KIDS FIRST! News

Granted unparalleled access, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan takes viewers on an adventure behind the curtains of Industrial Light & Magic, the special visual effects, animation and virtual production division of Lucasfilm. Learn what inspired some of the most legendary filmmakers in Hollywood history, and follow their stories from their earliest personal films to bringing George Lucas’ vision to life. The series is directed by Lawrence Kasdan, and the executive producers are Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Justin Wilkes, Lawrence Kasdan, Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “Light & Magic is a documentary series that will blow you away! Go behind-the-scenes with renowned filmmakers and take a peek at some of the greatest special effects used in cinematic history.” Samantha P. adds, “You can venture behind the scenes of movies created by Lucasfilm, the legendary company founded by George Lucas, which makes all of their Star Wars films and more. Discover how movie magic, or the creation of special effects, is made in each of the six 1-hour episodes.” Selene W. wraps it up with, “If you have any interest in the behind-the-scenes of making Star Wars, special effects or digital imaging, then Light & Magic is a series not to be missed!…Experience what inspired some of the most legendary filmmakers to let their imagination soar into any galaxy or dimension beyond.” See their full reviews below.

Light & Magic 
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Light & Magic is a documentary series that will blow you away! Go behind-the-scenes with renowned filmmakers and take a peek at some of the greatest special effects used in cinematic history. 

Light & Magic introduces audiences to the VFX company, Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, who have produced many of the greatest special effects in movies. George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and James Cameron are just a few of the filmmakers that talk about their experience working with Industrial Light & Magic and how this visionary company changed the way films are made. 

This series has something for everyone. Never-before-seen content from Titanic, Harry Potter, and Avengers is provided in Light & Magic. Rare sketches and concept art are shown, and it’s enough to thrill even an average fan. Hearing how all of these blockbusters like Avatar and Jurassic Park came together firsthand from the filmmakers is incredible. Directors who have taken the world by storm explain in detail where their visions came from and how Industrial Light & Magic helped the visions come to life. By the end of the series, viewers will feel like they worked on the movies themselves. The show, featuring several testimonials and anecdotes from the films’ editors, producers and VFX artists, helps audiences truly understand how it “takes a village” to make a movie.

For any aspiring young actors, cinematographers, and directors, Light & Magic is a must watch. A standout piece of the series is the introduction of the StageCraft, the immersive and adaptable video screens used in shows like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi. It just goes to show how much technology has evolved over the decades and how George Lucas and Lucasfilm have been instrumental in its evolution.

The purpose of Light & Magic is to engage its viewers with tales of how green screens and VFX began, and how various technologies have impacted and revolutionized cinema.

I give Light & Magic 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. All six episodes of Light & Magic premiere on July 27, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.

Light & Magic
By Samantha P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Light & Magic is a good docu-series to watch, especially if you have ever dreamed of making movies. You can venture behind the scenes of movies created by Lucasfilm, the legendary company founded by George Lucas, which makes all of their Star Wars films and more. Discover how movie magic, or the creation of special effects, is made in each of the six 1-hour episodes.

This series showcases the filmmakers from Industrial Light and Magic, which is the special effects division of Lucasfilm. Light & Magic delivers a deep understanding about the background of some very popular movies, including Star Wars, Transformers and Indiana Jones. It shows how the filmmakers persevere even when things are hard and seem almost impossible. The filmmakers have faith in their vision and share how they follow their dreams when other people say it’s not going to work out. It’s inspiring for anyone who wants to work in film or other ambitious creative endeavors. Light & Magic mostly focuses on George Lucas’ vision, Star Wars, since he’s the founder of both Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic, and it is directed by Lawrence Kasden.

In a series that is all about making great movies, of course the production value is great. The music enhances the mood, captivates the audience, builds tension, and makes the resolution more clear. Dramatic music plays as the filmmakers explain how their project wasn’t working out, but energetic music plays when the problem works itself out in the end. These episodes feature over 13 people, including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Dennis Muren, Ron Howard and many more. These are industry experts that any aspiring filmmaker should know about as they begin their own journey in making movies. Light & Magic also shares many clips from movies as examples to help bring their points to life for the audience.

The message of this docu-series is to persevere even when you are doubtful. This message is something that anyone can relate to, but especially artists who must have faith in their vision. Even people who created great hit movies have once doubted themselves, and new filmmakers can relate to that idea.

I give Light & Magic 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. All six episodes are available on Disney+ beginning July 27, 2022.

Light & Magic 
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 

A long time ago in a galaxy, or warehouse, far, far away from a massive studio, a brave alliance of technological wizards challenged the creativity and standards of special effects in the motion picture industry.  These unsung heroes came together and accepted the visionary challenge and used their ingenuity to create and build Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) which is an iconic part of the Star Wars’ lore.

If you have any interest in the behind-the-scenes of making Star Wars, special effects or digital imaging, then Light & Magic is a series not to be missed!  The archival footage gives viewers a peak behind the wizards’ curtains into creating movie MAGIC and collaborative storytelling.  Experience what inspired some of the most legendary filmmakers to let their imagination soar into any galaxy or dimension beyond.

Interviews with legendary directors including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis and Jon Favreau add to the depth of this series and truly illuminate how instrumental digital filmmaking has become to storytelling. The rebel alliance at ILM created a digital revolution in the film industry which expanded into other areas of industry as well, which truly was life changing for many. Viewers get to experience snippets of various special effect scenes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Terminator, Forest Gump, Jurassic Park and Mandalorian to name just a few! These groundbreaking artists under the guidance of visionary George Lucas show us that, just because something hasn’t been done before, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Lawrence Kasdan directs this documentary series and is in a unique position to guide us through the history of imagination and technological change.

The essence of this series illustrates that anything is possible.  This ragtag group of artists accomplished things together that were light years ahead of current standards.  Their hard work and dedication to the project and their craft truly produced something that is still magical today.

I give this documentary series 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  The six episode series launches on Disney+ July 27, 2022. Don’t miss the magic and incredible journey behind the scenes!

Set against the timeline of the blockbuster Jurassic World films, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous follows a group of six teenagers chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Camp Cretaceous, a new adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar who must work together to survive.  In season 5, the arrival of Kenji’s father, Mr. Kon, renews hope of a rescue for the campers. But as the nefarious plans of Mantah Corp. come into focus and one of the Camp Fam turns on their own, the others must band together if they want to save the dinosaurs and ever make it home. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Giana N. comments, “The show Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is back for its 5th and final season. This season’s message and plot are deeper than the rest, because it deals with animal cruelty towards the dinosaurs. Even with that, this is still an action-packed season that you don’t want to miss.” See her full review below.

Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous Season 5
Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

The show Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is back for its 5^th and final season. This season’s message and plot are deeper than the rest, because it deals with animal cruelty towards the dinosaurs. Even with that, this is still an action-packed season that you don’t want to miss.

The final season of this show centers on friends Kenji (Ryan Potter), Brooklyn (Jenna Ortega), Yasmine (Kausar Mohammed), Ben (Sean Giambrone), Sammy (Raini Rodriguez) and Darius (Paul-Mikél Williams) who are hoping for a chance to get found as they are stuck on an unknown island.  As Kenji’s father, Mr. Kon (Andrew Kishino), appears, their hope for making it out is somewhat high, but not for long. Mr. Kon is planting chips in the dinosaurs’ brains, leaving the dinosaurs with no control over themselves. They must work together if they ever want to save the dinosaurs and make it off of the island alive.

Something I like and find unique, is how the kids act towards the dinosaurs. Even though the dinosaurs sometimes try to eat them, they don’t treat them like evil creatures or as if they are always the bad guy. The kids want to protect the dinosaurs and make their lives and environment better. Another aspect of the show that I enjoy is that they incorporated modern items, such as a tablet and phone, to what feels like a prehistoric time with dinosaurs. My favorite episode is “Shaky Ground” because it mainly focuses on Darius and Brooklyn trying to figure out how to cope with what they see and what they know. This episode shows how they are able to work a difficult problem through together. My favorite character is Darius, because he is the most gentle and caring towards the dinosaurs and he is a nice kid in general. I also enjoy the scenes with Ben because he has a great sense of humor. Even when things are not going their way, he finds a way to make the situation light.

The message of Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is that you should treat everyone and everything fairly. What happens to the dinosaurs in this season is unfair and the kids know it. That is why they go out of their way to help save them. This is totally family-friendly and a great show to watch.

I give Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This is also a great show for families to watch together. You can watch this show on Netflix starting July 21, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

Season three of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is set at Camp Shallow Lake, a sleep away camp in California, as the Wildcats and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights and a taste of the great outdoors.  With a high-stakes production of “Frozen” on the horizon AND a drama-filled “docu-series” of the production, the Wildcats will attempt to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W., comments, “Are you ready to join your favorite Wildcats at summer camp?  Then don’t miss High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3.  Adventure awaits as our motley group reunites at summer camp and meets new friends for two weeks of fun in the sun!” See her full review below.

High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3 
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14 

Are you ready to join your favorite Wildcats at summer camp?  Then don’t miss High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3.  Adventure awaits as our motley group reunites at summer camp and meets new friends for two weeks of fun in the sun!

After an amazing year at East High, the Wildcats journey to Camp Shallow Lake in California to start their summer escapade.  What could be better than sleep away camp at a location primed for summer romance, intrigue and high-spirited jinks set in the great outdoors?  It’s an unforgettable summer as the campers prepare for a high-stakes production of Frozen. 

My favorite parts are the audition scenes for Frozen.  I really loved watching everyone dance and sing to some of the amazing songs and enjoyed the dialogue in this iconic production.  I just can’t “Let It Go” how these various auditions are spliced together in Season 3, capturing all the drama and competitive nature of auditions, while still maintaining the positivity and support among cast members.  You won’t be left in the cold watching the talent of this dynamic group.

The music and original songs in Season 3 do not disappoint.  That’s really saying something since the music of this series has been so central to the show’s popularity and success from the first two seasons. Tim Federle (Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer) of High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series really has created a collaborative and supportive environment on set with the cast, which shows in their performances.  The show feels authentic with its teen cast and I really love its positivity.

The essence of this series is that you can personally grow and explore all life has to offer in a supportive and caring environment.  Even when friendships and relationships change it allows characters to embrace their differences and support each other throughout the process.  It’s fun to watch the new experiences and growth in some of our favorite characters away from school expectations and pressures. 

High School Musical:  The Musical:  The Series:  Season 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, but adults will enjoy watching with their kids as well.  Season 3 will begin streaming on Disney+ July 27, 2022 so don’t miss this summer party!

When a wealthy businessman learns of his daughter’s sudden engagement to a missionary, he embarks on a quest to keep her closer to home, but when his efforts go awry he must reconsider what it means to be a strong father.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is all about trust and respect in relationships. It encourages parents to let go of their children when they wish to fly away, and it promotes altruism, both professionally and in personal relationships.” Samantha P. adds, “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters teaches important lessons about family values. This family-friendly movie doesn’t only benefit children; it also teaches fathers about letting go of their daughters, and to know when to step in to ensure a positive future.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is a fantastic mix of romance, comedy and family life. The film is simply a must-see. Strong acting supports a well-developed plot. The message of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is that you have to let people make their own choices, whether you agree with their decisions or not.” See their full reviews below.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is an emotional depiction of the ups and downs of the relationship between a father and a daughter. It’s a superb summer watch.

Wealthy businessman, Steve Parston (Bart Johnson) just locked in a huge new deal based on his daughter Abby’s (Carrie Wampler) pitch deck. Soon after celebrating this achievement, he learns of Abby’s sudden engagement to Oz (Brandon Prado), a selfless missionary based in Mexico. Steve embarks on a quest to keep Abby closer to home and make her a partner in his new venture. However, when his efforts go awry, he must consider what it means to be a strong, supportive father.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters director David de Vos guides this film quite well, especially with the actors’ performances and the cinematography, by Rick Pendleton. Each actor seems comfortable in their role, especially Robyn Lively as Steve Parston’s wife, Connie. The Mexican angle seems a bit underdeveloped; it is rather inconsequential that we learn that Oz and his family are Mexican and run an orphanage in Mexico until the final scenes of the film. I’m not sure that this addition is meaningful and if so, why it doesn’t it come up earlier. The writing is a bit stilted at times, but the emotion with which Bart Johnson, in particular, plays his role helps lift the film back up.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is all about trust and respect in relationships. It encourages parents to let go of their children when they wish to fly away, and it promotes altruism, both professionally and in personal relationships. Note that Christian missionary work is referred to, and we see children acting out in the film at times.

I give Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters releases August 1, 2022 in theaters.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
By Samantha P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters teaches important lessons about family values. This family-friendly movie doesn’t only benefit children; it also teaches fathers about letting go of their daughters, and to know when to step in to ensure a positive future. Based on the bestselling book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by author Dr. Meg Meeker, the movie shares heartwarming values that make the whole family comfortable watching it together.

Actors Robyn Lively and Bart Johnson play Connie and Steve, the parents to Zoey, Abby, and Bridget in the movie. The movie starts with Abby, the oldest daughter, coming home from a business trip and surprising the family with the fact that she’s engaged. Not only is she giving up her career path at her dad’s office, but she is also running away to Africa with her future husband to care for the poor as missionaries with the church. Steve struggles with finding a way to let Abby accomplish her own dreams and start a new path, instead of continuing the dream they have always had together, even the dreams of what her future wedding would look like.

Robyn and Bart who play the believable role of husband and wife, are married outside of the movie, it turns out! I can imagine how this would add more depth to their roles. Abby and her fiance Oz are played by Carrie Wampler and Brandon Prado. While these are the main characters, other actors that are important to the movie include Kayla DiVenere (as Zoey), Arden Myrin (as Crystal), David Barrera (as Carlos), and Maria Canals-Barrera (as Bella.)

This movie is funny to watch, and the set design is exciting and colorful. Learning about the Mexican culture through the bright colors and fun decorations was also very interesting. The writing seemed predictable, though, without too many major twists. Not to give any spoilers, but I could imagine how it would end from the beginning.

The message of this movie is that families can persevere to solve different problems and to build strong futures together. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters has alcohol consumption and breaking the rules with social media. In one scene, a daughter sneaks out to a party with boys against parent permission.

I give Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it on Pure Flix starting on August 1, 2022.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is a fantastic mix of romance, comedy and family life. The film is simply a must-see. Strong acting supports a well-developed plot.

The storyline of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters follows Steve Parston (Bart Johnson), the father of three kids and husband of Connie Parston (Robyn Lively). The couple’s eldest child, Abby Parston (Carrie Wampler) returns to the family home in California after living in Mexico for months. Having had big plans to be business partners with Abby for years, Steve is shocked and unsupportive when she announces other plans. Will Steve learn to live without his daughter at home, or will he ruin everything with her in his refusal to move on?

The story of this film is very impressive, with each character having their own engaging subplot. Rather than awkwardly pausing the primary storyline to build on each of these subplots, the smaller stories develop in the midst of the main story, without viewers realizing it. As a result, there are characters that are cared for, many loose ends to be wrapped up and countless extra comedic and romantic bits in between.

One of the best characters, Crystal (Arden Myrin), the wedding planner, is a perfect addition to the film. She is extremely enthusiastic about her job and very excited to be getting business; she brings lots of light to some of the bleaker, sadder scenes. These sequences provide the right balance of negative and positive energy. Another important aspect of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is the relatable family. This film truly demonstrates how, although family members disagree and argue, each person is seriously trying to help one another and do the best they can. Each of the three daughters goes through one or more realistic conflicts that they solve with guidance from their inner selves as well as from those around them. With a variety of difficult situations shown throughout the film, every viewer will have at least one struggle that is similar to something they, or someone they know, has dealt with. So many different connections allow Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters to reach many diverse audiences. The actors use these connections to make their character even easier to identify with. In particular, Kayla DiVenere gives an amazing performance as Zoey, the middle child in the family.

The message of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is that you have to let people make their own choices, whether you agree with their decisions or not. Steve tries to prevent Abby from making her own decisions, and ends up realizing that it is not his choice to make. There is some minor language to be aware of.

I give Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters exclusively on PureFlix beginning August 1, 2022.

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down tells the extraordinary story of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, her relentless fight to recover following an assassination attempt in 2011, and her new life as one of the most effective activists in the battle for gun violence prevention and in promoting understanding of the language condition aphasia. Featuring extensive verité filming of Gabby and her husband, astronaut-turned-Senator Mark Kelly; interviews with President Barack Obama and other friends and colleagues; and exclusive access to stunning videos taken in the weeks following her near-death experience, this film is the story of a rising star transformed by an act of violence, and a close-up portrait of the marriage that sustains her.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “A beautiful portrait of resilience and optimism, Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down is an uplifting film about Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and speaks to a timely political issue for audiences of all political affiliations.” See his full review below.

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

A beautiful portrait of resilience and optimism, Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down is an uplifting film about Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and speaks to a timely political issue for audiences of all political affiliations. Giffords’ passion and perseverance are not only inspiring, but also enrich the film through her interviews; archival footage and sound bites from her husband and mother are also well-placed and add greatly to the film.

Gabby Giffords is shot through the head at point-blank range at a Tucson, Arizona, Safeway in 2011 while hosting a meeting called, “Congress on Your Corner.” That moment, that one bullet, would change her life entirely, as she went from a powerhouse to a nearly vegetative patient. The film shows some admittedly difficult-to-watch clips of Giffords’ recovery in the hospital. She suffered from aphasia, which took away her language ability, and her doctors weren’t sure if she would ever speak again. Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down follows her journey of recovery and also shows glimpses of her career and the path she took post-recovery. We see a strong, intelligent, inspiring, and spirited woman who has achieved, and is continuing to achieve, a great deal.

The film is edited masterfully and tells a rousing and moving story that enraptures viewers from the first frame. One of the most unique parts of Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down is that we see Gabby speaking in all stages of her journey — hearing Giffords’ voice is one of the most compelling aspects of the film, and it adds many endearing, bittersweet, and motivating moments. And what a journey: She gave up her big job to come home and run the family business, then transitioned to a TV commercial star, then to an Arizona Democrat—while staying an enthusiastic and charming cheerleader throughout. I especially love the scenes where Giffords is singing with her mother; not only does it show the strength of their bond, but Giffords is more at ease because, as with many who have aphasia or other brain-related injuries, her speech is most fluid when singing.

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down is a film about perseverance. Even though watching Gabby go through the relearning process is difficult for viewers, it is also empowering — it shows us that the human spirit, when set on achieving something, will achieve it… and how! Today, she is giving speeches, lobbying for change, and at the forefront of one of America’s hottest discussions: the gun debate.

Though there are mentions of the NRA and a decent amount of focus is placed on Giffords—Gabby’s organization against gun violence—this film, much like Giffords herself, is not particularly bent toward one political ideology or party. There are mentions of politics, violence, and a good bit of gory imagery.

I give Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down 5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down is available now in theaters.