KIDS FIRST! News

From the minds behind Searching comes Missing, a thrilling roller-coaster mystery that makes you wonder how well you know those closest to you. When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June’s search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it’s too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers…and when June unravels secrets about her mom, she discovers that she never really knew her at all.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Miguel C. comments, “Missing is absolutely breathtaking. There are many suspense films, but the way this one is made is so new and different. It’s a new era of filmmaking because we never see a real shot; it all takes place on a computer.” Zoe C. adds, “Missing kept me at the edge of my seat. Unlike any film I’ve seen before, directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick use a different approach to tell this story. The film is entirely narrated from the perspective of technology. Not once is the camera facing any of the actors. I found this innovative and captivating.” Natalia J. wraps it up with, “This film provides a very significant message, especially to younger viewers – admire, cherish and be grateful for those around you. In a split matter of seconds, you can lose someone you care about. Take the time to show you appreciate their existence every day.” See their full reviews below.  

Missing 
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST!* Film Critic, age 13 

Missing is absolutely breathtaking. There are many suspense films, but the way this one is made is so new and different. It’s a new era of filmmaking because we never see a real shot; it all takes place on a computer. 

The storyline follows Junes’ (Storm Reid) mom, Grace (Nia Long) who goes on a trip to Colombia and mysteriously goes missing. 

This film has a lot of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, plus I cried because there is a very touching mother and daughter relationship. 

This film will most likely become a fan favorite because it has a really good cast and the story line is amazing. I saw some of them coming but I was still shocked at things that happen. It is also super funny. There is a lot of Gen Z slang and different inside jokes that Gen Zers understand. The best part is how the characters look and act in their respective ways. We see a side of different people but we really don’t know if it’s really them or just an act until the end. There is also a lot of suspense and I got scared a lot. It’s also crazy seeing how much Storm has grown up and it’s really cool seeing her appear in more mature and darker roles. She is a great actress who is not afraid to take risks.  

The message of this film is that everyone can know absolutely everything about you from the internet so really look at what you say and post. This movie definitely is on the more dangerous and darker side because it addresses kidnapping and there are parts where we see some hostages and some inappropriate behavior and words such as someone getting shot and other physical violence

I give Missing 4.5/5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Missing comes out in theatres January 20, 2023.  

Missing 
By Nathalia J. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The mystery film, Missing, directed by Nicholos D. Johnson and Will Merrick, is immersive and suspenseful. This film covers familiar grounds, similar to the 2018 film Searching. Missing is held to a high standard which definitely is fulfilled; it hit me with one stunning reveal after another that reoriented my perspective and kept me clinging to the edge of my seat. 

The story follows 18-year-old June Allen as she embarks on an desperate journey to locate her missing mother, Grace Allen, after failed efforts by the FBI. At first, Grace’s disappearance is suspected to be committed by strangers whose only interest was getting money. However, as June begins to broaden her search and look into her mother’s short-term boyfriend, Kevin Lin, she discovers that this mystery is more complex. In fact, the disappearance of her mother is the result of dangerous secrets Grace has kept hidden, which alter the significance and speculation that June is now also in great danger. Her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin, is directly tied to someone from Grace’s past who wants nothing but to destroy her life and Kevin is the perfect asset to this person’s desire for revenge against Grace. 

My favorite character is June Allen, portrayed by the award-winning actress, Storm Reid. Throughout the film, June proves to be persistent, resilient and steadfast. Her eagerness to solve the mystery also provides an opportunity for June to acknowledge her love for her mother. She is driven to solve this mystery by her guilt of how she mistreated her mother before she went missing. I admire June for the mindset she carries within herself; she understands the risk and consequences that come with certain decisions she makes, yet overlooks them and plays an enormous role in solving her mother’s disappearance. Storms Reid executes the role of June Alle with precision.  My favorite aspect of this film is how it immerses the audience – watching this film made me feel as if I was right there with June and at times with the kidnappers.

Directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick make engaging use of technology in this film.Considering the only resource June has right at her fingertips is technology, she spends sleepless nights on her MacBook searching for information. However, every time she acts on it, she is always one step behind. It is as if someone is watching her, and knows her every move. Towards the middle of the film, we begin to get the perspective of the kidnapper and learn that June is in fact being watched, but not in the way she imagines. The person is watching her computer activity, discovering all her resources, information, contacts and future plans, which make it nearly impossible for June to find the person responsible until she comes face to face with death. I would like to admire the editing department for their work; the numerous plot-twists and countless perspectives in this film move at a fast pace and the editors excel in the execution of that. Each moment comes unpredicted or speculated from previous events, and the editing plays a huge role in achieving this. The constant cuts between June to Grace to the kidnapper, allows viewers to never focus deliberately on one character or moment as it’s always in motion. 

This film provides a very significant message, especially to younger viewers – admire, cherish and be grateful for those around you. In a split matter of seconds, you can lose someone you care about. Take the time to show you appreciate their existence every day. 

I give Missing 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film is now available at your local movie theaters. Enjoy!

Missing
Zoë Cannella, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Missing kept me at the edge of my seat. Unlike any film I’ve seen before, directors Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick use a different approach to tell this story. The film is entirely narrated from the perspective of technology. Not once is the camera facing any of the actors. I found this innovative and captivating.

Missing is a story purely captured through technology. The movie focuses on a young girl named June, Gracefully played by Storm Reid. June’s mom, Grace Allen (actor) and her boyfriend Kevin (actor) go on a vacation in Colombia. After the trip, June waits countless hours at the airport for her mom to arrive and, to her surprise, she never does. From there the investigation begins — conducted by the teenager and helped with tech devices. The film shows her journey tracking down her mom and investigating the mystery of her disappearance, like a modern Enola Holmes. The movie shows how accessible the internet is and all June’s creative tactics her tracing finding her missing mom. This is also the story of a mother and daughter that missed each other when they were together.

This film really goes to show how even without the camera facing any of the actors, there is no absence of storytelling. Presenting this story through technology really adds to the experience of watching it. This film has a great cast as well. Storm Reid as June is a really nice fit; although, her performances in the TV series Euphoria and A wrinkle in Time” showcase her acting more than this film does. My favorite character is definitely Javier played by Joaquim De Almeida. In this film Javier helps June in her journey to find her mom and Joaquin’s performance brings a fresh comedic value to the film. The ending is a bit too drawn out, but the rest of the movie keeps you locked in with all its twists and turns. The cinematography is perfect for the style of the film and the editing works as well. The story is a bit predictable and fortuitous at some moments but overall, it keeps tension and engagement.

The message of the film is never underestimate the joy of living with your parents. 

I give Missing 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theatres January 20, 2023.

Living is the story of an ordinary man, reduced by years of oppressive office routine to a shadow existence, who at the eleventh hour makes a supreme effort to turn his dull life into something wonderful.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, “Living illustrates that films are not just a source of entertainment…This film tells a heartbreaking story about a bureaucrat who learns he has a terminal illness and is then galvanized to make a difference in his life and in those around him.” See her full review below.

Living
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Living illustrates that films are not just a source of entertainment.  They can make us examine social awareness, consciousness and our values.  This film tells a heartbreaking story about a bureaucrat who learns he has a terminal illness and is then galvanized to make a difference in his life and in those around him.  

Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy) is a civil servant in 1950s London whose life is one of dull routine. Once he is notified that he has roughly six months remaining, he realizes that he no longer knows how to enjoy life and has become trapped in a meaningless existence.  He attaches himself to others to observe life and thus makes changes from his friendship with his subordinate, Ms. Harris (Aimee Lou Wood) who notably adds spark to the movie and his life.  He enjoys her appetite for life and remembers what it is to be alive.  This realization motivates him to return to work and make important changes.  His colleagues in the Public Works Department notice his dramatic change and he sets an example for his team to follow.

Living is a historical drama with splendid costuming and detailing in all the various sets used throughout the film.  Every minute detail under director Oliver Hermanus provides the viewer immersion into this period piece.  Costume designer Sandy Powell, along with the various artists who work on hair and make-up support the depth of this story.  Bill Nighy gives a compelling performance as a man who resurrects his life and I particularly enjoyed his singing in this movie.  The cast is very good in this film and it was a pleasure to watch him interact with all of the various actors as they portray various work stereotypes.      

The film’s message is that it is never too late to change the direction of your life and to influence those around you.  Mr. Williams remembers not to push things under the rug and not to shy away from responsibility.  It is an important message and reminder to us all to live life to the fullest. There are no scenes that younger viewers cannot watch, but the seriousness of the film and topic does not lend itself to younger viewers.   

I give Living 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  This movie is available in select theaters January 17, 2023.

Nuisance Bear is a Canadian short documentary film, directed by Jack Weisman and Gabriela Osio Vanden and released in 2021. The film is a portrait of the polar bears in and around the town of Churchill, Manitoba.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Nuisance Bear has glorious cinematography and superb storytelling that drive home its important message of peaceful coexistence with nature. It’s a terrific film for all those who love the great outdoors, as well as for budding filmmakers… Nuisance Bear promotes respecting nature and ensuring you don’t disrupt other beings endemic to your area. The film helps us realize that people are the real nuisance, not the bears.” See his full review below.

Nuisance Bear
by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 16

Nuisance Bear has glorious cinematography and superb storytelling that drive home its important message of peaceful coexistence with nature. It’s a terrific film for all those who love the great outdoors, as well as for budding filmmakers.

Nuisance Bear follows a polar bear migrating across the town of Churchill in the Canadian province of Manitoba. People congregate to take pictures and videos, and the bear begins to clash with the locals. That is when the bear’s journey takes a dramatic turn, and “nuisance bear” removal forces enter the scene.

Nuisance Bear is a documentarian’s documentary. With no voiceover or speaking at all, the New Yorker team behind the film lets the images and captured video do the talking. And it’s supremely effective. I especially love the way the wildlife forces’ pickup truck is shot like it’s the predator, not the bear; it approaches menacingly with high beams on and then veers to the side as the bear makes its escape. It’s absolutely scintillating. In many scenes, there isn’t even any background music, so all you hear is the soft stepping of the bear and the rumbling engines of the wildlife forces. Hat’s off to directors Jack Weisman and Gabriela Osio Vanden for creating such a masterful piece of visual storytelling.

Nuisance Bear promotes respecting nature and ensuring you don’t disrupt other beings endemic to your area. The film helps us realize that people are the real nuisance, not the bears.

I give Nuisance Bear 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. The film is available to watch on the New Yorker YouTube channel now.

Based on the # 1 New York Times bestseller A Man Called Ove, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. Otto is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol. She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life, A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Miguel C. comments, “Tom Hanks excels in his portrayal of Otto. This film really addresses equality and how much things have changed. There is a LGBTQ+ character in it and Mack Bayda portrays him very well.” Julie S. adds, “The character, Otto, is played so well by Tom Hanks that you semi-hate him for his persnickety personality, yet as the story evolves and we learn about the tragic events of his past, the “what and why” become clear.” See their full reviews below.

A Man Called Otto 
By Miguel C., KIDS FIRST!Film Critic, age 13

I didn’t love A Man Called Otto as much as I thought I would. It has a lot of funny parts even though it is a really sad movie. The funny parts are where they include different Latinx things and different things we say and do. As a Latinx myself, I had a good laugh, but my eyes did water up.  

First we meet Otto (Tom Hanks), who is a grumpy old man that loves to follow the rules and fights with everyone. Everything is annoying to him and he really doesn’t like people. He’d much rather be alone; he tries to do something many times and, along the way, he meets many people. We see a lot of flashbacks with Otto and his late wife.  

This move is sad and, the way they use dark colors to really make the mood, makes it sadder. Tom Hanks excels in his portrayal of Otto. This film really addresses equality and how much things have changed. There is a LGBTQ+ character in it and Mack Bayda portrays him very well. The costumes are really cool thanks to Mariana Treviño. Not only that, but she brings a Latin feel to the film like in all the different Latino food that is featured.  

The film’s message is that just because someone else’s life ends, yours doesn’t have to. There are so many beautiful and wonderful people on this earth. The one thing parents should be aware of is that there is some self- harm and suicide.  

I give A Man Called Otto 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommended it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters January 13, 2023 

A Man Called Otto
By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

I thoroughly enjoyed A Man Called Otto. Tom Hank’s portrayal of an aging man whose love of his life was taken way too young haunts his character Otto, but thanks to the persistent love of his new neighbors he emerges from his shell as he finds a new extended family.

The storyline follows Otto, a grumpy old man who thinks of himself as the quintessential rule enforces in his neighborhood and elsewhere. The film is filled with flashbacks which reveal the backstory of Otto’s life and how he came to become the grumpy old dude he is.

The character, Otto, is played so well by Tom Hanks that you semi-hate him for his persnickety personality, yet as the story evolves and we learn about the tragic events of his past, the “what and why” become clear. When new neighbors move in across the street, the wife (Mariana Trevino) is persistent in not letting Otto escape her kindness, whether it means bringing him wonderful Mexican food, which Otto begrudgingly loves, or inviting him to spend time with her children. The tragedy of Otto’s love story, which began and ended with his lively and beautiful wife, it is, no less, still a love story. It makes you ache for poor Otto who truly found his soul mate and lost her way too soon. He is bent on taking his own life, but constantly drawn away by his neighbors Marisol and her hubby.

Directed by Marc Forster, the film is beautifully produced with eloquent shots of the landscape of suburban Pennsylvania and sets that show middle class America in its simplest form. My favorite scene is a toss-up between the one with Otto and his neighbor buddy, during friendlier times when they compete for who has the coolest car and when he teaches Marisol how to drive; the speech he gives her about how she is not an idiot is awe-inspiring and afterwards, she loses all fear and drives like a warrior.

What I love most about this film is character. So many mass market films, particularly comic based ones, lack depth of character and this one delivers it in Otto, but also in Marisol and Anita, even Malcolm and Jimmy. Everyone evolves here and becomes more substantial than they are at first glance. Be forewarned that there are suicide attempts shown and some profanity.

I give A Man Called Otto 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It’s rare to find a film with such substance. We laughed and cried, then did it again and again. By Julie S, KIDS FIRST!

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables is health and lifestyle expert Devin Alexander’s first book for children. Geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, the delightfully illustrated book entices little ones to open their eyes (and their mouths) to the heroic possibilities of a myriad of delicious vegetables, setting them up to be healthy humans and also help set parents up for peace in the kitchen!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A. comments, “The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables is an educational and charming children’s book that instructs children about vegetables and their benefits while also making healthy eating relatable and fun. I love how each vegetable is used to introduce a new concept related to health.” Eshaan M. adds, “The illustrations by Michele Pederson add character and vibrancy to the storytelling by Alexander, and they gave me a shot of nostalgia…” Gavin S. adds, “The structure of the book is awesome. t held my attention from start to end with all the interesting facts. It’s an awesome way to encourage kids to eat healthy foods. The book, which gives vegetables different names to call them, explains how different vegetables benefit your body and mind.” Sydney S. wraps it up with, “The message of this book is that vegetables can really make positive changes in your body, and give you your own “superpowers!” See their full written and videotaped reviews below.

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables 
By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables is an educational and charming children’s book that instructs children about vegetables and their benefits while also making healthy eating relatable and fun. I love how each vegetable is used to introduce a new concept related to health. My favorite illustration is a cute carrot checking a kid’s vision on an eye chart!

There are two pages dedicated to each vegetable – one a drawing, and one a description with a related cartoon. All 12 of the vegetables are uniquely associated with a different activity or action like tennis, swimming, and healing. 

The illustrations are engaging and cater to kids who are learning to read and children who enjoy colorful images. The images are a great way to get kids interested in vegetables they might normally avoid. The language in the book is simple, but there are a few words that preschoolers may not understand, yet allows them to learn new vocabulary such as “fate,” “sluggish,” and “bask.”

As we all know, children’s books with rhymes are just that much better, and the rhyming phrases in each stanza are fun and memorable. Each page has a different kid featured that your child may relate to. As a tennis lover, I would have enjoyed the beet playing tennis when I was younger. Children love naming inanimate objects, so the alliterative names for each of the vegetables are fun and catchy. 

This book caters to children who are just learning to read and pronounce words as well as children who will enjoy a fun bedtime story. If parents want a cute and educational book to read to their kids (or if you kids refuse to eat vegetables) this is great! 

I give The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. It is available wherever books are sold.

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables is an engaging and colorful book that teaches toddlers and preschoolers that eating healthy can be fun!

Health and lifestyle expert Devin Alexander’s first book for children, The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables, assigns each major vegetable a different persona. For example, Cayenne Carrot has such good vision that she hardly needs a flashlight at night. The rhyming style of writing is perfect for young audiences!

The illustrations by Michele Pederson add character and vibrancy to the storytelling by Alexander, and they gave me a shot of nostalgia — as I read The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables, I remembered all the fun picture books I used to love! Alexander is a New York Times bestselling author, and part of that stems from her knowledge of her audience. Although this is her first book for children, she hits the mark perfectly.  It is such a smart idea to make vegetables into little characters and give them superpowers, so toddlers and preschoolers will be interested!

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables obviously promotes eating healthy, but also asks “why” before doing so, and helps us understand how each vegetable we eat can help us.

I give The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8.The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables releases January 24, 2023.

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables
By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The most appealing thing about the book The Land Of Secret Superpower is the hook, and how it makes me want to read more. I particularly enjoyed the part when they list the powers each vegetable gives you.

The book The Land Of Secret Superpowers is about the benefits of eating healthy. It starts with a group of kids who are friends with vegetables. The story is told by a narrator outside of the story who talks about the vegetables, and the things they do for you.

The structure of the book is awesome. t held my attention from start to end with all the interesting facts. It’s an awesome way to encourage kids to eat healthy foods. The book, which gives vegetables different names to call them, explains how different vegetables benefit your body and mind. For example, Scarlet Sweet Potato gives kids more endurance which means lots more time to play outside. Beets make you jump high which is good for sports. Avocados make you move fast, which is good for things like track.

Mushrooms can help improve your mood; so if you’re sad, eat some. Spinach makes you super strong, so you can lift heavy stuff. All these great benefits you can get from eating vegetables are great, and there are even more benefits from lots of other vegetables, so make sure you eat your vegetables and eat healthy. The facts throughout the book are pretty accurate; all the “superpowers” they can give you are true. The vocabulary is good for the target age group. One special feature is the amount of color and all the various types. The book is laid out well for preschoolers and is easy to read.

The message of the book is to encourage kids to make healthier food choices. Many kids do not eat healthy foods these days, and this book shows the benefits of healthier foods.

I give The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. It is available wherever books are sold.

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables
By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really enjoyed the children’s book, The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables. It’s full of helpful, interesting information that can benefit your body and mind through your diet.

The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables is about the numerous foods, especially vegetables, that your body positively reacts to. Each vegetable targets a certain part of the body. For instance, tomatoes boost height, while spinach increases strength. Each kid incorporated has a story relating to a particular vegetable.

I love that this book incorporates rhyme and alliteration. This exposes children to new language styles that will be used in school and beyond. My favorite parts of the book are the drawings, which express how the kids in the book are having a blast with the help of vegetables.

Along with entertaining imagery, this book provides important information about healthy food choices. Ever wondered why you felt energized after eating a certain type of food? You probably ate mushrooms! The way the author, Devin Alexander, balances all these key points in this children’s book is very impressive and astonishing. Parents might benefit from reading this book too – less forcing your kid to eat vegetables. Devin Alexander is known for her culinary work; she is a celebrity chef and has been a New York Times bestselling cookbook author three times.

The message of this book is that vegetables can really make positive changes in your body, and give you your own “superpowers!” Knowing this, kids can be genuinely excited to eat a healthier diet. It’s a fantastic, unique way to encourage kids to eat things that they may not normally want to.

I give The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. It is available wherever books are sold online and in stores beginning January 24, 2023.