KIDS FIRST! News

Inspired by the blockbuster DreamWorks Animation film The Croods: A New Age, The Croods: Family Tree continues the ever-evolving story of the Croods and the Bettermans as they learn to live together on the most idyllic farm in prehistory. The journey from sparring rivals to unlikely friends is fraught with hilarious misadventures as the two families slowly overcome their differences to turn a tree house divided into a tree home united. In Season 2 Grug, Eep and Sandy enjoy a Crood-ific Daddy Daughter Day while Thunk, bored with the window-TV viewing options, creates a bit of real life drama. Even Gran rocks the boat when she declares it’s time to choose a new Thunder Sisters’ Queen! Meanwhile, pushed to their limits and ready to relax, the parents set out on separate staycations. But with the kids in charge, only prehistoric time will tell if the treehouse will still be left standing.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Giana N. comments, “The Croods: Family Tree is back for another season with even more excitement. With more adventures and more of the Croods and Bettermans, there’s a lot to love about this new season. In each episode, many important lessons are learned, and they are all delivered in such a fun and entertaining way.” See her full review and interviews below.

The Croods: Family Tree

By Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

The Croods: Family Tree is back for another season with even more excitement. With more adventures and more of the Croods and Bettermans, there’s a lot to love about this new season. In each episode, many important lessons are learned, and they are all delivered in such a fun and entertaining way.

Season two continues from the previous season focusing on the story of two families, the Croods and the Bettermans, living together in a treehouse on the Bettermans’ farm. Because each family is different, learning to live together has its ups and downs. And in each episode, we see them overcome their differences and remember what really matters, like many families do. The show highlights different members of the family in every episode, so it makes for good variety in the storylines.

Even though The Croods is set in fictional prehistoric time period, it shows situations we currently experience and go through, always in a hilarious way. We also see different games and activities we play now. For example, in episode 6 Grug (Kiff VandenHeuvel), Ugga (Amy Landecker), Hope (Amy Rosoff), and Phil (Matthew Waterson) are playing a game of beach ball; however, the game is kind of like how we play volleyball. And in episode 3 where the Croods, Bettermans, and Punch Monkeys are playing throw-go-nut, it is very similar to how we play football today. My favorite characters are Gran (Artemis Pebdani) and Sandy (Dee Bradley Baker) because they are fierce and funny characters. They are alike in many different ways, which makes them the perfect duo—you could say Sandy is a mini Gran.

The message of The Croods: Family Tree is that even when times get tough, you can work together to figure things out. Because teamwork “makes the dream work.” This is a completely family-friendly show.

I give The Croods: Family Tree 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12, plus adults. This show is available on Hulu and Peacock, starting April 5, 2022. Go check it out!

One of the most compelling and conflicted characters in Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters comes to the big screen as Oscar® winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “The new Marvel film Morbius has a lot of action, which I liked a lot, though I did expect more from this movie. The graphics are fantastic, especially the way they make Morbius “poof” in and out as he moves to show his super speed. Not only do the graphics and lighting look good, but also the costumes fit each scene perfectly.

Morbius
By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

The new Marvel film Morbius has a lot of action, which I liked a lot, though I did expect more from this movie.

Morbius is about a biochemist named Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) who suffers from a sickness that doesn’t let him walk and limits his life span. Dr. Morbius uses bats to make a cure for him and for his lifelong friend from the orphanage they grew up in, Loxias Crown (Matt Smith), who also suffers from the same illness. When injecting himself with the serum it only makes matters worse —this serum makes the infamous Morbius come to life as an ugly bat-like creature that feeds on blood. 

The graphics are fantastic, especially the way they make Morbius “poof” in and out as he moves to show his super speed. Not only do the graphics and lighting look good, but also the costumes fit each scene perfectly. This movie—one of Marvel’s darkest— can be classified as a horror film due to the violence and blood-thirsty vampires.. My favorite part is when Morbius says, “I am Venom” since this is a reference to the movie Venom which was funny. Another favorite part is a funny scene where Morbius says, “You won’t like me when I’m angry” which is a reference to The Hulk. 

The moral of Morbius is you don’t have to change yourself—you are perfect for who you are. Morbius learned this when he started killing people. He realized he became something that was not him at all and regrets it.

I’d give Morbius 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Morbius comes out in theaters April 1, 2022.

Thirteen-year-old Nate Foster is an unpopular Midwestern kid who entertains vivid fantasies of becoming a big Broadway musical star. In the meantime, however, Nate can’t even get a decent role in his middle school’s drama productions, getting cast as a tree in the chorus instead of the lead role he craves. However, when he and his best friend Litty mastermind a daring trip to New York City, without their parents’ knowledge, to audition for Lilo and Stitch: The Musical, Nate may be on the verge of fulfilling his lifelong dream. But first, he has to overcome a series of comical obstacles that threaten his Broadway adventure with disaster at every farcical turn.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Better Nate Than Ever is a lighthearted and playful musical comedy, filled with showy sets, catchy songs and dreams of being on Broadway. Director and writer Tim Federle is also the author of the semi-autobiographical book, which helps it stay true to the spirit of the story.” Sydney S. adds, “It captured me from the first few minutes. If you’re into Broadway and performing arts, Better Nate Than Ever is for you. If you’re not, this movie has a lot of comedy, and I’m sure you won’t regret watching it.” See their full review and cast interviews below.

Better Nate Than Ever

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Based on the book with the same name, Better Nate Than Ever is a lighthearted and playful musical comedy, filled with showy sets, catchy songs and dreams of being on Broadway. Director and writer Tim Federle is also the author of the semi-autobiographical book, which helps it stay true to the spirit of the story.

Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) is a quirky 13-year-old thespian who loves the theater, but his small town in Pennsylvania doesn’t satisfy his dreams of the stage. When his parents go on a weekend trip out of town, he and his friend, Libby (Aria Brooks), run away to New York City to audition for Lilo and Stitch: The Musical on Broadway. Will Nate get the part, or will he be a bust and never see his dreams again?

This movie is very personal to Tim Federle, the director and writer of both the book and movie, as it is an introspective love letter to himself and his childhood. He wants to show the world a glimpse into what it’s like to be in the theater. And as a bit of a theater kid myself, I love how it feels so accurate in how it shows the processes the characters go through, like auditions.

Rueby Wood, the star of the movie, really shines because of his bubbly personality and beautiful voice. I also love the performances of supporting actors Aria Brooks (Libby) and Lisa Kudrow (Aunt Heidi). Aria seems to care so much about Nate while also finding her true passions. Libby and Nate have such a strong and genuine bond in this movie. Aunt Heidi, the outcast of the family, flawlessly portrays Nate’s supportive aunt and secret idol.

The sets have a perfect and distinctive contrast between that of the boring too-small-of-a-town in Pennsylvania, the big skyscrapers and bustling activity of New York City and the colorful destinations of Nate’s dreams in his songs. The New York and Pennsylvania venues are very realistic and tangible, while the sets of the songs are bright and colorful and straight out of a play.  

The messages of Better Nate Than Ever are to follow your dreams, as long as you are being rational, and never give up because it produces great fruit. The importance of friendship is also a key theme. This movie does depict some risky behaviors such as teens running away from home and teens having a house party while parents are away.  The film also has some bullying and adult references.

I give Better Nate Than Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases exclusively on Disney+ on April 1, 2022.

Better Nate Than Ever

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Better Nate Than Ever is a remarkable film that, at some points, is quite the musical. It captured me from the first few minutes. If you’re into Broadway and performing arts, Better Nate Than Ever is for you. If you’re not, this movie has a lot of comedy, and I’m sure you won’t regret watching it.

The film takes us on a journey from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to the bustling streets of New York City. After being disappointed in the school’s musical’s cast list, Nate (Rueby Wood) turns toward his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) who announces the auditions of Lilo and Stitch: The Musical, on Broadway. Without hesitation, Libby decides to sneak away with Nate to New York City in order to audition. Nate is revived with hope, and agrees. With the help of the people around him, what new adventures will Nate experience?

The lead characters are Nate, Libby, Anthony (Joshua Bassett) and Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow). Nate and Libby make an irresistible team—I can’t think of a better best friend duo. Furthermore, Tim Federle’s work as both the director and writer (he adapted his own novel) is phenomenal, as is the work of the other producers and crew—they made a masterpiece. The casting is well done and the actors absolutely live up to their characters. My favorite part is when Nate calms his nerves in his audition. It was truly inspiring, and I got teary-eyed. This movie’s music is extraordinary. After watching it, the songs were stuck in my head the entire day. The highly talented Rueby Wood and Aria Brooks have angelic voices.

One message of Better Nate Than Ever is to pursue your dreams and never give up, especially when people try to shoot you down. Another lesson is to learn to, as Aunt Heidi proclaimed, “find your light.”  There is some bullying in the beginning, though there isn’t any bad language.. Kids could possibly imitate running away from their households, like Libby and Nate do.

I give Better Nate Than Ever 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Better Nate Than Ever begins streaming exclusively April 1, 2022 on Disney+.

Embark on a global adventure in IMAX, following filmmaker Craig Leeson and UN Mountain Hero Malcolm Wood as they use extreme sports to explore the causes and effects of climate change. IMAX immerses you in an extraordinary journey to the top of Earth’s glaciers as Leeson and Wood hear from leading scientists and impacted communities about the imminent dangers if we fail to protect what’s left of these rapidly disappearing natural water reservoirs. Filmed over four years in twelve countries, The Last Glaciers captures the fragility of the natural world, the impact humans have on our life support systems and the friendship, personal challenges and tragedies experienced by the explorers during their journey. The Last Glaciers brings forward a call to action from the next generation determined to reverse the climate crisis for their own future.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “The Last Glaciers is an informative, heartwarming film that sucks you into the storyline, and really makes you think about your life and the world around you.” Madeleine H. adds, “The locations where this was filmed are absolutely beautiful and discovering how much glaciers around the planet are shrinking is alarming.  Human impact on the planet’s warming is seen in the loss of vital glaciers around the world.” See their full reviews and interview with the director below.

The Last Glaciers
By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!, age 9

I was thrilled and moved by the documentary film The Last Glaciers. Watching the paragliders climb to the top of mountains and jump off is a big thrill. The locations where this was filmed are absolutely beautiful and discovering how much glaciers around the planet are shrinking is alarming.  Human impact on the planet’s warming is seen in the loss of vital glaciers around the world.

The Last Glaciers is a powerful journey made by extreme sport paragliders and mountaineers with award-winning filmmaker, Craig Leeson. Mr. Leeson set out to film the extreme sport athletes who climb mountains and paraglide off them. What they discover in the not-so-snowy- French Alps leads them on a new quest. The team travels the globe and climbs to daring heights, in challenging conditions, and then they paraglide from mountain peaks to film the condition of glaciers on three continents. 

This documentary offers lots of interviews with scientists that study ice cores, from whom we learn about the increasing impact fossil fuels have made on our planet as they compare ice cores that have trapped gasses for over a million years on Earth. A NASA research team flies an airplane equipped with research equipment over uncharted Antarctica to map the changing environment.  From scientific research to extreme sports and paragliders flying off of mountain peaks, we wonder if we are seeing the last glaciers. My hat’s off to Craig Leeson, the director and producer of this amazing film, who had to overcome his own feat of heights and learn how to paraglide in order to create this film. His co-director, Malcolm Wood, shares his skills as a mountaineer and paraglider to assist Mr. Leeson and the team to reach critical mountain peaks that they paraglide from and film the glaciers.  The stunning natural beauty of the French Alps, the Peruvian Andes and the Himalaya’s is captured by expert cinematographer, Cody Tuttle.

This film is visually beautiful and delivers an important message about climate action. Our planet and its inhabitants are at risk of losing important sources of water from mountain glaciers around the world.  We need to reduce our use of fossil fuels to help save the last glaciers.

I give The Last Glaciers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. You can find The Last Glaciers in select IMAX theaters now.  

The Last Glaciers

By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The Last Glaciers is an informative, heartwarming film that sucks you into the storyline, and really makes you think about your life and the world around you.

This documentary follows the main climbers as they take us through their journey of scaling glacier mountains. Throughout the film we learn about how the climate crisis has seriously affected the glaciers, along with the rest of the world.

I really enjoy how informative The Last Glaciers is—it explains how climate change is affecting the world, and raises awareness to the subject. In addition, the structure and tone of the documentary is very easy to understand. For instance, there are lots of visuals, and even though climate change is a complex subject the language is clear and easy enough for the average person to comprehend. Another thing that stands out to me is the quality of the visuals. All of the scenery is beautiful, and even in the extreme weather conditions they had during shooting, they still managed to get good shots. Lastly, the emphasis on the importance of the message is really well done. Throughout the entire film they are constantly reinforcing how important it is that we make a change.

The message of The Last Glaciers is that if we all don’t start actively making a difference to stop climate change, then soon enough we’ll all be affected.

I give The Last Glaciers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. The breathtaking documentary The Last Glaciers opens in select IMAX theatres March 22, 2022.

The raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business. Paul and Zoey Baker are a married couple at the head of a large blended family in this reboot of the 1950 original film.  Together, they parent ten kids – some of which each brought into the marriage, some they have together. They also bring their ex-spouses into the mix, including flighty part-time babysitter Kate and wealthy former pro-baller Dom. Paul is White; Zoey is Black; their kids are White, Black, or mixed race — a blend that offers its own challenges in today’s culture. When the Bakers are offered a substantial sum of money to launch a line of sauces and franchise their breakfast place, they take the money and upgrade their lives, but their new lifestyle makes some things more complicated than expected.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Hilarious, chaotic family fun is headed your way as the Bakers return in this highly-anticipated reboot of Cheaper by the Dozen. The film is a modern twist on the original, with a more diverse cast, relatable characters, current world issues, new family adventures and craziness.” See her full review below.

Cheaper by the Dozen

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Hilarious, chaotic family fun is headed your way as the Bakers return in this highly-anticipated reboot of Cheaper by the Dozen. The film is a modern twist on the original, with a more diverse cast, relatable characters, current world issues, new family adventures and craziness. No matter your age, gender, or race you are sure to find someone you can connect to.

Cheaper by the Dozen is a reboot of the 2001 film of the same name, featuring the Bakers who are a family of 12. It follows parents, Zoe Baker (Gabrielle Union) and Paul Baker (Zach Braff), as they try to balance home life, taking care of their blended multiracial, talented family all while running the family business. Zach is faced with trying to expand the family business and still make time for his family, while Zoe deals with racism in their new neighborhood and constant criticism for having 12 children. It’s an all-around struggle of understanding, accepting change, and family.

One of the biggest differences with this reboot is the diverse cast. It really shows how people from all backgrounds can co-exist. The premise of the show is similar to the original, but with a twist:  Mr. Baker has an opportunity to expand on the family restaurant, and Zoe stays home to manage the family and the chaos while he travels. All of which leads to plenty of hilarious scenes. I love the updates in the film, especially some of the references such as the Black Lives Matter sign in the window of the first Baker house. Even the dogs’ names, ‘Bark Obama’ and ‘Joe Bitten’ are creative. My favorite scene from this film is when Seth Baker (Luke Prael) helps his cousin Haresh Baker (Aryan Simhadri) by teaching him skills to avoid getting bullied at school. It’s great to see how the family comes together to support each other.

The message of Cheaper by the Dozen is that change can be difficult, and everyone will react to it differently even to the point where it causes issues among family members. But we must accept that we are all different and need to work together to be successful and truly happy in life. The Bakers are the perfect example of how people so different from each other are still able to live and work together. The only things for parents to look out for are short scenes where the parents are intimate, mentions of serious topic like racism and some mentions of ‘teenager’ issues.

I give Cheaper by the Dozen 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 10 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Cheaper by the Dozen on Disney+ starting March 18, 2022.