{"id":11177,"date":"2023-08-30T01:31:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T08:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=11177"},"modified":"2023-08-31T13:33:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T20:33:13","slug":"into-the-spotlight-a-remarkable-film-with-lots-of-singing-dancing-and-romance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2023\/into-the-spotlight-a-remarkable-film-with-lots-of-singing-dancing-and-romance\/","title":{"rendered":"Into the Spotlight\u00a0* A Remarkable Film With Lots Of Singing, Dancing, And Romance"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/intothespotlight.poster.jpg?resize=119%2C158&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11178\" style=\"width:119px;height:158px\" width=\"119\" height=\"158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/intothespotlight.poster.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/intothespotlight.poster.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/intothespotlight.poster.jpg?w=1125&amp;ssl=1 1125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 119px) 100vw, 119px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Into the Spotlight<\/em> centers on&nbsp;a&nbsp;high schooler who grew up writing music with her rockstar dad but always preferred&nbsp;to&nbsp;stay out of&nbsp;the&nbsp;limelight. When her best friend isn\u2019t able&nbsp;to&nbsp;perform, she steps&nbsp;in&nbsp;as her substitute at their high school talent show.&nbsp;The&nbsp;incredible performance goes viral, and she becomes an overnight star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Saniyarain F. comments, \u201c<em>Into the Spotlight<\/em> is a remarkable film! The film includes lots of singing, dancing, and some romance as well. It is also great if you are a fan of plot twists because there is definitely a jaw dropper for this one, it was extremely fun to watch!\u201d Anna Clara B. adds, \u201c<em>Into the Spotlight<\/em>\u00a0is a film full of teaching that I enjoyed and felt thrilled because it talks about success and this film really defines that!\u201d \u00a0See their full reviews below and interview with writer and star, Kate Larson, below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Into the Spotlight&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>By&nbsp;SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic,&nbsp;age&nbsp;15&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hBWh7blAmeQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Into_the_Spotlight_hero_1920x1080.jpg?resize=254%2C143&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11180\" style=\"width:254px;height:143px\" width=\"254\" height=\"143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Into_the_Spotlight_hero_1920x1080.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Into_the_Spotlight_hero_1920x1080.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Into_the_Spotlight_hero_1920x1080.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Into_the_Spotlight_hero_1920x1080.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 254px) 100vw, 254px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<em>Into the Spotlight<\/em> is a remarkable film! The film includes lots of singing, dancing, and some romance as well. It is also great if you are a fan of plot twists because there is definitely a jaw dropper for this one, it was extremely fun to watch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The storyline follows Laura Banks (Kate Larson) who has a passion for singing and songwriting but not the best confidence to do so. She is very shy when it comes to audiences and performing, but when she is alone she sings with grace and no fear. Laura&#8217;s friends, Riley (Marisa Lynae Hampton), Ben (Raphael Ruggero) and David (Justin Sterner) are just as talented as she is. Laura ends up unintentionally falling into fame and, in the process, loses touch with her authentic self. As she juggles with the trappings of success her identity becomes overshadowed, but with the guidance of her parents and friends, she embarks on a journey of rediscovering herself for the better, seeking to reclaim the genuine essence of who she is before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QFtymmJNFx0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> This\u00a0film has\u00a0numerous\u00a0surprising\u00a0turns\u00a0that kept me on my toes\u00a0throughout the entire film.\u00a0There&#8217;s\u00a0the ideal high school drama between the protagonist, Laura,\u00a0and her school bully Violet\u00a0(Isabelle\u00a0Almoyan) who twists up issues and adds fuel to the fire whenever she can.Additionally, there a school talent show where Laura makes her debut with her friends that practically puts her on the map. An important theme is to never be afraid because you might\u00a0miss out on\u00a0something great if you do.\u00a0The\u00a0costumes are very relatable &#8211;gorgeous\u00a0and classy.\u00a0The sets\u00a0are cool as well;\u00a0some are at the school and others are impressive homes, vintage\u00a0retail stores, and fabulous apartments.\u00a0The whole time I thought how this film is both surreal and relatable all at once.\u00a0The songs\u00a0are catchy and\u00a0perfectly match\u00a0the various scenes.\u00a0As for the actors&#8217;\u00a0performances,\u00a0they\u00a0are executed well but lacked emotion. Everything makes sense in the end and none of it is expected.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;The film\u2019s message is to never lose sight of who you are and&nbsp;to stay true to yourself&nbsp;along with&nbsp;the ones you love. Steer clear of those&nbsp;who want to change you for the worse.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give&nbsp;Into the Spotlight&nbsp;3&nbsp;out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.&nbsp;&nbsp;Into the Spotlight&nbsp;releases&nbsp;September 1,&nbsp;2023&nbsp;on VOD!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Into the Spotlight&nbsp;<br>By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TamoUKiKyZc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Into the Spotlight<\/em>\u00a0is a film full of teaching that I enjoyed and felt thrilled because it talks about success and this film really defines that!&lt;p>The story-line follows Laura Banks (Kate Larson), a teenager who is discovering what she wants, and a scholarly event suddenly shows the girl what her purpose is. Everything is right but someone very important to Laura\u2019s career has an idea that goes against the girl\u2019s thoughts and can change her life as well as everybody else involved.<br><br>What I enjoy about this film is how it depicts situations very similar to the days of many students; it addresses serious subjects that we need to learn, including music and singing, which I relate to. My favorite part is when Laura becomes courageous and shows everybody her talent. Laura\u2019s energy is contagious! I like the way Laura\u2019s father is kind to her and is always on her side. I love seeing such a great example of good parenting.\u00a0 The costumes are very typical of what a young person might wear today. For example the t-shirts the teenagers wear to school and what they usually use. The soundtrack is very important for the film and the singers perform them quite admirably. For example, I enjoyed the music when Laura sings and the music in a sad scene made it\u00a0very touching.&lt;p>The film\u2019s message is a reminder to choose friends for quality not quantity, and believe in yourself.&lt;p>I give\u00a0<em>Into the Spotlight\u00a0<\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults.\u00a0 It will be available on VOD and DVD September 1,\u00a02023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8ljcA4tdXIQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Into the Spotlight centers on a high schooler who grew up writing music with her rockstar dad but always preferred to stay out of the limelight. When her best friend isn\u2019t able to perform, she steps in as her substitute at their high school talent show. The incredible performance goes viral, and she becomes an overnight star.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Saniyarain F. comments, \u201cInto the Spotlight is a remarkable film! The film includes lots of singing, dancing, and some romance as well. It is also great if you are a fan of plot twists because there is definitely a jaw dropper for this one, it was extremely fun to watch!\u201d Anna Clara B. adds, \u201cInto the Spotlight is a film full of teaching that I enjoyed and felt thrilled because it talks about success and this film really defines that!\u201d  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[6924,6918,6921,69,6922,1777,6914,6912,6913,6917,6916,6915,6926,6911,6920,1211,6923,471,6919,6925],"class_list":["post-11177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-alena-pitts","tag-anthony-evans","tag-empowerment","tag-friendship","tag-girlpower","tag-high-school","tag-iain-tucker","tag-insecurity","tag-isabelle-almoyan","tag-justin-sterner","tag-karen-abercrombie","tag-kate-larson","tag-kevin-sizemore","tag-leigh-allyn-baker","tag-lisa-arnold","tag-love","tag-marisa-lynae-hampton","tag-music","tag-raphael-ruggero","tag-victoria-jackson"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-2Uh","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11177"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11186,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11177\/revisions\/11186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}