is really touching because they take care of each other. I think the different adventures will keep readers entertained, but sometimes the big words and long parts might make it hard for some people to understand. There are a bunch of words that I have never seen or heard before, and they are throughout the book. It’s a great story, but you need to be a strong reader to keep up with the language. I also like that the geographic and historical information is accurate, which makes the story even more interesting and real. I love the descriptions of the various settings in each chapter. I could easily imagine each place Ba lived; the details helped me paint vivid pictures in my mind during each of her lives.

The pages of the book are very high quality and I appreciate that a lot. But the pages are also really long, which was kind of overwhelming at first. The cover isn’t all that appealing – I probably would not have picked up this book just by looking at it. The book has ten chapters — I like how the table of contents is laid out based on each of Ba’s different lives, and each has its own title that hints about what that life will be like. At the start of each chapter, there is also a sketched black and white image of the main character, and sometimes there are little map drawings. These pictures help define where Ba is going in each chapter and what she or the other characters look like.

This book made me think about how every place and person in my life can change me. Each of Ba’s lives shows a new environment or culture, from living on a farm, to a city, or with people who are very different from her. It made me wonder what it would be like to live in those places and how animals like Ba feel in different places. The book also made me think about friendship, loss, and what it means to never give up on someone you care about. The life lessons that Ba learns are things that most readers can relate to and use in their own lives, which helped me feel connected to the book and its characters. Some parts seem a bit too wordy, and I started to lose interest – then Little Ba would be sent off to a new life, a change of scenery and new characters, which pulled me back in. I really like how the story includes different time periods and places around the world. I felt like I was getting little geography and history lessons, which made the story even more interesting.

The book’s message is that no matter how many times life changes, never stop being curious and brave. Little Ba goes through all kinds of adventures – some fun, some scary – but she never gives up. She keeps exploring and learning from every new place. We see how, even when she messes up, she still finds her way and makes a difference. It also reminds us that every life has a purpose, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away.

I give The Nine Lives of Little Ba 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults, because the vocabulary is a little advanced for younger kids.

The Nine Lives of Little Ba
By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I enjoyed the book The Nine Lives of Little Ba because of its heartwarming plotline, happy ending, and how the story takes place in many different times and places.

The storyline follows Little Ba, a cat who is paired with a young temple initiate, Tsillah. One day, Tsillah, in her sleep, reaches a door, of which she is very fearful, causing her to imagine monsters. Little Ba chooses to protect her, and the door is closed, with Tsillah on one side, and Little Ba on the other. Little Ba then meets the Council of Cats, who explain that she will be given nine lives to find and guide the soul of Tsillah. Little Ba goes through nine different lives, each with new experiences and lessons to be learned, and eventually finds the soul of Tsillah.

The adventures that Little Ba has given the story a dramatic, as well as sweet, flair. One thing that I didn’t like so much is how it is primarily descriptions with hardly any dialogue. My favorite part is during Little Ba’s fourth life, when she helps a young girl, Marie, rediscover herself and her family. My least favorite part is one at the beginning, when the temple initiate, Tsillah, tells the priestess that her cat, Little Ba, is gone. One aspect that really impressed me about the book is how the tale goes on to tell what happens to Little Ba, and how it follows her as she lives her nine lives. There are some deeper concepts that may be lost on younger children, but I enjoyed them.

The book’s message is about the importance of finding yourself, and to be kind to both strangers, as well as those close to you.

I give The Nine Lives of Little Ba 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available at most online retail bookstores.

In Freakier Friday, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Juliana S. comments, “Freakier Friday is one of the funniest and most heartwarming movies that I have seen in a long time. The movie shows just how much stepping into another person’s shoes can change one’s perspective.” Valeria M. adds, “This movie is a roller coaster in every way possible…There are moments when I was barely able to hold back a laugh and other times that I looked away in embarrassment.” See their full reviews below.

Freakier Friday
By Juliana S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

(L-R) Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman in Disney’s FREAKIER FRIDAY. Photo by Glen Wilson. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Freakier Friday is one of the funniest and most heartwarming movies that I have seen in a long time. The movie shows just how much stepping into another person’s shoes can change one’s perspective.

Freakier Friday is a new and funny spin off of the classic movie Freaky Friday. The movie follows Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan) and her teenage daughter, Harper (Julia Butters) as they navigate their busy lives. After an interesting event, they are left with swapped bodies and an entire new world to explore. As they are trying to find a way to switch back, the two are also discovering the hardships of each other’s lives. With jobs, relationships, and social status, Anna and Harper are in for the ride.

(L-R) Julia Butters as Harper Coleman and Sophia Hammons as Lily Davies in Disney’s FREAKIER FRIDAY. Photo by Glen Wilson. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

One actress that made a lasting impression on me is Julia Butters – she plays the spirited Harper Coleman. Butters brings a bright energy to the screen using her voice, posture, and subtle facial expressions to create a lively Harper. She is able to balance quick wit with vulnerability, often revealing her character’s deepest thoughts in a single glance. Butters aptly captures the awkwardness, curiosity, and emotional shifts of a teenage girl perfectly. Her performance drew me into the movie, seeing myself in Harper’s journey. Lindsay Lohan also captured my attention, as she reclaims the spotlight as Anna Coleman in this sequel. Lohan brings a new sense of growth to Anna, mixing her charismatic charm with a new maturity that reflects her journeys over the years. Lindsay uses her vocal and facial expressions, as well as body movements, to convey the complexities of life and love, while holding onto her playful and free spirit. Lohan’s reactions are as impactful as her lines, revealing layers of Anna that were not visible before. She creates a character who feels both nostalgic and new, forming a mix of the past and present.

(L-R) Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Ella and Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman in Disney’s FREAKIER FRIDAY. Photo by Glen Wilson. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The film’s message is that one should never judge someone else until they have walked in their shoes and experienced what they have gone through. The movie is very successful in allowing a character to take a step back and see how other people have problems too.

I give Freakier Friday 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Freakier Friday releases in theatres on August 8, 2025.

Freakier Friday
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

I’m confused by how I feel towards Freakier Friday. It has its good qualities that made me laugh, but other parts made me look away and cringe.

Sophia Hammons as Lily Davies and Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman in Disney’s FREAKIER FRIDAY. Photo by Glen Wilson. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The storyline is about Harper (Julia Butters), a teenage girl having to deal with one of her worst enemies, Lily (Sophia Hammons), as her soon-to-be step sister. At her mother’s bachelorette party, two palm readings lead them to switching bodies with Harper’s mom Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and grandma Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis). With both vowing to break up their parents’ engagement and upcoming wedding, we follow the girls as they try multiple ways to ruin that relationship.

(L-R) Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman and Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman in Disney’s live-action FREAKIER FRIDAY. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This movie is a roller coaster in every way possible. From time to time, it feels like common sense just goes out the window. For example, it’s as if Anna and Tess don’t understand that nobody knows that Harper and Lily are in adult bodies now, so they don’t have to listen to anyone. Also, the jokes are sort of hit or miss. There are moments when I was barely able to hold back a laugh and other times that I looked away in embarrassment. None of this is enough to ruin the film, but one thing that does ruin the movie is Lily. Her character lacks any depth – she never really even attempts to apologize for what she does. Plus, all her supposedly smart comeback comments are just insults. It seems that the creators were going for a sassy character who is trying to cover-up her pain, but they ended up creating a mean girl who never needs to fix her mistakes because everyone immediately forgives her. I did enjoy the songs and I love the views of LA.

(L-R) Mark Harmon as Ryan and Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman in Disney’s FREAKIER FRIDAY. Photo by Glen Wilson. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The sets made me feel like the city is alive; it’s like the city is a character in the film in its own way. I love the way the colors pop out and make everything more vibrant. They don’t dim even in more heartfelt scenes because the beauty of LA is always there, even in heartbreak, which is a beautiful idea.

The film’s message reminds us that what you want isn’t always what you need, and sometimes changes are good.  Note that there are suggestive jokes but nothing outright explicit.

I give Freakier Friday 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It releases in theaters on August 8, 2025.

The story’s hero insect dreams of becoming a butterfly and being able to fly. He hears of a powerful white spider that has discovered the secret of making beautiful butterflies. Setting out to find this spider, he befriends other insects and must face his fears and rely on friends.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, “The Secret of Butterflies is an enjoyable, fun-to-watch movie with good animation and voice acting. The film’s message is to be careful who you trust and don’t believe everything you hear. It also reminds us that we are great just the way we are, and don’t let your own ambitions cloud your judgment.” Valerie M. adds, “This is a great film for younger audiences. I found the story itself very interesting. Ryan has to deal with limited beliefs, bullying and even corruption.” KIDS FIRST! Adult juror Julie S. adds, “In the world of anthropomorphic insects, comes The Secret of Butterflies! Talking insects – butterfly parents that have the same types of concerns that human parents do and live in houses that I could move into next week – I was captivated by this story. It shows the power of perseverance and friendship.” See their full reviews below.

The Secret of Butterflies
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

The Secret of Butterflies is an enjoyable, fun-to-watch movie with good animation and voice acting.

This storyline follows an adventurous insect named Ryan (Ryan Bartley) whose wish is to become a butterfly so that he can fly. Ryan hears rumors of a mysterious white spider called Liam who has the magical ability of transforming insects into butterflies and ventures off with his friend on a journey to make his dreams come true only to learn that this devious white spider isn’t all that he seems. Ryan and his friends must battle through an army of little bugs to save innocent butterflies and defeat Liam once and for all.

This film tells a good story and is perfect for younger children. This film was originally made in Iran by Ali Tanhaee, who directed the dubbing for this English version. To his credit, the voice actors fit the characters perfectly. The animation is a highlight of the film; the colors are vibrant when appropriate and the foliage stands out. The characters are quite well illustrated – their eyes stand out, as they are deep and realistic looking. However, they feel a bit rigid and unnatural, and the core designs of the characters are very redundant. While I like the story, at times the dialogue seems unnaturally translated from the original, like when Liam says, “I always love when things happen, especially when I am the one who makes everything happen.”

What this film lacks in character portrayal, it makes up for in the movements of elements such as fire, wind, and water. My favorite part is the classic moment where good triumphs over evil, and Liam is defeated.

The film’s message is to be careful who you trust and don’t believe everything you hear. It also reminds us that we are great just the way we are, and don’t let your own ambitions cloud your judgment. Note that it contains mild violence and fighting, but nothing too extreme.

I give The Secret of Butterflies 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. You can find this film on VOD and digital platforms beginning August 5, 2025.

The Secret of Butterflies
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Secret of Butterflies is like a fever dream. It sends a powerful message, but it has certain qualities that I found a bit unsettling.

The storyline follows Ryan, a bug who has always dreamed of being a butterfly. He lives in a house with other bugs with no memory of how he got there. One day, he finally escapes the house and begins his journey to becoming a butterfly.

This is a great film for younger audiences. I found the story itself very interesting. Ryan has to deal with limited beliefs, bullying and even corruption. In this world, butterflies are seen as the most beautiful creatures to the point where butterflies feel like they have the right to step on other bugs because they are better. In the end, we see how everyone is equal no matter their appearance. I particularly like how the main villain, a white spider named Liam, is portrayed. At first, he appears friendly, even praising Ryan, telling him how special he is and how hard it is to find bugs like him. This shows us that not everyone can be trusted. I also appreciate that Ryan attempts to fix his mistakes. He even admits that he was wrong and apologizes instead of letting the fact that he helped everyone be his apology.

This film gives me a strange feeling of nostalgia and discomfort that cannot be easily described – it reminds me of old cartoons made in other countries. Note that the animation style is very different from a Disney 3D animated film. Some of the characters end up triggering the unsettling feeling a person gets when an animated character appears too close to reality. I felt that some of the voiceovers don’t convey emotions very well, which makes it hard to tell what they’re feeling. When Ryan and his friend argue, I didn’t realize that his friend was mad until he said so. For its North American release, an English‑language dub was created featuring the voice talent of Innes Maas, Tara MacPherson, Jaryd Pilay, David Wilke, Jake Maisel, and Janeke Huisamen.

The film’s message tells us that friendship and teamwork will always be better than exploiting others. Be aware that there is a lot of fighting, death and an attempt of suicide. However, nothing is bloody or gory.

I give The Secret of Butterflies 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. You can find it on VOD or digital beginning August 5, 2025.

The Secret of Butterflies
By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

In the world of anthropomorphic insects, comes The Secret of Butterflies! Talking insects – butterfly parents that have the same types of concerns that human parents do and live in houses that I could move into next week – I was captivated by this story. It shows the power of perseverance and friendship.

The story’s villain is a powerful white spider who claims to have discovered the secret of making beautiful butterflies.

The film begins in a peaceful butterfly village, where we follow a butterfly family in their daily life. The animation is a highlight—the characters are well-defined, and the forest background looks stunningly realistic. This tranquility is shattered when a villainous spider burns down the village, killing the butterfly boy, Ryan’s, father. Ryan escapes, but years later, we find him trapped in a human’s basement, dreaming of the day he can fly and become a butterfly. He escapes into the wilderness, where he encounters a group of bullying insects. Ryan, however, has some impressive martial arts skills and manages to fight them off.

Later, he stumbles upon the Golden Butterfly Show, a competition where he feels out of place. Discouraged, he runs away until his new friend comforts him and suggests seeking out a witch named Liam, who can supposedly turn him into a butterfly. Ryan sets off in search of Liam, only to discover that Liam is the very same white spider who destroyed his village. Captured, Ryan learns the spider’s history from one of the guards before being rescued by his new friends. The film culminates in a duel between Ryan and his friends and the white spider. Ryan is nearly defeated, but his friends remind him that he only needs to flap his wings to fly. It’s through the power of teamwork that they finally defeat the spider and free the captured butterflies. Kudos to filmmaker Ali Tanhaee for creating such a unique and colorful story.

For its North American release, Vision Films created a full English-language dub featuring Innes Maas, Tara MacPherson, Jaryd Pilay, David Wilke, Jake Maisel, and Janeke Huisamen.

The film’s message is about finding yourself and working together with others as a team. Be aware that there is a lot of fighting, bullying and burning down a home.

I give The Secret of Butterflies 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can find it on VOD and digital platforms beginning August 5, 2025.