{"id":12400,"date":"2024-07-21T14:59:05","date_gmt":"2024-07-21T21:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=12400"},"modified":"2024-07-26T15:00:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T22:00:03","slug":"new-school-new-family-new-superpower-its-a-season-of-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/new-school-new-family-new-superpower-its-a-season-of-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Me &#8211; A Relatable Take On Tweens And Teens And The Ups And Downs Of Discovering Who You Are"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12407\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.poster.jpg?resize=122%2C122&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"122\" height=\"122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.poster.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.poster.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.poster.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.poster.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 122px) 100vw, 122px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>New school. New family. New superpower. It&#8217;s a season of change for 12-year-old Ben Vasani when he discovers that he can transform into anyone he meets. As a shapeshifter, Ben must figure out who he is and who he wants to be.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kinsley H. comments, \u201c<em>Me <\/em>is a science fiction series that consistently gave me goosebumps. It grabbed my attention from the very first scene. The plot is very engaging and I was thrilled to binge-watch all of the episodes. Be prepared for some mind-bending television!\u201d Ella S. adds, \u201cI really enjoyed watching the new TV series, <em>Me<\/em> because it offers a take that I could relate to on tween and teenage years and the ups and downs of discovering who you are.\u201d See their full reviews and interviews below.<\/p>\n<p>Me<br \/>\nBy Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12<\/p>\n<p><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\/PftbkZ6HfSA?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><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12404 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.c.jpg?resize=220%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.c.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.c.jpg?resize=768%2C433&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.c.jpg?w=980&amp;ssl=1 980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/>Me <\/em>is a science fiction series that consistently gave me goosebumps. It grabbed my attention from the very first scene. The plot is very engaging and I was thrilled to binge-watch all of the episodes. Be prepared for some mind-bending television!<\/p>\n<p>This show is about a 12-year-old boy named Ben (Lucian-River Chauhan) who is anxious about his untrodden world. He has a new family, new school, and newly discovered powers. Luckily, he has a step-sister, Max, (Abigail Pniowsky) to help him traverse all of the peculiar surprises that pop-up. Viewers follow Ben as he tries to untangle the mysteries of his surroundings and finally discover his true self.<\/p>\n<p><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\/xrxcXxdHWyo?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><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12403\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.d.jpg?resize=220%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.d.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.d.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.d.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.d.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/><em>Me<\/em> had my heart racing. All of the characters struggle with growing-up and figuring out who they truly want to be in this world. It is a relatable story with many twists and turns. The super power special effects are very realistic \u2013 from hands bubbling into new shades to swapping of ears. Furthermore, there is a storm that blows through the fictional town of Boatright that made me concerned for the fate of the characters. It has supernatural attributes twisted into a tornado-like beast. All of these are executed flawlessly.<\/p>\n<p>All of the main characters are also perfectly cast. Lucian-River Chauhan\u2019s performance as Ben made me believe that he was a nervous and unsure kid and my anxiety rose as I watched him navigate his surroundings. Max is the opposite of Ben. Abigail Pniowsky shines with her confidence as Max and his ability to keep Ben in check. The supporting actors help pull the show together. Carter Kennedy (Amanda Reid) scared me at first, but I quickly realized that she just might be the key to the mysteries that Ben and Max are trying to unravel. Darren Kennedy (Sharif Atkins) adds suspense to the story as well as introduces an important asset to the unsolved puzzle.<\/p>\n<p><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\/aVO5AeemsFo?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><\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is about discovery, learning what your gifts are and a reminder to not waste them. Be aware that the show does have some violence and dangerous activities.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Me <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The first ten episodes premiere globally on Friday, July 12, 2024 on Apple TV+.<\/p>\n<p>Me<br \/>\nBy Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15<\/p>\n<p><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\/nkDlAfHW4Fo?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><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12401 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.f.jpg?resize=221%2C110&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.f.jpg?resize=300%2C149&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.f.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/>I really enjoyed watching the new TV series, <em>Me<\/em> because it offers a take that I could relate to on tween and teenage years and the ups and downs of discovering who you are.<\/p>\n<p>When 12-year-old Ben (Lucian-River Chauhan) moves in with a new father and stepsister after his mother (Dilshad Valsaria) remarries, his life turns upside down. As Ben is adjusting to a new school and new friends he suddenly realizes he has the ability to shapeshift into anyone around him! The only problem is, he can\u2019t control when it happens and who he becomes. Ben and his stepsister Max (Abigail Pniowsky) attempt to discover what triggers the shift and uncover the truth about his abilities, discovering much bigger secrets along the way.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12405\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.b.jpg?resize=218%2C123&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.b.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.b.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.b.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.b.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The creators of <em>Me <\/em>had a brilliant idea and flawlessly executed it. It\u2019s not every day we get to see a tween superhero. <em>Me <\/em>has just the right ratio of fantasy to real life that makes it relatable to tween and teenage viewers. For example, Ben struggles with being bullied, which unfortunately many kids can relate to. He faces the dilemma of whether or not he should use his powers to shapeshift into and expose the bully, Jason, because doing so would mean bullying another kid. The right decision is not always clear, especially to young people, because we are still learning from our experiences. Even though Ben has these extraordinary abilities, in many ways he is in the same boat as the rest of us, discovering who he is, what his values and beliefs are, and how to do the right thing. The \u201csuperhero\u201d aspect of Ben\u2019s life is balanced by his age.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12402 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.e.jpg?resize=218%2C164&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.e.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Me.e.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/>Another feature of the show that caught my attention are the special effects, especially during the storm. The combination of the sight, sound, the actors\u2019 reactions, and especially the angle from which it is shot makes it feel three-dimensional, as though you are standing inside the tornado. Special effects are also used to show the special abilities of some of the other characters, such as levitation and the ability to shoot ice on command. Superhero fans will enjoy this aspect of the show, plus it contains fast-paced battle scenes, acts of magic, and an interesting subplot following the secret society of PEOPLE behind Ben\u2019s abilities.<\/p>\n<p>The show\u2019s message is that we are always learning about ourselves and discovering who we are. Your identity is unique and you should embrace who you are because there is no other person like you. No one can be <em>you <\/em>better than you can be. Be aware that this show contains many scenes of bullying, both verbal and mild physical violence, but no blood is shown.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Me <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. <em>Me <\/em>releases on Apple TV on July 21, 2024.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New school. New family. New superpower. It&#8217;s a season of change for 12-year-old Ben Vasani when he discovers that he can transform into anyone he meets. As a shapeshifter, Ben must figure out who he is and who he wants to be.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kinsley H. comments, \u201cMe is a science fiction series that consistently gave me goosebumps. It grabbed my attention from the very first scene. The plot is very engaging and I was thrilled to binge-watch all of the episodes. Be prepared for some mind-bending television!\u201d Ella S. adds, \u201cI really enjoyed watching the new TV series, Me because it offers a take that I could relate to on tween and teenage years and the ups and downs of discovering who you are.\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":[4,355],"tags":[8053,8054,1344,2740,2783,2780,8060,3113,8057,1783,8062,8052,8061,8059,1166,2188,47,556,8055,8058,2199,890,7307,1706,8056],"class_list":["post-12400","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tv","category-tv-series","tag-abigail-pniowsky","tag-amanda-reid","tag-amazon-prime","tag-amazon-prime-video","tag-apple-original","tag-apple-tv","tag-apple-tv-kids","tag-apple-tv-2","tag-apple-tvs-me-series","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-expert-reviews-movie-scenes","tag-lucian-river-chauhan","tag-me","tag-me-apple-tv","tag-movie-reviews","tag-sci-fi-2","tag-sci-fi","tag-science-fiction","tag-sharif-atkins","tag-show","tag-supernatural","tag-superpowers","tag-tv-series","tag-tv-shows","tag-tv-shows-for-teens"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3e0","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12400","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=12400"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12400\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12409,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12400\/revisions\/12409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12400"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12400"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12400"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}