{"id":13621,"date":"2025-05-12T06:09:27","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=13621"},"modified":"2025-12-12T12:29:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T19:29:22","slug":"the-lightning-code","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/the-lightning-code\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lightning Code * A Thrilling And Heartfelt Adventure That Blends Science, Friendship, And Courage Into A Family-Friendly Sci-Fi Film That Sparks Your Imagination!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-13632\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightningcode.poster.jpg?resize=122%2C180&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"122\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightningcode.poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightningcode.poster.jpg?resize=691%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 691w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightningcode.poster.jpg?resize=768%2C1137&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightningcode.poster.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 122px) 100vw, 122px\" \/>Teenage inventor Miles Fletcher unlocks\u00a0the\u00a0lost secret to limitless energy, catching\u00a0the\u00a0attention of Luxos Energy, a corporation posing as heroes. Just as he perfects his invention, they betray him\u2014stealing his work and shutting him out. With nowhere to turn, Miles must decide\u2014give up or trust his friends and fight back. In a high-stakes battle of ingenuity vs. industry, he races to stop Luxos before they turn his discovery into a weapon.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, \u201c<em>The<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Lightning<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Code<\/em>\u00a0is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure that blends science, friendship, and courage into a family-friendly sci-fi film that sparks your imagination! With high-stakes action, lovable characters, and a meaningful message about innovation and integrity, this film is a standout in\u00a0the\u00a0genre.\u201d Braedyn M. adds, \u201c<em>The Lightning Code <\/em>is not your standard issue sci-fi film.\u00a0 A complex plot with multiple layers, mystery at every turn, and the trust and chemistry of friendship set the stage to prove that the future is truly what we make it.\u201d Isabella V. wraps it up with, \u201c<em>The Lightning Code<\/em> has such distinctive ideas and uses very interesting concepts to create a captivating story. The concepts and ideas for technology in this film are phenomenal \u2013 not only are they remarkable, but they are especially well designed and executed.\u201d See their full reviews and Ashleigh\u2019s interview with producer Joel Edwards below.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Lightning\u00a0Code<br \/>\nBy Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20<\/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\/7p0H0hY2nK0?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-13631 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-1.jpg?resize=250%2C105&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-1.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-1.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-1.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>The<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Lightning<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Code<\/em>\u00a0is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure that blends science, friendship, and courage into a family-friendly sci-fi film that sparks your imagination! With high-stakes action, lovable characters, and a meaningful message about innovation and integrity, this film is a standout in\u00a0the\u00a0genre.<\/p>\n<p>What I love most about\u00a0<em>The<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Lightning<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Code<\/em>\u00a0is how it balances big ideas, like clean energy and corporate corruption, with genuine emotional moments and exciting twists.\u00a0The\u00a0film is packed with action and mystery, but it never loses sight of\u00a0the\u00a0heart at\u00a0the\u00a0center of\u00a0the\u00a0story &#8212; a boy trying to honor his mother\u2019s legacy and do\u00a0the\u00a0right thing.<\/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\/OVTK8Vsltoc?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-13630\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-2.jpg?resize=250%2C105&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-2.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-2.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-2.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>The\u00a0story follows teen inventor Miles Fletcher (Andrew Reid), who finally cracks his late mother\u2019s\u00a0code,\u00a0an invention based on Nikola Tesla\u2019s dream of limitless energy. When a powerful corporation called Luxos Energy steps in with promises to help, Miles believes he\u2019s found a way to change\u00a0the\u00a0world. But Luxos has its own sinister agenda. With\u00a0the\u00a0help of his best friend Piper, her hilarious younger brother Jamie, and his loyal robot companion Newt, Miles must outsmart a tech giant and unlock\u00a0the\u00a0truth about his invention and himself. Andrew Reid brings charm and conviction to\u00a0the\u00a0role of Miles, making him both relatable and inspiring. Piper is a standout character too, fierce, loyal, and smart.\u00a0The\u00a0chemistry among\u00a0the\u00a0young cast is fun to watch, and Newt\u00a0the\u00a0robot adds humor and heart to\u00a0the\u00a0team.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-13625 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-13.jpg?resize=255%2C107&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"255\" height=\"107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-13.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-13.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-13.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 255px) 100vw, 255px\" \/>The\u00a0visual effects are impressive, especially during\u00a0the\u00a0high-voltage scenes involving Miles\u2019 invention.\u00a0The\u00a0film feels both futuristic and grounded, thanks to its sleek design and real-world themes. One of my favorite parts of\u00a0the\u00a0movie is when Miles and Piper break into Luxos to retrieve\u00a0the\u00a0missing blueprints; it\u2019s full of suspense, clever thinking, and showcases their strong friendship.\u00a0The\u00a0film also excels in building emotional stakes, especially in scenes that connect Miles to his mother\u2019s memory and mission.<\/p>\n<p><em>The<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Lightning<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Code<\/em>\u00a0carries a powerful message &#8212; young people can lead big changes, especially when guided by integrity, teamwork, and curiosity. It promotes perseverance, critical thinking, and trust in\u00a0the\u00a0face of deception. There\u2019s no inappropriate content or bad language, making it a great pick for families.<\/p>\n<p>I give\u00a0<em>The<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Lightning<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Code<\/em>\u00a04.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults who enjoy fast-paced family films with a message. It opens in select theaters on May 9, 2025. It\u2019s a jolt of fun you won\u2019t want to miss!<\/p>\n<p>The Lightning Code<br \/>\nBy Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/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\/5IHE3Jnc07c?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-13629 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-3.jpg?resize=250%2C105&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-3.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-3.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-3.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>The Lightning Code <\/em>is not your standard issue sci-fi film.\u00a0 A complex plot with multiple layers, mystery at every turn, and the trust and chemistry of friendship set the stage to prove that the future is truly what we make it.<\/p>\n<p>Meet Miles Fletcher (Andrew Reid).\u00a0 He\u2019s a teenager like any other, except for the fact he has found the secret to perpetual energy.\u00a0 Hoping to bring his invention to the world, he reaches out to Luxos Energy with the hope they support his project.\u00a0 Unknown to him, Luxos is up to more than just clean energy, and it\u2019s only a matter of time before Miles finds out.\u00a0 With the help of his friends Piper (Sienna Ribeirio) and Jamie (Ryder Khatiwala), he must figure out how to stop this corporation giant, before the world is changed forever.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-13628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-5.jpg?resize=252%2C106&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"252\" height=\"106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-5.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-5.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-5.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/>It might seem like this feature is pretty straightforward, but there are more twists and turns than I expected.\u00a0 Multiple elusive storylines create an air of mystery, and how the parallel adventures from multiple times come together, through code, is fun to see.\u00a0 There are times when Miles might feel stuck, only to find a phrase or a sequence from years before that shows the way through a challenge.\u00a0 My favorite scene is actually one such instance.\u00a0 After Miles learns the truth behind Luxos, he\u2019s not sure where to turn next.\u00a0 All seems lost until a saved childhood artifact reveals the code he must crack for him to keep going.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-13633 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/lightingcode.robot_.jpg?resize=250%2C140&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"140\" \/>Now any good movie has laughter, and <em>The<\/em> <em>Lightning Code <\/em>is no exception.\u00a0 This movie finds its own in Newt, a robot with a wicked sense of dry humor.\u00a0 Built to help Miles\u2019 endeavors, Newt always is there to provide a new side to the argument with hilarious and often sarcastic comments.\u00a0 Of course Miles has more friends than just a realist robot.\u00a0 The chemistry between Piper, Jamie, and Miles is clear as day, and brings the movie further into reality.\u00a0 Director Kali Bailey wonderfully captures the spirit of teamwork as the friends work through the difficulties Luxos throws their way.<\/p>\n<p>This film\u2019s message is that there is always another way.\u00a0 Though Luxos proves to be a serious threat, Miles and his pals find a way through the dark, in order to light up the world.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Lightning Code <\/em>5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to ages 12 to 18 plus adults. <em>The Lightning Code <\/em>releases in select theaters on May 9, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>The Lightning Code<br \/>\nBy Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14<\/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\/J3spefHIps8?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-13627 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-8.jpg?resize=250%2C105&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-8.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-8.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-8.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>The Lightning Code<\/em> is such a unique movie with incredible visuals and ideas. It\u2019s unlike anything I have ever seen, and the mysteries and puzzles always had me invested thanks to their distinctiveness.<\/p>\n<p>The movie follows Miles Fletcher (Andrew Reid) as he attempts to finish his mother\u2019s work and discovers how to harness energy through lightning. However, due to this discovery, Luxos Energy, a company searching for the same thing, attempts to stop Miles from helping the world with his machine.<\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-13626\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-12.jpg?resize=248%2C104&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"248\" height=\"104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-12.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-12.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-12.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-12.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/>The Lightning Code<\/em> has such distinctive ideas and uses very interesting concepts to create a captivating story. The concepts and ideas for technology in this film are phenomenal \u2013 not only are they remarkable, but they are especially well designed and executed. For example, the machine for power is so special and cool looking, and I love how the way it works is well explained. The story is very well-written, with noteworthy plot points and characters such as the protagonist, Miles Fletcher. His character arc is extremely well-developed, and his actions and reactions are all believable as a result of our following his reasoning as it occurs. However, some earlier scenes suffer from a lack of buildup, leading to them to make less of an impact than later scenes, despite their importance. These scenes are helped by the impeccable camera work by Diego Cacho which highlights the emotions of the characters through the visuals.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13622 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-28.jpg?resize=252%2C106&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"252\" height=\"106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-28.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-28.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-28.jpg?resize=768%2C322&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/the-lightning-code-movie-still-28.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/>On the whole, the visuals are extraordinary \u2013 the sets help tell the story and the bigger effects, such as the explosions, all leave their mark. The music choices add a lot, especially in the montages, such as when \u201cThe Spark&#8221; is used when Miles is inventing \u2013 they help tell the story through the lyrics.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is to put trust in the people that you care about, and trust that they care about you. Be warned that there are guns and violence is shown in parts of the movie.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Lightning Code <\/em>4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in select theaters on May 9, 2025.<\/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\/lwXci0wyPfw?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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Teenage inventor Miles Fletcher unlocks the lost secret to limitless energy, catching the attention of Luxos Energy, a corporation posing as heroes. Just as he perfects his invention, they betray him\u2014stealing his work and shutting him out. With nowhere to turn, Miles must decide\u2014give up or trust his friends and fight back. In a high-stakes battle of ingenuity vs. industry, he races to stop Luxos before they turn his discovery into a weapon.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, \u201cThe Lightning Code is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure that blends science, friendship, and courage into a family-friendly sci-fi film that sparks your imagination! With high-stakes action, lovable characters, and a meaningful message about innovation and integrity, this film is a standout in the genre.\u201d Braedyn M. adds, \u201cThe Lightning Code is not your standard issue sci-fi film.  A complex plot with multiple layers, mystery at every turn, and the trust and chemistry of friendship set the stage to prove that the future is truly what we make it.\u201d Isabella V. wraps it up with, \u201cThe Lightning Code has such distinctive ideas and uses very interesting concepts to create a captivating story. The concepts and ideas for technology in this film are phenomenal \u2013 not only are they remarkable, but they are especially well designed and executed.\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":[1978,9103,9114,9119,1783,9118,9109,9111,9120,9113,636,551,1166,1830,9117,9108,9106,9116,49,9115,9105,47,9102,9107,9104,9121,8999,1561,9112,9101,9110],"class_list":["post-13621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-action-movie","tag-andrew-reid","tag-bruce-davidson","tag-bruce-davison","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-dean-shortland","tag-diego-cacho","tag-in-theater-movies","tag-k-c-clyde","tag-kali-bailey","tag-movie","tag-movie-review","tag-movie-reviews","tag-mystery","tag-neil-kelly","tag-nicholas-tesla","tag-nicholi-tesla","tag-rene-ashton","tag-robot","tag-rose-reid","tag-ryder-khatiwala","tag-sci-fi","tag-sci-fi-film","tag-sci-fi-movie","tag-sienna-ribeirio","tag-sienna-ribeiro","tag-special-effects","tag-technology","tag-technology-films","tag-the-lightning-code","tag-theatrical-release"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3xH","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13621","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=13621"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13634,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13621\/revisions\/13634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}