KIDS FIRST! News

Set in 1960s New York when the original book was published, Harriet the Spy follows the outspoken and perpetually curious 11-year-old Harriet M. Welsch. More than anything, Harriet wants to be a writer, and in order to be a good writer, she’ll need to know everything. And to know everything means she’ll need to spy … on everyone! Produced by The Jim Henson Company, the animated series stars acclaimed actor Beanie Feldstein as Harriet, a fiercely independent and adventurous 11-year-old girl, alongside Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch as Ole Golly, Harriet’s larger-than-life, no-nonsense nanny. The first half of the series (five episodes) debuts on Apple TV+ on Friday, November 19, 2021, and the second half will return with additional episodes in spring 2022.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “A sweet series bringing back to life a classic character, Apple TV+’s Harriet the Spy is a fun watch, though its animation doesn’t break any barriers. Each episode of Harriet the Spy has a nuanced lesson – finding comfort in isolation, discovering yourself, and setting boundaries are just a few examples.” See his full review below.

Harriet the Spy

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

A sweet series bringing back to life a classic character, Apple TV+’s Harriet the Spy is a fun watch, though its animation doesn’t break any barriers.

Harriet the Spy follows 11-year-old Harriet M. Welch (Beanie Feldstein), the same wannabe spy popularized by Louise Fitzhugh’s 1964 books. She’s a normal kid, attending a prep school with her friends in an indeterminate time without cell phones and with nannies wearing tight updos. What sets Harriet apart from her classmates, though, is that she embarks upon unique espionage adventures across New York City in a quest to become the best writer and best spy ever. It is unfortunate that only one of the five episodes in the first season deals directly with spying. Regardless, Harriet’s adventures are enjoyable in their sheer otherworldliness. For example, she uses a dumbwaiter to spy on a weary aristocrat.

Feldstein’s voice acting provides the series with a warm tone, and most of the humor springs from her dialogue. There are also a few comedy Easter eggs thrown in there – see if you can catch one in episode 2! The animation is clean and colorful, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. There are lots of hand-drawn lines with an emphasis on natural movement. I wish the animation team had tried something out of the box for Harriet, who truly is an out-of-the-box kind of gal. The show is easy to digest, and very addicting — each of the five episodes in season 1 is 20 to 25 minutes long, and you won’t be able to stop watching!

Each episode of Harriet the Spy has a nuanced lesson – finding comfort in isolation, discovering yourself, and setting boundaries are just a few examples.

I give Harriet the Spy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. The first five episodes aired on November 19, 2021 and five more will air in Spring, 2022.

At Lowell High School, the top public high school in San Francisco, the seniors are stressed out. As they prepare for the emotionally draining college application process, students are keenly aware of the intense competition for the few open spots in their dream colleges. At Lowell — where cool kids are nerds, nearly everyone has an amazing talent, and most of the student body is Asian American — the things that usually make a person stand out can feel commonplace. With humor and heart, director Debbie Lum captures the reality of the American college application process and the intersection of class, race, and educational opportunity as young adults navigate a quintessential rite of passage.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “The college admissions process is one of the most competitive endeavors children in America face every year. As a senior in high school currently going through it, I found this film relatable and eye-opening to the hardships that I and many others are facing.” See her full review and interview below.

Try Harder! 

By Ashleigh Clyde, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17 

The college admissions process is one of the most competitive endeavors children in America face every year. As a senior in high school currently going through it, I found this film relatable and eye-opening to the hardships that I and many others are facing. 

Try Harder! takes us through the admissions process by following members of the senior class at Lowell High School, a prestigious, nationally ranked school. The students in the film all share the same process, yet different personal experiences which make the process more complex. 

The stereotypes of immigrant parents reign true in this documentary. It considers different viewpoints on the different aspects of the admissions process – from test scores to essays. I love that the film ponders questions we will never get to uncover such as, if you should be humble in writing your essay or not. It questions whether you should check the “I do not wish to disclose” when asked for your race or gender. This film also touches on heavy social issues such as the stereotypes placed on African Americans and their academic abilities, racial discrimination in the admission’s process, and the mental health of students in pressurized households. 

One of students in the film mentions a very powerful message applicable to this situation, but also in any difficult situation – “People who apply and don’t work hard, yet still get in, rubs me the wrong way.” This quote exemplifies how, during a competition of any sort, you must work hard and overcome those people making it difficult for you to succeed or to be happy. This film promotes positive social behavior and mentions mental health. 

I give Try Harder! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Try Harder! opens in theatres December 3, 2021. 

Rowena “Ro” is a high-spirited teenager who is experiencing a lackluster Christmas. Ro isn’t handling her parents’ divorce well. She wants her life back the way it was—her parents back together, her dad’s new girlfriend and son out of the picture, and their family traditions to remain the same. After a disappointing celebration with her family, including her sister Gabriela “Gabby,” Abuela Sofia and Abuelo Hector, she makes a wish to a neighborhood Santa for a “do-over” and unexpectedly finds herself reliving Christmas day over and over … and over again. Now, in order to break the strange magical loop, Ro must learn to appreciate her loving family as it is, as well as the true meaning of Christmas.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Christmas Again is full of so much comedy, action and seasonal fun. Imagine your craziest and/or most memorable Christmas and having to live it over and over again! Well that’s exactly what you will get from this new holiday film.” See her review and interview below.

Christmas Again
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Christmas Again is full of so much comedy, action and seasonal fun. Imagine your craziest and/or most memorable Christmas and having to live it over and over again! Well that’s exactly what you will get from this new holiday film. It’s sure to go on your list of movies to watch every year with your family.

Christmas Again follows Rowena “Ro” (Scarlett Estevez) who wakes up on Christmas Day looking forward to another amazing Christmas with her family, but everything is different. While her family is fine with the new way of life and traditions, Rowena struggles with accepting her parents’ divorce, her father’s new girlfriend and new traditions. Ro wants everything to go back to how it was before so she makes a wish to the neighborhood Santa Claus to re-do Christmas in hopes that it will make things go back to normal, but things just get worse. She repeatedly re-lives Christmas Day over and over again. In order to break the loop, Ro has to learn to love her family, but also discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The main character, Rowena, is a teenager that just really loves Christmas and her family’s long standing traditions. One of my favorite parts is when Rowena and her family are playing a game and she knows all the answers because she has played it over and over again each day in the magical loop. It is funny watching her family’s reaction as they try to figure out how she knows everything. I enjoyed seeing all the traditions Rowena and her family had and watch as Rowena tries to figure out how to break the loop. Even though the movie shows the same day over and over again, you will be entertained as Ro learns more and more about the true meaning of Christmas each day.

The message in Christmas Again is that the true meaning of Christmas is about spending time with family and embracing new traditions together with the old ones. Ro must learn to appreciate her family as they are now and realize the true meaning of Christmas. Changes are going to happen in life and you have to be ready to accept them.

I rate Christmas Again 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 6 to 18, plus adults. Christmas Again premieres Friday, December 3, 2021 on Disney Channel.

The Chosen has a new episode! To launch the Christmas season this December, The Chosen has created a special episode about the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. You’ll also see an extraordinary lineup of musicians perform both new and classic Christmas songs from the set of The Chosen.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Calming, musical and inspiring are just some of the words that describe this new episode of The Chosen series, Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers. This episode is just in time for the Christmas holiday and brings a touching story and music revolving around Jesus Christ’s birth. This special event is the first time The Chosen fans gather across the country and they will not be disappointed.” See her full review below.

Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers 
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Calming, musical and inspiring are just some of the words that describe this new episode of The Chosen series, Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers. This episode is just in time for the Christmas holiday and brings a touching story and music revolving around Jesus Christ’s birth. This special event is the first time The Chosen fans gather across the country and they will not be disappointed.

Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers is a two-hour Christmas special episode of The Chosen’s multi-season series. It shows the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. It also includes Christmas-themed musical performances by Christian artists and storytelling from the Bible. 

The Chosen fans will feel right at home watching some of their favorite actors from the original series. The director of this episode, Dallas Jenkins, is known for faith-based media and put this episode together flawlessly. From the songs to the musicians that perform them and even the accurate storytelling, everything is amazing. The costumes, sets and cinematography make you feel like you are actually witnessing Jesus being born. The music is sensational and helps drive the film. My favorite song is Emmanuel (God with Us Forever) performed by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, because it is delivered beautifully and is soothing, inspiring and heartwarming. Fun fact … this entire film was recorded in secret and is the perfect Christmas gift for The Chosen’s fandom. I think it is pretty amazing that the filmmakers, cast and the staff behind the episode were able to pull off such a huge surprise.

Audiences will enjoy the spiritual Christmas music and Bible stories that are included in this episode and it makes a great addition to a Christian family holiday film collection.

I rate Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It will be released through Fathom Events in select cinemas December 1 through December 24. Tickets are available at Fathomevents.com.

Snow White and Rose Red begin to cross paths with magical characters from their fairy tale book! On their adventures, learn the importance of sisterhood, friendship, and kindness. Life can be far from ordinary if you just believe in a little magic.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red is an amazing tale of two sisters. It takes many different fairy tales and puts them all into one film. The excitement and adventure never stops.” Tom W. (KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer) adds, “The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red is a fantastic movie. It is comprised in short episodes that are filled with lessons such as the importance of reaching a compromise if you cannot reach what you want from the other person. The characters are familiar characters from fairy tales we all grew up with.” See their full reviews below.

The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red is an amazing tale of two sisters. It takes many different fairy tales and puts them all into one film. The excitement and adventure never stops.

The storyline follows two sisters, Snow White (Demetra Zorbas) and Rose Red (Callista Zorbas) who go on many adventures together, such as exploring the world of Alice in Wonderland, and helping Little Red Riding Hood. At the end, the fate of the world hangs in their hands in the last original story about the golden key.

I found it interesting that Demetra Zorbas and Callista Zorba are sisters in real life. One thing I really enjoyed about this film are the camera angles; there are some cool shots such as one from a treetop looking down on them. My favorite character is Prince Ferdinand (Angelo Polito). Prince Ferdinand has a brother in the show that appears in the “Cinderella” section who happens to be Prince Charming (Daniel Batista). Angelo is a prince who appears a few times and can even change into a wolf.

I also like the cute little bunny that appears at the end of Alice in Wonderland; he’s an albino. The little bunny is played by a real bunny. As for locations, there are some cool places such as the quaint little cottage, which the characters always return to after ever story. This film is filmed almost completely outside in a forest. I enjoyed the background music throughout; the song at the beginning sets the tone and the one at the end stands out.

The message of this film is to be kind and always help others.

I give The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose Red 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14. It releases on DVD and VOD – streaming and hundreds of cable platforms – across the US and Canada on December 7, 2021.

The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red

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

I like The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red because it’s a lighthearted and enjoyable film. It has a very happy energy to it, and really reaches its intended audience.

This film follows two main characters, Snow White (Dematra Zorbas) and Rose Red (Calista Zorbas), as they embark on adventures. Throughout the film the two girls help multiple characters, including Cinderella, Alice and Wonderland and Little Red Riding Hood. They constantly are doing good deeds, and helping people solve their problems. The girls encounter some troubles along the way, but with the help of some friends, they contribute to the peace in the land.

Something that I enjoy about this film is the genre. The entire movie is very light and relaxing to watch. You don’t really have to think too hard or pay a lot of attention to understand what is going on. Plus, it’s a good length, not too long or too short. Another thing that stands out is the interpretation of the characters. The cast is mainly made up of children, playing roles that were originally played by adults. It is interesting to see how the director creates these characters in different ways. For instance, Rapunzel has blue hair and is in a tree instead of a tower. I personally love the original Tangled and it is cool to see that character brought to life in a new way. Finally, the set designs are really terrific throughout the entire film. The production quality, from lighting to camera work is all exceptionally well executed and makes for a pleasant viewing experience.

The message of this film is to never stop having faith in yourself.

I give The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red 3 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 4 to 9. The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red releases on multiple streaming platforms and on DVD December 7, 2021.

The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red

By Tom W., KIDS FIRST!

The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red is a fantastic movie. It is comprised in short episodes that are filled with lessons such as the importance of reaching a compromise if you cannot reach what you want from the other person. The characters are familiar characters from fairy tales we all grew up with.  

In The Adventures of Snow White and Rose Red the two lead characters, Snow White and Rose Red, meet magical characters from their book of fairy tales. On each adventure, they solve problems such as finding a way to rescue the fairy queen or finding an alternative when Alice cannot be the princess’s knight.

Each story presents new challenges that the princess has to face and solve, which is refreshing from traditional fairy tale-based movies. A child would enjoy this film as it involves typical fairytale characters but drastically differs from typical stories. The costumes are signature outfits that we identify these characters with such as Alice’s blue dress. I like the props a lot, in particular the fairy book.

The movie has some problem-solving scenarios such as when they are rescuing the fairy queen, where the princesses have to solve a simple mathematic question to get the key to bring the fairy queen back. I was disappointed by the simplicity here because I expected something more elaborate. Some of the lessons are things that you can relate to in real life. I enjoyed the issue with Alice where she cannot be the princess’s knight and she throws a tantrum due to that. The story does flow well and I empathized with some of the characters such as when Cinderella is left out.

The messages in the film are to be nice to other people and value the importance of teamwork.

I give The Adventures Of Snow White And Rose 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. It releases on DVD and VOD – streaming and hundreds of cable platforms – across the US and Canada on December 7, 2021.