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When Theodore Templeton (JP Karliak) gets framed for embezzlement by his employees, he is forced to turn into his baby self and hide with his brother, Timothy (Max Miittelman) to escape from the FBI. While staying at his brother's house, he rejoins Baby Corp. and goes on many secret missions and exciting adventures with former characters and a whole new crew.

Since this show is based on The Boss Baby, Boss Baby: Back in Business, and Boss Baby 2: Family Business, I would recommend watching them in advance as the series references characters and storylines from these movies and show, but it is not necessary. And even though there are several different storylines in the Boss Baby franchise, this series still stays fresh and unique. Although it's not for my age range, it's is the perfect show for young children and their parents to enjoy. The strongest performances of the show come from JP Karliak, Mary Faber and Ariana Greenblatt. JP Karliak as Boss Baby is so funny and excellently mimics Alec Baldwin, who voiced Boss Baby originally. Mary Faber voices Tina, and she brings such a happy and sweet mood to the scenes she is in. Ariana Greenblatt in the role of Tabitha has the perfect proportions of clever, smart and caring that a big sister would have. My favorite character is NannyCam No Filter CEO Baby, voiced by Nicole Byer because she is so hilarious and brings a wonderful personality to the long line of Baby Corp CEOs.

The message of Boss Baby: Back in the Crib to fight for what you believe is right. This show also has great themes of teamwork and friendship, and how everyone deserves love.

I give Boss Baby: Back in the Crib 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 11, plus adults. It comes out on Netflix May 19, 2022.

The story of To Mom (and Dad), with Love jumps from character to character as each does something original for Mother's Day. The main character, Peppermint Patty (voiced by Lexi Perri), has to find her own way to celebrate a holiday that has always been hard for her. By the end, Patty figures out how to celebrate her own unique family. This film shows almost every character celebrating Mother's Day. Lucy (Isabella Leo) tries to make an art project; Charlie Brown (Tyler Nathan) and his sister, Sally (Hattie Kragten), experiment with a lot of ideas; and other characters, including Snoopy (Terry Mcgurrin) and Woodstock (Rob Tinkler) do something creative and unique for their families, too!

To Mom (and Dad), with Love has a theme of embracing differences and being yourself, as well as celebrating moms (and dads) and caretakers in whatever form they take.

I give To Mom (and Dad), with Love 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14, plus adults. It releases on Apple TV May 6, 2022, just ahead of Mother's Day!

Brie Hayes (Devyn Mitchell) is an aspiring baker who wants nothing more than to win her school's annual Spring Bake Off Challenge. The path to victory becomes harder for Brie to see as her view is blocked by self-doubt, issues with her adversary, and tension with her best friend. With a $5,000 grand prize and four Cosmo Land tickets at stake, Brie is more determined than ever to be the champion.

Devyn Mitchell's performance pulls viewers in emotionally. Her acting range is evident in multiple scenes. First, you see her anger when she scolds her little brother Peter (Isiah Givens) for destroying her chocolate cake. Next, you see her discontentment and frustration when she goes toe to toe with her arch-nemesis and bully Vanessa Weiler. Then she shows you her creative and intelligent side when strategizing how to win with her best friend BFFL Millie (Mallory Vertman). This film keeps the competitive energy of baking shows while making us feel like we were walking the halls of middle school. My favorite part of the film was when Brie's Mother, Violet (Jennifer Richards), decides to put Brie and her best friend through intensive baking training.

Brie's Bake Off Challenge reminds tweens that even our worst days are temporary and demonstrates the importance of resilience and determination. There are a series of unfortunate events, and she easily could have used those dilemmas as a reason to quit. But instead, her perseverance has great reward. This sends an encouraging message to tweens facing similar situations.

I give Brie's Bake Off Challenge 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14, plus adults. Brie's Bake Off Challenge is available now on HBO MAX. Check it out if you love cute teen movies, delectable baked goods, and movies with happy endings.

Transformers: BotBots follows everyday objects that turn into mini robots at night after a substance called Energon hits the mall. Things get interesting when "The Lost Bots" from the lost and found section of the mall run into the mall guard as they strive to get back into their original squads. Will they be able to prove that they are worthy of being part of their original groups or will they stay lost forever?

Burgertron (James Harnett) is the main protagonist of the Netflix series Transformers: Botbots. He is a burger transformer, the former leader of the Food Court Squad and leader of the "Lost Bots." The rest of the "Lost Bot" team are Kikmee the soccer ball (Lisa Norton), Dimlit the flashlight (Deven Christian Mack), Cloggstopper the plunger (Christian Potenza and Bonz-eye the Bonsai plant (Louisa Zhu). Most of the adventures take place as the "Lost Bots" try to avoid the flesh being, Dave the Mall Guard (Mark Little). I love how, throughout the entire series, each episode is a new adventure and picks up where the previous one left off -- almost like a movie. One of my favorite characters is Bonz-eye because she is fierce, carries a cool Katana and is the perfect representation of girl empowerment. The series is really funny, especially when Bonz-eye tries to slingshot Burgertron to save another bot and does it with enough force to cause his toppings to spill out.

Transformers: BotBots is about not focusing so much on the negative or changes that happen in your life. The "Lost Bots" were so focused on reconnecting with their original squads that they forgot to take time to appreciate the new friendships they had with each other. Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy what life gives you.

I give Transformers: BotBots 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 13, plus adults. It really has something for everyone, and you can stream it now on Netflix.

In this short film Charlie Brown (Tyler Nathan) is determined to help his team win the big baseball game against Peppermint Patty's (Lexi Perri) team so he can claim the neighborhood pennant. But things turn into a fiasco right before the game when Sally (Hattie Kragten) bonds with a flower on the pitcher's mound and vows to protect it at all costs. Charlie Brown tries his hardest to get her off the mound but repeatedly fails. Throughout her sit-in, all the characters learn to value nature.

What I find intriguing about this special is that it's one big metaphor; Charlie Brown represents the average person, and the ball field represents the planet. Charlie Brown is so obsessed with winning this ballgame that he doesn't see that the ball field is going downhill. Sally represents the new generation, whose focus is on conservation and enhancing the planet. The animation style of this special is the part of the production that stands out the most to me. It is somewhere between the 70s still-frame animation and The Peanuts Movie. In each scene, the lighting is manipulated to make the characters look more lifelike and three-dimensional. It's absolutely beautiful. Though Snoopy (Terry McGurrin) isn't the focus of the special, I still love how his character develops throughout the 38 minute short. By the end of the film, he too realizes how important it is to save the environment. For kids like me who love Snoopy even more than Charlie Brown, this sends a great message. I'm also a big fan of Tyler Nathan as Charlie Brown and Hattie Kragten as Sally; their voice acting really completes the package of the show and makes the plot more believable.

It's The Small Things, Charlie Brown promotes taking initiative, caring for others (whether people, animals or plants), saving our planet and serving as a positive role model for others.

I give It's The Small Things, Charlie Brown 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It's The Small Things, Charlie Brown is available to stream now on Apple TV+ in celebration of Earth Day 2022.

Just in time for Earth Day, Charlie Brown and the gang are back with a special message about environmental protection and using your voice in a fun, yet educational way only the Peanuts gang can deliver! In the new short film, It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown, they are ready to plant flowers, and clean up trash to make our planet a better place. Everyone loves the Peanuts gang, so what better way to spread the message?

In It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown, the main characters in this short film are Sally Brown (Hattie Kragten) and Charlie Brown (Tyler Nathan). In the story, Charlie Brown just wants to play a baseball game, but his little sister, Sally, finds a special little flower on the baseball field that reminds her of herself. She decides she must protect this flower and give it a voice. Sally relates to the flower because she is also small and tends to be lonely and ignored. It is a nice touch that the flower's petals are the same color and shape as Sally's hair.

The film has updates to the animation techniques, but still gives us the look and feel of the original animation we've come to love. I love the diverse cast and how it reflects what our world looks like today. One of my favorite parts is when Ben Folds' original song, "It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown," plays as Sally is singing about the flower on the mound. It really breaks down how we are all connected to the Earth and can come together to make things happen.

It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown shows us how important and easy it is to take care of our planet, no matter how young or small you are. Even though Sally was told she was too small to play baseball, she wasn't too small to take a stand to try to help protect and save the flower, which represents the Earth. Sally was able to use her voice to show how we should speak up to help save the world.

he Peanuts world is known for creating content that prompts conversations for adults and that also inspires young people, and this film does just that. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 3 to 18, plus adults. You can watch It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown on Apple TV+ now!

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

It's The Small Things, Charlie Brown is a funny, inspirational and entertaining movie. Though it's only 40 minutes long it really embodies the classic Charlie Brown spirit.

This film is about Charlie Brown (Tyler James Nathan). There is a big baseball game between Charlie's team and Peppermint Patty's (Lexi Perri) - a championship. Unfortunately, Sally (Hattie Kragten) grows attached to a flower on the pitcher's mound, preventing the game from happening. In the film, we find out what Charlie Brown does about this.

In It's The Small Things, Charlie Brown there are many fun things to talk about. One is the use of the old style Charlie Brown comics. Rather than use the new style of 3D animation, like some recent Charlie Brown movies, this film goes back to 2D style animation, although it still is very high quality and has cool animation. Another thing is the use of words during the practicing baseball scene. When they hit the ball there is a fun "POP!" animation on the screen and it really caught my eye and kept my attention. Lastly, there is a really fun song about how "It's The Small Things" - hence the title. It is a really beautiful song about a dandelion and, while others consider it a weed, Sally promises to keep it safe.

The message of the film is that sometimes it's not about the thing, but the love you show for it.

I give It's The Small Things, Charlie Brown 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 16, plus. It's available on Apple TV+ now - just in time for Earth Day!

Chloe and Theo is based on true events about an Inuit man named Theo who comes to New York to warn people about climate change. While in the city Theo meets a homeless girl named Chloe who helps him on his quest. They are joined by a lawyer, and the three of them talk to the United Nations about the dangers of climate change.

Chloe and Theo has an interesting story a great message about spreading climate change awareness. However, the Inuit man, Theo is often the butt of jokes, which is unfortunate. The story flows well, although there are some parts where it drags and it takes a while to get the plot moving. I was disappointed that there wasn't more focus on Theo's story. The vocabulary is suitable for the audience. Visually, the movie looks quite good. The camera work is good and there are some animated aspects, such as when Theo talks about the Inuit tale of the sun kissing the earth that are terrific. The film provides some insight into Inuit culture, but it isn't explored that much, except for the tale of the sun kissing the earth. People may be inspired by this film to want to learn more about Inuit culture and hopefully about climate change.

The message of the film is about the devastating effects of climate change; it emphasizes the need for everyone to play their part in stopping it. There is some violence. For example, in one scene Chloe fights with UN employees and, although it's not graphic, they drag her on top of the table and restrain her. At another point, Chloe tries to jump off of a building, but is stopped by Tyler. At the end of the movie, Theo is stabbed and killed, and blood is shown on his body and on the knife.

This nature documentary follows the life journey of a mother polar bear and her two cubs. This brave mother navigates through some of the roughest and most dangerous ecosystems on our planet while teaching her cubs all about survival. Environmental changes over the years, however, have negatively impacted these ice bears resulting in an even greater struggle for existence. If these creatures are to survive in this modern world, they must learn to adapt and to pass new survival skills to their offspring which we are able to witness in Polar Bear.

Although the film is so heartfelt and difficult to watch at times, its footage is exactly what we need for a call to action because it creates awareness. If people are unaware of the causes and consequences of climate change, we can't fix it. Directors Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson have created a masterpiece filled with the most breathtaking scenes with each one serving to educate viewers. The cinematography is so captivating, and I especially love the aerial footage. Actor Catherine Keener adds a special touch to the film with her first-person narration of the female cub who shares how the memories of growing up alongside her courageous mother helped to shape her own motherhood.

The message in Polar Bear is about conservation awareness and a need for global commitment to make change. I'm hoping that this film's message inspires others to think more about nature and what would happen if ecosystems were lost forever. Polar Bear also sends the message of the importance of strong family bonds and how for some species, these bonds are critical for survival.

I give Polar Bear 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Adults, especially nature lovers, will also love this film. Polar Bear begins streaming exclusively on Disney+ on Earth Day, April 22, 2022. Mark your calendars and spread the word, this is a film that you don't want to miss!

This show is about Vivian Turner (Audrey Grace Marshall) whose Dad, Ty Turner (Ryan-James Hatanka), uproots their life to go live with his new wife, Rachel Raskin (Laura Bell Bundy) and her son, Roy Raskin (Tyler Wladis). The crew has some hilarious adventures when suddenly Roy and Vivian get unlimited wishes from the Fairy Godparents, Wanda (Susanne Blakeslee) and Cosmo (Daran Norris).

The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder is unusual in many ways. One is that the Fairy Godparents, Wanda and Cosmo, as well as a few minor characters are animated while everyone else is live action. For the actors in live action, they have the benefit of using many other things like facial expressions and body languages as well as their voices. Another interesting thing is that there is a Council of Pop Superstars made up of Dustan Lumberlake (Garrett Clayton) as well as three other pop stars in the show. Lastly, there are some very cool personalities among the characters such as Roy who is more of a classic jock, yet is also very kind and compassionate. And Vivian is a shy person who-- as she gets used to everything--opens up a bit more.

The overall message of The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder is to show your love for your family and to have fun throughout your life.

I give The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It premieres on March 31, 2022, exclusively on Paramount+.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, or Dr. Eggman as Sonic calls him (Jim Carrey), returns to Earth with a new ally, Knuckles (Idris Elba), in hopes of finding a magical gem that holds the ultimate power of the universe. All that stands in their way is Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and his new partner in crime, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey). It's a battle of good and bad to see who will reach the emerald first and win in the end.

The main characters are Sonic, Dr. Robotnik, Tails and Knuckles. I love how this film introduces characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and they just fit in seamlessly. One of the voice actors who surprised me is Idris Elba. His voice is the perfect match to portray Knuckle's strong and confident personality. My favorite part is when Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) and Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter) are at Rachel's wedding and need to open a portal for Sonic; Tom realizes he may have mistaken the wedding ring for one of Sonic's golden rings. It adds some hilarious adventure to the wedding. Kudos to Junkie XL for keeping an "old school" feel throughout the film with songs such as It's Tricky by Run D.M.C. and Here Comes the Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze.

This film sheds light on the importance of having family and friends in your life. They will always have your back and keep you on the right path in life. Sonic and the other characters experience different obstacles that teach them the true definition of a family, even if they come as friends.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is out of this world. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The "battle of the gem" takes place in theaters on April 8, 2022. Be sure to stay for the after-credits movie scene.

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

I really enjoyed the original Sonic movie and this second one, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is even better. I really enjoyed watching this new Sonic movie, especially with his fun, amusing and youthful personality. If Sonic was real, I would want to be his friend. Although, this is more of a little kid's movie, it brings excitement and suspense. The battle between Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and the evil Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) makes this film a "must-see"!

In the story, Dr. Robotnik figures out a way to get off the planet that Sonic banished him to. His goal is to seek revenge on Sonic with a new partner. When Dr. Robotnik arrives back to earth, he goes looking for Sonic and realizes that there is something bigger that he wants - something that can give him extreme powers to take over the world. While Dr. Robotnik is trying to figure out how to conquer the world, Sonic is struggling with self-control. He wants to be a real superhero and do good, but sometimes, he causes more problems than doing good. Soon he will be put to the test when it comes time to face Dr. Robotnik.

My favorite part of the movie is the ridiculous plan Dr. Robotnik makes to get off the planet he is stuck on. I also like Sonic's character which is relatable to young teenagers. His funny and quirky personality really embodies how a 13-year-old child really acts. Sonic's characteristic demonstrates how it would look if a child his age had the same power as Sonic and what they would do with it. The animation and quality of the effects are impressive! How they made the real people interact with the animation seems so realistic.

The messages of the movie are discovering what it means to be a true hero, making new friends, and not giving up. There was a little foul language at the beginning of the movie--I felt the movie would have been great without using inappropriate language and some innuendo. Older kids and adults will probably understand what they are insinuating.

I give Sonic the Hedgehog 2, 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-18, plus adults. It's a family-oriented movie and everyone can enjoy it. It can be found in theaters near you on April 8, 2022.

By Ava C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Our familiar blue hedgehog friend Sonic is back with new adventures in Sonic the Hedgehog 2! This film has an exciting plot that moves at the perfect pace, sure to make the audience yearn for more.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 focuses on Sonic (Ben Schwartz) as he's becoming more familiar with his new life in Green Hills. While Tom (James Marsden) is away from home at a wedding, Sonic realizes that Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is back and he's not alone. Doctor Robotnik has a new sidekick named Knuckles (Idris Elba) who gives Sonic and his new sidekick Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), a run for their money. When Doctor Robotnik and Knuckles try to capture a sacred emerald that belonged to Sonic's family, Sonic and Tails have to try to stop them before evil takes over.

The humor in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is why I would watch it again. This especially goes for the scenes with Rachel (Natasha Rothwell). As her desire for the perfect wedding increasingly gets ruined and her banter with the characters increases, it makes her a really lovable character. Natasha Rothwell's body language and the acting choices she makes are commendable and really drew me in. That being said, I was a little disappointed about how little she was displayed at the end. She is a vital character in the beginning, since she is the whole reason Tom is away from Sonic. However, she then disappears and I wondered when her humorous contribution was coming again. Knuckles is against Sonic the whole time, and then they finally get to know each other, which opens up a lot of room for interpretation and possibly another movie. Now that Sonic has people he can rely on, that can be used to continue to build his story.

The message of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is that sometimes people are just misunderstood. You have to get to know a person before you can truly understand what they're going through and why they make certain decisions. Sonic didn't know why Knuckles was the way he was, but when he hears his story and gets to know him, it is easier for them to see eye to eye.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a very fun movie to watch. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. Everyone will find something they enjoy and can look back on to laugh at. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 releases in theatres April 8, 2022. Make sure you check it out!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 14

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 by Jeff Fowler is absolutely hilarious! This is a must see for all ages, everything from the quirky comebacks to the feel good feeling family moments.

Sonic wants to prove that he is a real hero, and can take care of his community. When Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) comes back to earth, he is surprised by his side villain, Knuckles (Idris Elba) who wants to steal the emerald that can destroy the whole universe. Sonic needs to protect the emerald, so he recruits his sidekick Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) to try to find the emerald. The two of them go through a lot of adventures and triumphs.

This film had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and what stood out to me the most were the special effects. They are so colorful and realistic. Sonic, Tails and Knuckles all look so fluffy and soft. My favorite scene is the dance party and I even learned some new moves. It's amazing how one of my favorite video games has turned into one of my favorite movies. My favorite part of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is when Sonic's fuzz turns gold, much to the surprise of everyone. I love how we see Sonic grow throughout this film. He learns how to be brave for his family.

The message of this film is that family is everything!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters April 8, 2022.

By Sariah Rodriguez, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is an exhilarating film that many young movie-watchers have been anticipating since the first one came out. The sequel shows the growth of Sonic and how he has matured since the last movie. The messages, actors and action-packed scenes will be sure to captivate audiences too.

After the first film, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has found his place in his town, living comfortably with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). But, he makes it his mission to go around helping others to prove he is the hero of the town. While Tom and Maddie are in Hawaii for a wedding, Sonic has the house all to himself and plans to just relax, eat and watch TV. All of that changes when Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) comes back with a new sidekick named Knuckles (Idris Elba). Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles are looking for a very powerful emerald and they think Sonic can show them where to find it. Sonic has to team up with a sidekick of his own, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), as they face off with Robotnik and Knuckles in an unforgettable battle to the emerald.

What I really like about this movie, and what I think others will enjoy as well, is the acting and the humor. One of my favorite scenes is when Rachel's (Natasha Rothwell) wedding gets ruined. You can really tell by her facial expressions and her tone that she is genuinely angry that her beautiful wedding is destroyed. I also like the fighting scene between Robotnik and Sonic because it is full of action and shows what can happen if you never give up. Like people say - "if you fall down you get right back up" - and that is what Sonic does. My favorite character in this film is Sonic because he is funny, has perseverance, and is a bit childish, which I can sometimes relate to. I also like Knuckles because he acts so serious, but acts funny at the exact same time without any intention. I think these two characters have the potential to be everyone else's favorite too.

The message of this film is that being a hero doesn't mean looking out for yourself; it means doing a lot for others and caring for others. This message is shown multiple times throughout the film and it is shown in many different ways that will draw viewer's attention. This film is completely family-friendly.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters April 8, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

By Giana Nesmith, KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is an ideal sequel, including many of the best parts of the first movie while expanding the sandbox in which it plays. The first Sonic was a fairly traditional road movie, but this sequel bounces back and forth between being a superhero movie, a fantastical adventure, a coming-of-age story and a family comedy.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 follows our favorite speedy blue hedgehog Sonic (Ben Schwartz) on another adventure, this time even greater than his last. He's found a home with humans Maddie (Tika Sumpter) and Tom (James Marsden), who--in trying to be a father to Sonic--warns him of the great responsibilities that come with power he possesses. Sonic, in the meantime, is acting as a vigilante, stopping robberies and preventing low-level crimes in the areas surrounding his hometown of Green Hills. When Maddie and Tom head to Hawaii, Sonic gorges himself on junk food, blasting music throughout his house and taking full advantage of his "parents" absence until his shenanigans are brought to a halt by the arrival of a familiar enemy. That's right, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) has returned from his exile to a mushroom planet, and he's brought an angry, red echidna with him named Knuckles (Idris Elba) who also has beef with Sonic. Fortunately, Sonic has a new ally in a double-tailed creature who wants to help him in his fight against Robotnik and Knuckles, aptly named Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey).

This may be a Sonic movie but you can't cast Jim Carrey and not expect him to make every moment his own. Carrey brings more of the same hyped-up energy to Ivo Robotnik that made him stand out in the previous Sonic installment--the only live-action actor in this movie constantly animated enough to rival that of the actual animated characters he interacts with! I will admit, sadly, there is less Carrey in this movie than in the first, but that's because there's so much more going on. With the addition of Tails and Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 goes all in on the richness and, arguably, the insanity of Sonic's lore. And if the post-credits scene that drew excitement and cheers from the audience I saw this with is any indication, this is only the beginning of exploring the expansive worlds and cast of characters that come with Sonic.

You should be aware that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 does have some rude humor and action violence that may be a little intense for younger viewers.

I give Sonic the Hedgehog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for 8-18, plus adults. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 speeds into theaters April 8, 2022. If you're feeling the "need for speed," I'd say go check this one out.

By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

The newly-released Sonic the Hedgehog 2, by filmmaker Jeff Fowler, is exhilarating, action-packed, and fresh. This two-hour film brings back all the fan-favorite characters, including Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), my personal favorite! That's not all--this film also reveals more about our favorite blue hedgehog that we didn't know before. Let's dive in.

The storyline follows Sonic (Ben Schwartz) as he uncovers new powers, becoming a teenager, and once again saving the world from the manic Dr. Robotnik. Yup, you heard right: Dr. Robotnik has returned to Earth, but not alone! He is accompanied by a new ally, Knuckles the Echidna. However, Dr. Robotnik isn't the only one with a determined ally by their side--Sonic meets a new friend named Tails. Together, they go through numerous challenges and even moments of failure, ultimately fighting to protect the "Master Emerald", which was left behind to be watched over by Sonic's most valuable friend, Longclaw. The question is: will they be successful?

My favorite character is most definitely Rachel, portrayed by writer, actress, teacher and comedian, Natasha Rothwell, who is hilarious. Rachel, the long-time best friend of Maddie, Sonic's mother, has been a fan favorite since day one and hasn't lost the title. In this film, Rachel falls madly in love with a young man named Randall, and even marries him. Well, before he can even put the ring on her finger, it is revealed he is actually an undercover agent working to track down Sonic the Hedgehog. Although her wedding doesn't work out the way she planned, Rachel and Maddie team up and work together to help Sonic and his friends complete their mission. She also brings many laughs and memorable moments.

My favorite part of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is when Dr. Robotnik finally gets his hands on the "Master Emerald." Actually, let me rephrase... I wasn't totally thrilled knowing Dr. Robotnik can use that emerald to completely wipe out the entire existence. I was excited how Sonic and Knuckles decide to team up and stop Dr. Robotnik, because they both finally realize they have more in common than they ever would have thought. They both come to the conclusion that they both want the emerald for the greater good, unlike Dr. Robotnik. Sonic helps save Knuckles' life, and Knuckles repays him by doing the same.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has many unexpected moments and even makes you want to close your eyes at some points. This film will most definitely make you get up out of your seat. The message of this film is: It's never wrong to learn to set aside differences with people--we may all be unique and share different opinions, and yet showing kindness and doing good can never go wrong.

I give Sonic the Hedgehog 25 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. It is available now in theaters.

The story follows Ghillie Dhu (Huck Whittle), an elf that you can only see when wearing a special necklace. When a girl he meets in the forest moves away, he goes in search to find her, only to realize that that young girl has grown up. He then finds Jessie (Julia Brown), who he believes is that young girl from all those years ago. Jessie has just started a new job at her mother's salon, and it turns out that this elf may just be the thing she needs to become the next big hair stylist.

Jessie deals with her mother freezing her out as well as trying to get her to notice the amazing things she can do--Julia portrays these characteristics really well. Huck Whittle is a newcomer making his debut in this film--his character, Ghillie, is very comedic about how he searches for his childhood friend. He discovers various things that he didn't have in the woods--one of my favorites being fizzy juice. Jessie's mother, Valerie, (Gail Watson), the owner of the hair salon, plays a very big part in the end, but I won't say too much. My favorite part of the salon storyline is when Jessie discovers Ghillie, and he creates some amazing hairdos. I love the forest at the beginning of the movie where Ghillie's home is set--it is beautiful, and highlights the amazing scenery that Scotland has to offer.

The message of the film is that the truth will always come out in the end, and it will have its perks--good and bad.

I give Jessie and the Elf Boy 3 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it for ages 8 to 11, plus adults. The film will be released April 1, 2022 to digital platforms.

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!

This nostalgic movie, set in suburbs of Houston in 1969, follows the childhood of Stan, who is voiced by Milo Coy as a child and Jack Black as an adult. The pressure to get to the moon is ever growing, but NASA builds the lunar module too small, so they turn to Stan to do the job before astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins suit up for their famous Apollo mission. Unfortunately, Stan cannot tell anyone, not even his family.

The animation is one of the coolest things about this movie and really sets it apart from other animated films I've seen. It is a mix of live action with hand drawn and computer animation. I also enjoy how accurate it is to the era, so that as a period piece it does not feel artificial. All the clothes, houses, dialogue, objects and even actions reflect that of the time. I always hear my parents talk about their childhood during this era, but I could never really imagine it until I saw this movie. Jack Black is the perfect choice to play adult Stan as his accent is so subtle and his tone is perfect to play an older Stan. And Milo Coy wonderfully captures the personality of a 10 and � year old.

The message of Apollo 10 �: A Space Age Childhood is that mistakes are okay and that not everything is always as it seems. This movie shows some unhealthy and unsafe practices, which were more common in the 1960's, like smoking, riding in the back of a pickup truck or in cars without seatbelts, and playing with fireworks in the middle of a street. However, the narrator, the adult version of Stan, explains how dangerous these behaviors are. There are also a couple of graphic injury scenes and slight profanity.

I give Apollo 10 �: A Space Age Childhood 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Anyone who loves space and maybe even remembers the actual lunar landing will definitely enjoy it also. This movie premiered at South by Southwest on March 13, 2022 and will be on Netflix on April 1, 2022.

Jack Davis (Taylor Gray) is adrift in life and afraid to pursue his goals. He loves soccer and has dreamed of playing professionally for his father, the legendary Coach Davis (Kelsey Grammar) who also owns the Carolina Mantis soccer team. Jack was cut from the team before he ever played a professional game while his older brother Sam (Adam Aalderks) has become the team's All-Star goalie. Jack has always played in his brother's shadow both on and off the field and their relationship has resulted in many of his insecurities. Jack turns to his ex-girlfriend Sofia (Ally Brooke) for support, and her thoughtful, and, at times, tough love, helps him overcome his lack of confidence and direction.

This really is an ensemble cast put together by Russell Boast and Debi Manwiller, and I enjoyed the interaction between all of the different groups within the movie. The importance of family is felt in the large Davis clan headed by Kelsey Grammar who has some difficult and emotional scenes with Taylor Gray. The relationships between the brothers and other family members also seem very real. In addition to the familial relationships, there is also the support of his social groups such as team members and coaches, as well as his tight circle of friends. Pop singer Ally Brooke, who plays his love interest Sofia, is an inspiring recording artist in the film, and I enjoyed the scenes where her music inspires him--she performs the title track for the movie as well. Another interesting fact is that Brianna Scurry (Coach Scurry) who portrays the first-ever female head coach of a professional men's soccer team is also a legendary U.S. Goalkeeper, World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.

The message of this film is that family is everything. Even if you have very little wealth, if you have the love and support of your family you are blessed with more than real gold. Another important message in this film is to have grit and show everyone what you're made of. Don't accept other people's expectations regarding your abilities or limits.

I rate High Expectations 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. High Expectations premieres exclusively in over 850 theaters nationwide on April 7, 2022 for a special one-night-only event with Fathom Events. Don't miss your opportunity to view this uplifting film.

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

If you're in search of a family drama or sports movie, High Expectations has it all. The storyline is fantastic, with many relatable characters and experiences, and a few important themes expressed throughout the story. However, the acting isn't all it could be, with various characters slightly underdeveloped.

High Expectations follows Jack Davis (Taylor Gray) three years after being cut from his father's (Kelsey Grammer) Division 1 soccer team. Having always been in the shadow of his star brother, Sam Davis (Adam Aaiderks), Jack longs to prove that he has athletic abilities too. With family issues and romantic conflicts along the way, Jack's journey to play for the Davis family's rival team is one entertaining hour and a half.

This film has numerous strong points. The storyline is the best element--it is relatable and realistic, including many aspects of life. Love is portrayed through Jack and his ex-girlfriend, Sofia (Ally Brooke) on their adventure through breakups, proposals and breakups again. Jack's family issues--though probably more extreme than many viewers' own experiences--replicate modern familial conflicts. His friendship with Eddie (Tyler Chase) makes for heartwarming segments of the film, when Eddie shows how wonderful a friend he is. Their support for each other, while having plenty of fun, provides a good model for healthy friendships. The sad moments when Jack is having an intense anxiety attack or struggling with anger issues make the film relatable. The locations for the soccer games are well chosen--they show Jack's transformation from being just a local industrial league player to a professional soccer player. First, he plays on a poor quality grass field with a few bleachers. Later, he's on a turf field stadium with thousands of seats. The sets provide an easy way to differentiate the two opposites, especially when the plot moves so fast that it's slightly confusing. While not a clear shortcoming, the acting and character development doesn't reach the level of the plot. Taylor Gray as Jack has the top performance, excelling at portraying the struggles of anxiety, anger, and dealing with a mostly unsupportive family along with the romance and friendships. For the most part, the rest of the characters aren't as completely developed by the actors as the writers gave them room to be.

The message of High Expectations is to value the time you have with the people you love. Jack spends years hating his dad, but never gives him a chance to strengthen their father-son bond, until it could be too late. High Expectations reminds us we don't know what other people are going through and cautions us about making assumptions; and it expresses the theme of resisting drugs. Adults should be aware of some profanity, plus alcohol and drug use, as well as some heavy topics.

High Expectations gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me, and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can view High Expectations in participating theaters on April 7, 2022.

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

High Expectations is the perfect representation of millennial life! An extremely relatable protagonist and a fan favorite sport will leave you wanting to watch this film again several times.

High Expectations follows Jack Davis (Taylor Gray), a young soccer player who was recently cut from his father's soccer team. Jack can't seem to catch a break, especially after his recent breakup with his girlfriend. Jack learns to navigate life as his family expects more of him and he learns to grow into himself.

This movie is very relatable. Many viewers will see themselves in Jack, a young adult who second guesses himself and never seems to do anything right. Jack has trouble finding his place in the world and proving his worth to everyone, including his own parents. After being kicked off his dad's team, Jack digs deep inside of himself and learns that he only needs his own approval. This speaks to many young adults, and even younger audiences that may feel lost in the word. To see a character that is such a mess learning to take things day by day makes this refreshing and keeps viewers engaged the entire movie. By the end of the film, I wanted to know more about Jack, as if I was his longtime friend. The acting all around is phenomenal. The simplicity of the performances of each actor stands out, making it seem as though we're watching a reality show, not scripted dialogue. The chemistry Jack and his ex-girlfriend Sofia have is extraordinary. Without revealing too much of their history, we see the tension expressed by the two actors and feel how much Jack is still in love with her.

The message Jack learns is to love and respect himself. Jack struggles with gaining the approval of his friends, his family and especially his father. Once he learns to blaze his own trail and stand up for himself, he's viewed in a different light.

I give High Expectations 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 15 to 18 plus adults. It is available in theaters April 7, 2022.

By Heather Suarez, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

High Expectations is a suspenseful film, filled with surprises and romance. The film is also great to watch if you are a soccer fan.

High Expectations digs deep into the life of soccer player Jack Davis (Taylor Grey), a man who is trying to find his path in life with a soccer career but keeps getting discouraged along the way. Jack is struggling throughout this time but his best friend Eddie (Tyler Chase) and his ex-girlfriend Sofia (Ally Brooke) help push him to make good decisions so he can conquer the conflicts he has. As time goes along, Jack starts improving himself so he can continue a real career in soccer.

As far as the storyline goes, it's very relatable. I would find it difficult to live in someone's shadow and that would block me from who I truly am--which is how Jack feels when compared to his successful brother. My favorite part is the ending when Jack sees his true potential and puts all his work and effort into how he plays his games. I love how this film is relatable to many people and shows the struggles within people's families and how it affects them. The story's ending is happy and includes a milestone for Jack to pass, which viewers will see if he does.

The message of High Expectations is that you should never give up on your dreams. Never give up on love. And never give up on your family. There is some language that would be inappropriate for younger viewers.

I give High Expectations 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, plus adults. High Expectations is set to premiere in theaters on April 7, 2022.

The Adventures of Peanut and Pig follows a diverse team of interesting characters living on the Island of Goola, as they desperately try to save their floating island from sinking. Something is causing this paradise island, held afloat by the Goola Juice Bubble Maker, to gradually sink beneath the waves--it's up to two rival monkeys, a scientist bunny, and a comical pig to figure it out. Although these characters are unwillingly thrown together to save Goola, each brings a different strength with them, which helps with their quest.

Scenes in The Adventures of Peanut and Pig move a bit fast, making it difficult at times to follow; however, the animation is so captivating that it doesn't seem to matter. Those cast for the voiceover roles fit each character perfectly and help to bring the characters to life. Some of the humor may be outside of the film's target age group, but those funny one-liners and gags can easily hook young adults into loving the movie as well. Overall, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is full of so much energy that it makes loving the film easy.

The main message of The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is about the benefits of working together despite your differences. Working together can even strengthen relationships resulting in close friendships. The film also demonstrates perseverance and courage. The misfit team doesn't give up on their mission to save Goola, but, rather, they work together with their differences to help solve the problem.

I give The Adventures of Peanut and Pig 3 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to ages 5 to 13. The Adventures of Peanut and Pig releases April 5, 2022 and can be viewed on streaming and cable platforms.

If you're looking for a fun and animated film for young kids, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is a perfect fit. Bright and colorful animation combines with a unique story to deliver a film packed with excitement. A variety of creatures truly emphasizes the theme of diversity.

In The Adventures of Peanut and Pig, Goola, an island of paradise, is in danger of sinking, as it did before, and panic is spreading. Unlike last time, Peanut (Louis Ferreira) has no genius inventions that can keep the island afloat. Peanut and Pig (Peter New) team up to adventure across the island and try to save the day. In order to save Goola, Peanut and Pig must navigate the ups and downs of their unlikely friendship. This sets in motion a fantastic storyline for this kid-friendly movie.

While slow at times, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig has an excellent plot. It incorporates a couple of important themes by displaying how to have a healthy friendship and how to properly disagree. Throughout the intriguing primary storyline, sprinkles of side plots and surprises make the film extra interesting--although the story can sometimes be a bit too complicated. Both action and dialogue scenes can range from slow to very fast-paced, and when they're on the speedy side, it can be difficult to follow the action. This is especially noticeable when the world of Goola is being explained, and it's hard to grasp the important elements. Subtle comedy enters exactly when the audience needs it to, with short breaks in the intensity allowing for laughs in the midst of action. This humor is specifically aimed at kids, as it grabs their concentration when it might be slipping. The tone of the comedy is also very much geared towards a younger age group.

The message of The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is to value friendship even when faced with a crisis. Peanut and Pig don't have a perfect relationship, but they still manage to work together during a scary time.

I give The Adventures of Peanut and Pig 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 8. The Adventures of Peanut and Pig releases on streaming and cable platforms April 5, 2022 and on DVD April 19, 2022.

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is a colorful and lively animated family movie. The humor is perfect for younger audiences and will keep them engaged while also teaching them great lessons about teamwork and friendship.

Goala is a beautiful paradise island with all kinds of animals living in harmony, until it starts sinking. So a scientist bunny, a mechanic pig and two rival monkeys must work together to save Goala before it is destroyed.

Although predictable at times, this storyline will entertain young audiences and keep them engaged the entire length of the movie. The backgrounds, specifically the island itself, is very bright and fun with twisting tubes carrying bubble fluid and rivers and oceans filled with purple water. The voice actors give their characters unique personalities. The original songs are very catchy and creative while also having sweet messages. The comedy is definitely meant for younger audiences.

The messages of The Adventures of Peanut and Pig are that you must work together to accomplish things and that you can find friendship in unexpected places and times.

I give The Adventures of Peanut and Pig 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 10. This movie is available on digital April 5, 2022 and on DVD April 19, 2022.

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.

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

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+.

The film is about the relationship between a boy, Billy (Quinn Friedman), and his dog during the pandemic while his parents are having marital difficulties.

The story line is uplifting and very realistic. A lot of children experience their parents having fights, similar to this boy. But, his dog rescues him and brings him joy. The camerawork is excellent, especially the close-ups of the boy's face. The lighting and audio are excellent. The costumes are typical daily wear by contemporary kids. The location is inside and outside a beautiful house. The music is perhaps a bit saccharine, but it suits the storyline. Most importantly, the boy tries various things to entertain himself; he weeps as he listens to his parents argue; finally, he realizes that his dog is there to keep him company, play with him and absorb his tears. The boy, played by Quinn Friedman, shows real emotions throughout the film and, even though there is no dialogue, you can completely identify with him. My favorite part is when the boy turns to his dog as he sleeps in his arms.

The message of about how much joy an animal can bring into our lives, even when things are not going very well.

Team Zenko Go focuses on a group of kids named Niah (Nakai Takawira), Jax (Dominic Mariche), Ellie (Penelope Good), and Ari (Hartley Bernier), who live in a town called Harmony Harbor. Together, they are Team Zenko. The people who live in Harmony Harbor think their town is the happiest place on Earth, and it's all because of Team Zenko, who, in their free time, devote themselves to anonymously doing good deeds. The best Zenkos are the ones that are kept secret.

What makes this show unique is that the kids aren't doing good deeds for fame and glory. They are doing it just to be nice and to help out. In fact, this is probably my favorite aspect of the show. Another thing I like about this show is the diversity. For example, Ari is in a wheelchair which demonstrates that just because you have a disability doesn't mean you can't accomplish things you would be able to do without it. My favorite character is Ari because he is optimistic and intelligent for his age. For example, in episode one, when Ari messes up his first mission, he gets kicked out of the team. But he uses his intelligence to figure out that it was all a test for him to prove he is worthy to be on Team Zenko. In most of the episodes when something goes wrong, Ari thinks positively and finds a way to get the job done.

The message of Team Zenko Go is that when good things happen to you, you are more likely to do good things for others, and that just makes everyone happy. The series is completely family-friendly.

Team Zenko Go is an amazing show for kids to watch with their families. I give Team Zenko Go 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 10. Parents will also enjoy watching it with their kids. This show is available to watch on Netflix starting March 15, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

The story starts out on a nice, spring day when the Charles family decides they want to go to an event at a park and when they arrive they discover that a map has vanished. A dog named Upton thinks like a detective and takes on the case to find out how it left the display case.

I like how friendly the structure is and how the story is written. It is very suitable for a young audience. I was curious to see how the dog detective would act. The story is developed as a mystery to find the missing map and have a little adventure. The illustrations in the book are nicely drawn. I love the front cover.

The book teaches kids a little bit about dogs, such as how they are color blind. It could motivate kids to act like a detective and problem solve.

I give Missing Map: Upton Charles-Dog Detective 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is an e-book and can be found online wherever e-books are sold.

The story follows a sculptor that tries to shape a lump of clay into a statue.

I really like the way we watch battle between the sculptor and the ball of clay. I love how the lump of clay is rather anthropomorphic, particularly when the sculptor reasons with it by showing it a photograph of a sculpture. It gets it and then allows itself to be molded. Brilliant! I love how the clay dances once it becomes the image of a person and the scene where it dances while in the kiln is particularly clever. Using claymation to make the film is so apropos to the story. The stop motion camera work is well executed. There are great close-ups that show us the emotions of the lump of clay. The backgrounds are perfect for the film as they depict a typical studio that a sculptor might work in. The location suit the story of a typical pottery. The background accordion music is delightful and sounds very "old world-ish." The primary character development is with the clay, which transforms from a lump of clay into a human sculpture. The sculptor also shows great progression from someone who cannot tame the clay to someone who does tame it. This is such a lovely short film. I can't wait to share it with young people.

The message is that even the most difficult obstacle can be tamed.

Bing is a television series celebrating the noisy, joyful, messy reality of life when you're a preschooler. The stories are short, but full of drama -- everyday micro-dramas that young children and grown-ups will recognize as they learn to share, develop friendships and remember that there is always someone younger than you that might need your help, even when you are a child yourself.

The animated story is easy to follow, especially important for its target audience. The episode tackles issues such as being concerned that another child has your toy, realizing its more fun to help them enjoy the things you do, and that things may go wrong, but that doesn't mean they can't be fixed. The animation is very well done; the characters, backgrounds and visuals are lovely and enjoyable. It is well constructed for a preschool audience with clear and easy to view scenes. The backgrounds of the house interior, the car, and the outdoors are all very detailed and interesting. The background music is pleasant and non-intrusive. There are brightly colored clothes for the characters and a clearly diverse cast. The main characters are child-like characters that have distinct personalities. We easily know which one is younger. The main character, Bing, is very well thought out. The adult characters are positively portrayed and listen to the children, which is good to see. All of the main child characters are easy to understand and watch. There is a recap of this episode (Bings day) at the end explaining, from Bing's point of view, his feelings about what happened. This is a clever ending to the episode.

The message of this episode is about being a friend and how helping others is a nice thing to do.

The storyline follows a young girl, Akissi who broods over not having a younger sibling. Trying to convince her mother that she is responsible, she is sent to the market to pick up some fish for dinner. On her way home, she meets and rescues a little monkey, Boubou, who she takes home and that leads to a whole host of chaotic events until Boubou endears himself to her family.

What an adorable short animated film this is. Akissi is young, precocious and adorable. She is easy to relate to, especially when she rescues little Boubou. Her adventures are a bit much for a young child, but you have to remember they are a complete fantasy. When Akissi gets sent to her room and Boubou gets loose, all havoc breaks loose until Boubou manages to win everyone's heart - but not without some true challenges. In the end, Boubou steals his way into the family and becomes the brother that Akissi dreamed of. The 2D animation is bright and colorful and detailed. It is a pleasure to watch. The dialogue is all in French, with English subtitles, which are sometimes challenging to read when the color of the type doesn't contrast distinctly from the images. It is directed by Alexandre Coste who has a host of other wonderful animated series to his credit. Voice-overs are by Kayla Lingale (Akissi), yohan Babin (Papou), Yann Ismael Youre (Edmond) and Mike Danon (Branconnier) - all of which deliver terrific performances.

The message of the film is: watch out what you wish for, it might come true.

The documentary is about how children became engaged and learned to grapple big social issues through playing in a multi-media installation of more than 70 toy pandas in a downtown Toronto neighborhood.

I like how the film start off with typical imagination play for the children and then it morphs into addressing political issues, which is a clever way to engage children in this way. The film's vibe is lighthearted and optimistic, and demonstrates how even young children can effect change. The camerawork and audio recording are very good. Martha Moore Davis is the writer, producer, director and narrator. Her gentle narration is a great addition to the film. The set, with all the 70+ pandas, is awe-inspiring. The background music and sound effects help move the story along. The kids featured in the documentary are articulate in expressing their knowledge about their experience.

My favorite part is when the lake is revealed to be toxic, which prompted the kids to solve issues and also introduce them real problems of the real world.

The message of the film is that you can change things.

The story is about an Evil Queen who holds the residents of a peaceful village in check at the foot of a mountain. A group of boys, helped by their spiritual leader, undertakes defeating her and restoring peace, but the road to follow is more tortuous than expected.

This is a well-crafted story that catches your attention from the very beginning and holds it throughout. As it develops, we are impressed by the students who are unwilling to give up, despite facing obstacles. Their spiritual leader has a big influence on them. This is an outstanding production, professional in every way from the camerawork, audio recording, costumes, sets and locations, background music, to the acting. The cast is mostly young people, with a few key adults. The writer and director, Enrico Mondino and co-writer Waldemara Lentini have crafted a well thought out storyline. I love the location in the forest area, which allows the story to appear almost timeless. Also, the costumes have timelessness to them. My favorite part of the film is the final battle scene when the Evil Queen's forces go head to head with the spiritual leader and the students and one of queen's henchmen eventually betrays her and takes their side. The dialogue is in Italian, with English sub-titles.

The message of the film is that nothing is impossible, even when it seems to be so. It teaches the importance of preserve.

The story tells about a young boy, Pasuya meeting a leopard named Cloud on a hunting trip. Pasuya brings Cloud back to his village and after Cloud saves Pasuya's grandmother from a snake attack, Cloud is accepted into the village and becomes one with the people, despite their being different species. On another hunting trip, Cloud meets her mother. After, Pasuya notices that Cloud is sad he lets her go back into the wild to join her mother.

I enjoy how Pasuya is persistent in proving that Cloud is worthy of being a part of his village. And, even though Cloud is being judged, she attacks the snake to save Pasuya's grandmother, proving to the rest of the people in the village that she will protect the people regardless of how they judge her.

I love the mixture of 2D characters and 3D backgrounds. Although this is stop motion animation, Ting Yuk Yuen still manages to zoom in out, giving us different perspectives. The costumes match those of hunter and gatherer early civilizations. Some of the characters that are older are riddled with wrinkles and some gray hair.

This handcrafted, stop-motion animation has designated foregrounds, middle and backgrounds, showing the depth of the forest as if it was real. The music in the introduction is full of drum beats that reel in the viewer. The sound effects when Pasuya is cooking dinner with Cloud are very realistic.

It is so beautiful to see the growth of Pasuya and Cloud's relationship. I love how two beings from two different worlds can meet and become best friends. This video shows the relationship between a human and an animal, and how they can become best friends, despite being able to communicate with words. I really enjoyed the moment when the baby leopard meets its mother during the hunting trip. It shows how if two people are meant to meet, then they will. Everything happens for a reason.

Sometimes the most difficult feeling to cope with is coming to terms with the idea that people you think will be in your life forever do not always stay around. Perhaps a friendship you have for two years was only meant to last for those two years. Even though we may want to hold onto that friendship, those people have grown differently and we no longer need each other in our lives. The adage "if you love someone or something, set it free" may sound trivial, but it is applicable here. This film does have some scenes of acts of violence and some negative behavior. There is some fighting between the animals, but it truly is not gory or bloody. There is also the explanation of gender roles which would be considered unacceptable to our audiences telling how women do the cleaning and cooking, meanwhile the men carry heavy things. The dialogue is in Chinese with English subtitles.

The storyline follows three generations of men - Dad, son and Grandpa - as they take off on a fishing trip together that ends with an unexpected a plot twist.

The storyline is well developed and, although a fantasy, quite believable. The camerawork is excellent, as is the audio. The beach location provides a perfect background to play out this story. The background music, although sparingly used, makes a positive impact at the opening and closing of the film. The actors are perfectly cast and their performances are quite believable. My favorite is the grandfather, who is teetering on the edge of dementia. The father's concern for his dad is something that anyone who has dealt with an aging relative can relate to. When the grandfather shares his ocean rescue story with his grandson, the visuals are simple, but effective. We are brought right into his memory as we relive his dream - his dream of being rescued by a mysterious mermaid in the water. The younger boy serves as a conduit between his dad and granddad. This short film has some well-known actors in it - Shara McGlinn (Chicago Fire) and Brian Healy (Chicago Fire). The director's son, Tristan Pace, plays the young boy, Jack.

The message of this story is to believe in your dreams, even if they take years to manifest.

The story follows a woman who forms a friendship with a goose during the pandemic and ends up getting over 80K followers on Instagram.

Cheryl's story of meeting this goose during the pandemic is so unexpected and slightly crazy. The idea that she met Honk the good during a time when we were all social distancing and formed a relationship with him is endearing - both of them needed a friend, someone to be with. The cinematography is very good, keeping things exciting while also staying simple. A lot of this film is filmed on a cell phone, which works just fine. I love the locations, especially those at the park. And I like how Cheryl added little hearts on the side of her phone videos - which worked particularly well for attracting attention on social media. Her videos on social media are absolutely adorable. This story is so unusual, and Cheryl's motivations are honest and pure. When someone tells her that he must be a domestic goose, not a wild one, she is concerned about returning him to an appropriate environment and feels that she needs to find his mate. Honk is a character in his own right as well, something not always explored in the usual animal documentaries. Honk is the best "pandemic pal" a girl could ask for. He's safe, he's devoted to her, and he has a charming personality. There are some sad aspects to this documentary, such as when Honk dies two years later which Cheryl tells Honk's social media followers on Instagram, accompanied by sad music and clips of better times.

The message of this film is about the importance of bringing love and hope into people's lives - whether through a human or non-human. If you show love, you get love!

The story is about Santa who is unhappy when he is offered help to deliver presents. After a long, challenging night he rethinks the offers.

This a filmed storybook told through a series of drawings by Joe Dator, whose work you might know from The New Yorker. The camera pans right and left, up and down on the drawings, giving us a varied as it does that. The story line is funny and meaningful. The main character, Santa, blossoms from starting out as a grumpy old guy to accepting himself at the end. He emerges like a butterfly from its cocoon. The film is created by a series of drawings, which I don't usually like, but these are so detailed and so much fun and fanciful, plus they really deliver the story well. The narration is by Glen Heroy who has been playing Santa Claus for nearly 40 years. The script is a poem in iambic pentameter, similar to the classic "The Night Before Christmas" poem. The images are all so detailed. When Santa goes around the world the locations look quite real. If you look closely the images have layers of things on top of each other which makes them look realistic. For example, when Santa is riding on his sleigh, he appears to be closer and the sky is farther away. There is a smidgen of background music here and there, but mostly the only sounds are of the narrator speaking. We meet the narrator at the beginning, dressed in a red sweater with a Nordic pattern that matches the story very well. That is the only time we see the narrator. My absolute favorite part is when Santa yells at the K-pop stars because they say that his belly jiggles -- that is supper funny.

The message of this film is that it is okay that you can't do things and need to ask for help.

The story is about how easy it is to feel disempowered in today's world, but one man decides to undertake an experiment where, together with his young daughter they test for lead in Chicago's public water fountains. What could we possibly do to fix a bad situation?

his is a very well shot, fast-paced documentary with lots of locations, camera angles, dedicated people, good background music and humor. Nathan Kontny, the filmmaker (dressed in graphic T-shirts), and his young daughter (dressed in Rainbow colors) undertake a serious pursuit to determine what lead content is in Chicago's public water systems. We follow them to the store where they spend $100 on lead testing kids, to four public fountains to obtain water samples, to their home kitchen where the actual testing takes place. Fun graphics are used to make transitions between scenes. The daughter plays an integral role in this project, notably when she carefully handles the dropper and test tubes. We watch him and his family in their family home and see their passion for this issue. The Father/daughter relationship is precious; spending the last day of her summer vacation with her dad working on this project - priceless! Their next project: how to save the city of Chicago! I can't wait to see it.

The message of this film is - yes, you can! You can tackle city hall! You can make a difference! Just do it!

The story begins with the students doing a math test. Their teacher leaves the room and tells them to stay in their seats, but one student goes to the board and writes the equation 1 + 1 = 4221. This equation curses everyone who reads it aloud, and things go amuck from there!

I love the storyline. It's original and well-written, especially for 6th grade students. It is funny, unpredictable and enjoyable to watch. For some reason, the equation makes the kids disappear and teleport into the teacher's bathroom. Why does the equation make them disappear? Why do their teachers fall in love? It's a mystery and, as a mockumentary, it is not supposed to make sense. It's comedic and the kids pull it off great! My hats off to creators Maddie, Brendan, Chris and Cater for coming up with an interesting and unique plotline. Plus, the quality of the camera work is quite good. It is supposed to look as if the students are being interviews, which is a clever idea. They are being interviewed after the anomaly happens. I love when the kids asked, "are you happy your teachers fell in love" and they all say, "no." The editing that makes it look as if the kids disappear is well done. There is not much in terms of background music except for some transitions and at the ending as it goes to the credits. My favorite parts are the responses to the question of what they think about their teachers being in love and the ending when everyone is repeating the equation and disappearing.

The film's message is: watch when you say random things as they might create an effect you didn't plan on.

The story is about Fuzzy and Spitz (Daniel Ross), little puppets, who are always want to play and have fun. During the day, both try to stop their mother (Jorjeana Marie) from working and focus on playing.

The story follows Fuzzy and Spitz as they convince their work-at-home mom to take them places - outside to swing in the backyard, sitting down to do a jigsaw puzzle, off to buy a Mini Cooper convertible (that they drive). The mom is so accommodating, it's amazing. She doesn't get much work done. And, in the end, it appears that she joins them on an outer space adventure. The camera work is terrific, showing lots of various points of view, sometimes from the puppets' eyes. The locations are great - they are either in their house, backyard, on the street or in outer space! The whole film has fun background music and squeaky sounds that the puppets make. There is no dialogue, but the actions of the puppets and the mom tell the story quite well. Fuzzy and Spitz are incredibly cute and adorable to watch. Directed by Phillip Mosness, who works for Disney in his spare time, and who makes something so simple come to life in a fun way. My favorite scene is when the puppets decide to buy a convertible and drive through the city. The cast includes Daniel Ross and Jorjeana Marie, who have both worked on Mickey Mouse Fun House and many more films. This appears to be the beginning of a series and I can't wait to see more.

The message is that whenever you are doing something always have fun in each step of the way.

The film follows a normal day with a frustrated author and his wife. He can't seem to find anything to write about. They are goofing around and drop a trash can from the balcony which hits someone on the head and takes the story on an usual twist as the old man comes into their lives.

Charming, simply charming. I love the storyline of this film. Who is that old man? What is he up to? Who is that chef? The film, written and directed by seasoned professionals Russell Webb and Alicia Wszelaki, is very nicely shot in black and white using 1930's type cinematography. The camera work reminds you of watching a vintage film. The acting is rather vintage as well. Our hats off to Joey Heyworth who plays Clark, Caitlin Duffy who plays Catherine, Dylan Write as Henry and Russ Webb who plays Nick, plus a bow to Teddy the dog. The production design definitely suits the period - from the interiors to the costumes and props. What I like best about this film is how almost everything happens in one room. It's crazy how that one room works for most of the entire film. The three key characters are all well developed and keep things lively. The old man never ceases to surprise us and the couple are just clueless about who he really is. My favorite part is the ending, when the twist is revealed.

The message is that everyone deserves a chance and you should not judge a book by its cover.

The documentary is about Ariana (age 12) who loves to dance with her hairy friend, Mikey her dog. Sadly, she has a ticking bomb inside of her -- two kidneys that are not working. She needs a donor and is determined to find one.

This story is so heartbreaking. If you know anything about kidney disease, your heart will go out to young Ariana as she puts herself out there in search of a kidney donor. The film is beautifully made, enhanced by lively scenes of Ariana dancing, together with scenes at her doctor's office when she learns about her disease, and her older brother helping her make a video appeal to potential donors. Ariana is an adorable young girl, full of life. She adores her little dog Mikey who she calls her "big but small" friend. I hope that this documentary helps get the kidney that Ariana needs, or that any person needs. A person cannot stay on dialysis forever, so finding a kidney is paramount for her. This film truly shows audiences a side to kidney disease that many people are probably not aware of. Ariana doesn't want her friends, except her closest, to know about her disease. It's her personal story. She seems as vibrant as any 12-year-old girl. And she loves dancing - "If I wasn't able to dance any more I would go mad." Her dog, Mikey, stands by as her guardian, as does her older brother who helps her create her video. The film is from Netherlands, with dialogue in Dutch, subtitled in English.

The message of this documentary is about a young girl who is in search of a kidney donor so she can live. Literally, her life depends on it.

American kids (and adults) like stories about underdogs. We rejoice when someone we identify with wins. It gives us hope and encouragement. This is such a story. But it's not just an underdog story, it's also a coming of age story that helps young people understand that growing up is a process of facing challenges of all kinds. It's how we learn and grow. And, as uncomfortable - even painful - as it can be, the great feeling of knowing that somehow we found the way through - like each of these characters, makes us all feel stronger.

The story follows Dr. Professor (Candice Roberts) and Just Susan (Lily Jones Fortugno) who are on a mission to figure out how the human brain works and build a brain machine in order to do that.

This is an absolutely adorable short film, perfect for our audiences.The storyline is funny, creative and silly. Most of the film is shot in black and white, which looks like old films, especially with the black lines that fall in the middle of the screen. Plus, there is a big surprise at the end, that I wasn't expecting. Some of the best parts are when Dr. Professor comes right up to the front of the screen and talks directly to the fourth wall (the audience). Dr. Professor and Just Susan wear lab coats over their other clothes, which make them look very official. The Not Yeti Monster (Nayana Fielkov) dresses as a Yeti in a silly looking costume. The locations are great, from the lab to the outdoors scene. At one point the two main characters sing a fun song about making mistakes. The video for this is really fun and cute; it looks like a TikTok almost, and has great visuals. The acting is silly, almost slapstick, and makes you laugh. The Not Yeti Monster is my favorite character as it is funny and brings an interesting message to the film. I really enjoyed the background music and the production. It was super interesting to watch a movie in black and white, which I have never seen before. I also like the storyline about learning and not giving up. I love when Dr. Professor and Just Susan call the Not Yeti Monster and it gives them a new idea. I love the short clips of kids giving advice about what to do when you make a mistake. Those are adorable.

The message of this film is about understanding your mistakes, working them out and solving them.