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Lucky is fortunate to find two steadfast friends in Abigail Stone (Mckenna Grace) and Pru Granger (Marsai Martin) who emulate the connection between a girl and her horse that Lucky desires with Spirit. Both girls teach her about equestrian and human connections. I love the fun-loving and spunky character, Abigail, who brings so much humor to the movie which is offset by the sarcasm of Pru. Together these three girls are unstoppable in their efforts to rescue Spirit and his herd from a group of wranglers that threaten their freedom.

Spirit Untamed is from DreamWorks Animation so you know the characters and scenery are going to be depicted flawlessly. I love how this film keeps the feel from the original movie but adds another layer of lush detail under the guidance of Director Elaine Bogan who has a personal connection with horses. My favorite scene is what I call �the tango� between Lucky and Spirit when she is trying to coax him to accept her. The pull of their relationship shows and is enhanced perfectly by the light and playful music composed by Amie Doherty. I really like how the movie incorporates the actors singing with their roles�I love to hear Isabela Merced�s beautiful voice and even Jake Gyllenhall trying to sing badly.

The one segment that bothers me is when Lucky first mounts Spirit. The riding is unbelievable for a girl who is just learning and is more akin to a trained circus or stunt rider. Horses are powerful animals, and I hope young viewers will understand that they need guidance around horses and to respect them. I did love the personality that was given to all the horses in Spirit Untamed�each horse had its own lovable character and expressions. Everyone will, of course, love the cuteness overload of the brave baby foal.

What really stands out to me among this film�s many underlying messages is the theme of letting go and how hard that can be. I don�t want to elaborate further, as it would be a spoiler, but there is one great �letting go� scene with Lucky doing the right thing. Friendship and loyalty are also important themes in Spirit Untamed, as Lucky searches for a place where she belongs.

I rate Spirit Untamed 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 12. This movie will be in theaters June 4, 2021, so don�t miss this heartwarming story and adventure!

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Spirit Untamed is a fun-filled animated movie that will have you on the edge of your seat with its rollercoaster of emotions. It is full of suspense, humorous moments and scenes showcasing beautiful relationships. Spirit Untamed is one of the most captivating animated films I�ve seen, with humorous scenes and a great message. Watching this movie on the big screen brings a special kind of magic that draws you in and makes you feel every emotion the characters are feeling. Whether it is a sense of elation, anger, determination or love; I felt it all.

The storyline follows a mischievous girl named Lucky (Isabela Merced) who goes to live with her grandfather after her mother passes away. After pulling too many stunts, her Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore) decides to take her to spend the summer with her father Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal). Lucky wasn�t expecting to have any fun or make a connection with anyone there and then she meets a beautiful wild mustang that she names Spirit. When she discovers that a horse wrangler named Hendricks (Walton Goggins) is trying to steal Spirit and his family, she teams up with her new friends Abigail (Mckenna Grace) and Pru (Marsai Martin) to save them.

Although Spirit Untamed is an animated film, it is filled with suspense. Lucky loves to take risks, and that means she is willing to do anything and everything she feels is right. For instance, while Lucky, Abigail and Pru ride their horses through Heck Mountain and over the Ridge of Regret, they are incredibly close to falling off the edge. The way these scenes are designed, and how the events unfold, had me genuinely nervous for the girls. The relationships in the film are well developed. Lucky and Jim�s relationship starts out shaky, but gradually grows throughout the movie. By the end of the movie, the father/daughter relationship is made whole. The friendship between Lucky, Pru and Abigail grows throughout the movie as well, which makes the film much more enjoyable. Something else that stands out is the music. The background music adds greatly adds to the suspense and propels the action. The songs highlight the stunning vocals of the talented performers Becky G. who sings �You Belong.� Its tempo builds as the excitement in the film builds. This sets the perfect tone for the movie, giving it a sense of hope. The cast is very diverse and featuring people from different backgrounds, which I appreciate as well. Spirit Untamed has it all!

The message of Spirit Untamed is: if you see something that�s wrong, speak up and do everything you can to put an end to it. Lucky is aware that it is wrong for Hendricks and his gang to take Spirit and his herd away. No matter what anyone tells her, she doesn�t rest until she finds a way to make everything right.

I rate Spirit Untamed 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 14, plus adults Spirit Untamed is available in theatres June 4, 2021. You better hurry; you don�t want to miss this!

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

Spirit Untamed is a thrilling and exciting animated film that keeps you entertained throughout the whole movie. It showcases the friendship between humans and horses, has great messages and holds your interest until the end.

The story follows a girl named Lucky Prescott (Isabella Merced) who returned to live with her dad (Jake Gyllenhaal) for the summer. On the way, she meets a wild horse named Spirit that is adventurous and daring, just like her. Since Spirit is wild, he doesn�t trust Lucky at first. It takes him some time, but eventually he and Lucky become friends. Lucky comes across horse wranglers that are trying to capture Spirit and his herd. She is determined to do whatever it takes to save Spirit and his family.

Something that really impresses me about this film is the lip-syncing of the animated characters. Their mouths match exactly what they are saying. The background music sets the mood such as when scenes are intense, the music intensifies, which helps the audience connect with the mood of the scene. My favorite character is Lucky because she is adventurous, curious and fun. The moment she arrives at her father�s home, she sets off to explore and which leads her to an adventure right away. Her dad, Jim�s character develops the most during the movie. In the beginning, he is afraid something bad is going to happen to Lucky if she gets close to the horses, so he forbids her from being near them. Over time he realizes he can�t keep her from everything and learns to let her follow her heart.

The message of Spirit Untamed is �when you trust someone they will learn to trust you.� The only warning I have for this film is that in some scenes, ropes are wrapped around the horse's necks.

Spirit Untamed is an amazing film. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 14, plus adults. You can watch Spirit Untamed opens in theaters June 4, 2021. Go check it out!

The story follows Kiki the Kook as he starts to disturb people's lives on the beach and Surf Guards find ways to catch him and also teach valuable lessons.

It's a short film that packs a powerful lesson. I dislike when the Surf Guard is tasting dog droppings because it is kind of disgusting, even if they are fake. The voice of Kiki the Kook and his reactions to the surf guards whenever he gets caught is something I like.

There are a lot of impressive camera angles and shots. The close-ups when the Surf Guard is tracking down the animal that left its dropping and its owner stand out. The shot of the Surf Guard in exile is also another impressive shot with the character's eyes and facial emotion filled with regret and fear. The low angle shot when the surf guards arrive after Kiki the Kook is caught displays the guards look heroic. The location is on the beach. The background music is typical beach music, very lighthearted and fun. The music after the surf guard moves on from his mistake displays his new found confidence, which serves as a transition to his short exile life. The song near the end of the final episode is a narrative of surf adventures in the city. The actors give admirable and funny performances. Keith Roenke, who portrays Kiki the Kook makes the character a comical bully, which is entertaining instead of a serious thing (despite bullying being a very serious thing). The actors portraying the surf guards seem more like hero figures, with high angle shots and their body language. The camera work is excellent. The screenplay is funny and lighthearted. My favorite is when the surf guard makes the mistake of walking in the bike lane and almost gets hit and feels really guilty about it and decides to exile in the cave. After he is discovered by his friends who support him to move on and apologize, we can relate to that.

The message of the film is: do not be a bully as there will be someone watching the action. The Surf Guard eating dog droppings is a bit disgusting, but otherwise, this is completely kid and family friendly.

The story follows Ali Yazavani, a 12-year-old self-made inventor and a troublemaker, who has multiple troubles at school that cause him to get expelled, have a run-in with the law and issues with his classmates. He then gets an opportunity to go to a science camp with team of elites, but one simple error derails his dream. He loses everything after the second time he gets into trouble and has to prove to himself that he still has a place with the elites.

I like the story development; it follows this kid, who is a troubled inventor in-the-making. He has ideas after ideas and he will go extreme length to design blueprints for them, even at the cost of running into serious trouble. The story portrays the life of an inventor perfectly as it displays the tiring path the boy has to go through, the amount of disapproval of his ideas and the troubles he has to face. The sets show us that Ali's family is poor. I like the scene where Ali tries to redeem himself by creating a gyroplane and everyone works hard on it, showing how teamwork gets things done. The scene that impressed me most is when Ali goes to extreme lengths to get attention as he is jealous of a girl who usually gets all the attention. It shows his fierce determination to make sure he gets attention. He decides to use his newly built transmitter and put it up on the tower (something extremely dangerous) because he wants the attention and wants his invention to be noticed. Another scene that impressed me is when Ali, now 18 years old, is still following his dream of becoming an inventor. The camera work that impressed me the most are the close-ups that show Ali dealing with the aftermath of bad things he has done. This film takes place in Iran and we see Ali at school, home, the garden and his shop. His home seems to be a typical home in a village that would belong to a relatively poor family. Also of note are seeing how bikes are the widely used transportation. The background music is very suitable and supports the hopes of 12-year-old Ali when he has a variety of ideas to improve peoples' lives. When Ali leaves, the music supports the sadness that his mother has seeing him leave. The final piece that plays when the project is complete is sentimental music, which fits Ali perfectly. The actors all give professional performances. The actor that plays Ali (no name) perfectly portrays a typical teenager, someone that can be a troublemaker but also a hard worker. My favorite part is seeing Ali keep on pursuing his route of being an inventor. He decides to peruse his inventing idea despite the obstacles and frustrations he endures.

The message of this film is to follow your dreams, even if they are met with disapproval by people around you. Hardships you have will pay dividends later on. You should know that there are some moderate degrees of bullying in the film.

Launchpad includes six different shorts, each with its own unique plot. American Eid and The Last of the Chupacabras are both centered around religion; American Eid is about a young girl finding out she has to go to school on the Muslim holiday, Eid. The Last of the Chupacabras is about a lone Mexican-American trying to keep her culture alive. Growing Fangs is a fantasy about a half-human/half-vampire trying to hide her identity from both worlds. Let's Be Tigers is about a young girl, Avalon (Otmara Marrero) trying to process the loss of her mother while she is babysitting for a 4-year-old. Dinner Is Served follows a Chinese student trying out for the top position at a fancy restaurant. The Little Prince(ss) is a story about a young boy who loves ballet and whose best friend's dad comes to talk to his parents about his "girlish behavior."

With emotional and deep storylines, these short films need great acting to convey the strong messages of the films. These actors deliver. Every character is portrayed by a passionate actor that deeply understands their character and performs with passion. Even for films with no dialogue, you can understand what they are thinking and feeling. Otmara Marrero who plays Avalon in Let's Be Tigers, delivers an unforgettable performance as such a sorrowful character. The change as she plays with Noah (Dash McCloud) is visible as the film develops. In American Eid, Jenna Qureshi, who plays Ameena's older sister, Zainab, also delivers a stunning performance, making her teenage, trying-to-be-cool character relatable in every way. The cinematography is equally excellent. The special effects in the fantasy films are wonderful, particularly in Growing Fangs with its vampire effects. Magic is the main component in this one, but there are other effects as well. The stories are all well-written. Some of the shorts are heart-breaking and emotional, while others are more uplifting and creative. There's a variety of wonderful ideas spread throughout.

These shorts have many themes, some overlapping others. A central point for all of them, is to recognize other people for what they are, not for how they appear.>p>I give Launchpad 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. Launchpad can be viewed on Disney Plus beginning May 28, 2021.

Reviewed by Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I appreciate the sophistication involved in the themes and making of Launchpad, A Short Film Collection. I found these lacking in action and the messages are pretty heavy. They are all a good length and cover a wide range of topics (such as). Some are a little repetitive and unclear.

This is a collection of short films, ten to 20 minutes in length, Growing Fangs, American Eid, Let's Be Tigers, Dinner is Served, The Little Prince(ss) and The Last of the Chupacabras. They address issues such as racism and gender stereotyping, and we learn a lot about many different cultures, religions and lifestyles. The films are a good mix of seriousness and funny ways of interpreting problems.

These short films are not typical Disney movies, yet they are really interesting. Many of them have dialogue at least partially in non-English languages and, although they are subtitled, I sometimes felt a bit lost or uninterested because I didn't know the language. There are many young actors in these films that deliver excellent performances. My favorite film is American Eid, which highlights a young Muslim girl who lives in the United States and goes to a school that doesn't give days off for Eid, which is the Muslim holiday following one month of fasting, Ramadan. I like the protagonist's sister, because she realizes by the end that appreciating her family and her culture is more important than being cool, and either way she manages to do both. Growing Fangs is a thrilling story about a girl who is half human and half vampire; she faces the problems of belonging to more than one community and finding acceptance. Let's Be Tigers is about a kid who helps his babysitter get through a rough time. The messages in Dinner is Served are deeper and a bit harder to understand; it covers a Chinese student who tries to follow his dream and goes through a process of realization about his dream. The Little Prince(ss) focuses on gender stereotypes, following a young boy who does ballet and likes the color pink. In The Last of the Chupacabras an elderly woman has a magical adventure with a mythical creature.

The message in these films is about accepting people for who they are. This applies to their religion, culture, gender and age. The only shortcoming is that the messages are sometimes a bit forced and some parts are unrealistic, which I didn't like that much.

I give Launchpad, A Short Film Collection 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to18 and adults and will be premiering on May 28, 2021 on Disney+.

This origin story tells how the well-known villain from the original book and subsequent animated movie The Hundred and One Dalmatians becomes Cruella. Sadly, it takes bullying, cruelty and hate to turn a wonderful character to evil. In Cruella we see a young Estella (Tipper Steifert-Cleveland) surviving as an orphan, struggling to create a family with two boys she meets on the street, along with the noble company of two dogs that are humans' best friends. This is one of the aspects I love about Cruella: despite that Cruella de Vil is well known for animal cruelty, this movie honors dogs by having two canines, Buddy and Blink, as important cast members.

Tipper Steifert-Cleveland's performance is the perfect predecessor to the stunning grown-up Estella (Emma Stone) to shine in a multi-layered character. We see how 12-year-old Estella is bullied at school which is one of the most important messages of the movie to its younger audience, showing how people that surround you can hurt you when your appearance doesn't match what they see as "normal." As Estella, Emma Stone is full of creativity and ideals and an absolute survivor. She's a hard worker who's determined to make her dreams come to life. We see her cleaning floors and toilets at the iconic fashion store Liberty of London, pursuing a career in fashion design--but society sabotages her plans.

The Baroness (Emma Thompson) is despicable and charming at the same time. Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser play Jasper and Horace, respectively; little thieves that show unconditional love to Estella and are literally partners in crime. John the Valet (Mark Strong), besides being perfectly cast, should have had more presence in the storyline since he could have brought more humanity and hope to the film. My favorite part? The music, brilliantly composed by Nicholas Britell to match the narration and the era. And the visuals and cinematography are just stunning.

The story of Cruella is fascinating, but my only issue is how long the storytelling takes, including scenes that could have been edited out. At times, there are a couple instances of self-explanatory dialogue related to the turning point in the story: the world is cruel, making Estella become the meanest villain in response. Ultimately, the message of the film is that environment, nature and nurture play a decisive role in one's being and in our role in society.

I give Cruella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids 13 to 18, plus adults. There are some mildly violent scenes and themes that can be inappropriate for the very young. Cruella opens May 28, 2021 in theaters and on digital platforms.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Cruella is an all-new, live-action feature film that is fashion-forward and villainous! The fashion and soundtrack really help drive the film. The camerawork is astonishing and connects you to the protagonist's journey.

Based on the novel The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, Cruella takes you on the journey of how the most fashionable villain goes from being a mischievous, rebellious and fashionable young girl (Tipper Seifert-Cleveland) to becoming Cruella De Vil (Emma Stone). After suffering a great loss, Estella meets two young homeless thieves, Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser) and they instantly become family. Estella uses her fashion sense to design costumes to allow them to run scams to survive. Then, she gets the job of a lifetime, creating outfits for the chic, terrifying fashion legend, the Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson). After a revelation connecting the Baroness to a horrific event from her childhood, Estella seeks revenge and gets a chance to let out her inner "Cruella."

The main characters in this film are Estella/Cruella de Vil, the Baroness von Hellman, Jasper, Horace, Anita Darling (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) and Mark Strong (John the Valet). Cruella is narrated by none other than Cruella herself and is set in 1970s London during the punk rock revolution. The camera techniques used are sensational; at times they make you feel like you are walking with the characters. The party scenes stay true to the red, black and white color pallet Cruella is known to wear. My favorite part is when the rebellious Cruella goes to a black and white ball wearing an all-white outfit and drops a match on it. The dress burns up and reveals a red dress underneath. It is also remarkable how costume designer, Jenny Beavan up-cycled materials, such as trash, and uses the infamous Dalmatian pattern, to create Cruella's outfits.

The message of this film is that sometimes the worst memories are the ones that have the greatest impact on your life. In this film, Estella experiences different events in her life that would break the typical person, but it led to her experiencing some of the greater moments of her life, such as meeting Jasper and Horace or having a chance make clothing. The only parent warning I have is a short scene where Estella is drinking.

I rate Cruella 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18; adults are sure to love it too. Cruella releases simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on Friday, May 28, 2021.

Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It recounts the life story of critically acclaimed actress Rita Moreno. Rita, who is best known for her roles of Anita in West Side Story and Carmela in The Electric Company, stars in the documentary, along with stars like Whoopie Goldberg, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eva Longoria and more. The film features clips from a large variety of Rita's films throughout her career as well as from award shows, and photographs and footage from her personal life, including interviews with her friends and family.

This film shines a light on how incredible Rita is, and how human as she leads the way for Puerto Ricans and all Hispanics in the 1960s, stands up for women's rights and fights to be able to choose which roles she plays. She deals with being type-cast as an island or Hispanic character, and decides and turns down roles that would shove her into a tiny box. We see the good, the bad, and the ugly side of Rita's life, not just grazing at the surface. It shows how Rita struggled with hating her Hispanic roots, because it limited her as an actress. She tells how she was sexually abused, was forced into an abortion by her then-boyfriend Marlon Brando, and tried to commit suicide. The film shows exactly why Rita is such a beloved actress and person. Despite all she's been through, she never gives up and learned to value the woman she is. Rita grows into her own person throughout the movie, telling how everything that put her down at the time just made her stronger.

The moral of the film is to stay strong and keep fighting. Rita is not eighty-nine years old and one of 15 EGOT winners (acronym for the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards), just because she gave up. Being a Puerto Rican actress in New York and trying to find your way in the world wasn't as easy as Moreno makes it look. She has maintained her humbleness and blossomed into a modern woman who fights for human rights and looks great while doing it.

I give Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters June 18, 2021.

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It is a trailblazing documentary that will inspire girls across the world who have a dream! Rita Moreno's life story is a testament to her perseverance and others like her who had a dream and decided to go for it.

This documentary profiles Rita Moreno (West Side Story, One Day at a Time), following her life from its beginnings as a poor Puerto Rican girl to becoming an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) award-winning actress. We see her struggles and trials throughout her life and how she confronts and handles them.

Latina Mariem Perez Riera directs this documentary and brings a great deal of passion to it, making the film very personal and authentic. The film employs stop motion animation, film excerpts to show Moreno's life as a young woman to a legendary entertainment icon and political activist. Not only are the scenes diverse, so are its features. I particularly enjoyed hearing from Morgan Freeman, Lin- Manuel Miranda and Hector Elizondo. My favorite parts of this documentary are actually the sad parts. So many people in the limelight tend to sugar coat the truth about their troubles, which makes them seem perfect. This film is raw to the point that, even though her life has a Hollywood spin to it, it actually tells a story that many young girls can relate to today.

The message of this documentary is in the title - be a girl (or boy) that goes for your dream. Rita Moreno came from less than many, yet lived a life bigger than most. You can do it! You won't know unless you try. This film does contain a description of sexual violence and some profanity.

I find this immersive concept appealing and engaging. When I learned a new language the teacher just wrote the words on the board in English and then in French. Nothing clicked! This DVD is so much more fun, vibrant and personable. I did not know very much Spanish before watching this and now I have learned some new words over the course of 35 minutes.

I think children will enjoy this DVD because of the songs. They have a good beat and, honestly, are very catchy. The way the main instructor, Maria, speaks to the audience makes it extremely personable and it seems as if children will engage with the welcoming environment she creates.

The DVD flows very well. The structure is that Maria talks to the children who are on-camera with her, but also to the audience, about what they are going to discuss. Maria explains it a little bit more and then invites one of her friends to sing a song about it. After each song, she reflects a bit about it and then the process repeats. There is not much connection with the characters, yet it is still enjoyable to watch them sing in Spanish. The material is suitable for the intended age group. There are times when Maria repeats a phrase or word a couple of times in a row to reinforce the Spanish words, but I believe that is important for 4 to 10-year-olds.

This is all shot using either a green screen or animation. The green screen allows the production freedom to travel virtually to Spain and other Spanish speaking countries. Sometimes it is a bit style-less, but I do not think children will notice. The actor that plays Maria is great. The cover of the DVD is very appealing with its border of a rainbow, and showing Maria dressed in her flamenco outfit. This DVD teaches children not only fundamental Spanish words, but also about the Spanish culture. During one song, Ileana sings about where she is from and gives examples of other countries where Spanish is spoken. There is a map behind her showing native animals of these Spanish speaking countries also. There is not much problem-solving, but there is definitely cultural lessons woven throughout the language lessons.

The message of this DVD is about getting children excited to learn about Spanish culture and the language through interactive engagement, song and dance with the guidance of native speakers.

Each episode of this podcast shares the story of a tween or teen about their innovative ideas and inventions to change the world. Questions for each episode are very similar; however, different stories are shared with completely different responses.

Dani Washington is a great host with a lovely voice. Her willingness, as an adult, to listen to these teens innovators makes this podcast worth the listen. And I cannot forget the guests themselves. These teens and tweens are such an inspiration; not only with their ideas, but their contagious drive to purse their ideas to the fullest. My favorite episode is "Avi Schiffman," about an 18-year-old web developer who created a website platform for convenient and up-to-date information about the coronavirus.

The message of The Genius Generation is expressed by almost all of the guests - pursue your passion; don't be afraid to fail; and most importantly, take initiative for things you care about. Because you never know, maybe you will be the next guest on this show. This podcast is inspirational, educational and promotes positive social behaviors.

I give The Genius Generation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. You can listen to it on www.trax.fm/the-genius-generation.

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Genius Generation is a very inventive podcast. It showcases so many different kids and ideas. This is a very inspiring podcast that can help motivate kids to want to make changes in the world.

This podcast is about kids under age 18 that have created something that helps everyone. They usually are asked questions about their barriers, their breakthrough or their creative process. There are six episodes so far, plus a trailer. This podcast talks about so many cool ideas and inventions. The interviewer for the series is Danny Washington.

I like the variety of kids and inventions that are featured in this show. There is usually a "big world" problem that the youth inventor has heard about that has motivated them. In each episode similar questions are used in the interview such as, "What kept you motivated? How did you find out about the problem? What were the barriers and breakthroughs you experiences?" All the inventions are based around science. This is really special, because kids create things to help the world in ways that adults don't even try. For example, Ananya Sridhar invented a new, affordable way to test for lead contamination in water. Neil Suri invented a completely new, affordable way to detect forest fires. Anisha Musti created a new technique to detect Parkinson's disease based solely on the sound of a person's voice. The show is well produced with cool sound effects. Each episode starts with a quote by the person featured in that episode.

The message of this show is that anyone can change the world and, no matter how young you are, you can make a difference.

I give The Genius Generation 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to18, plus adults. You can find this podcast on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/the-genius-generation

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

This podcast makes me feel amazing; like I can do anything. That's just one reason why I love it so much. It is filled with inspiring quotes such as: "I don't hope for the best, I work for it." "If I'm not making a connection with the piece, I feel like, 'what's the point?' "

The series is about kids who make big changes in the world. There are many stories in this podcast - a new one for each episode. In one of the episodes, a girl named Luna Abadia talks about her experience studying abroad in Japan. There, she saw firsthand all the effects of climate change and comments, "I am fighting for all those around the world that are affected by climate change." Her story continues as her organization, ECAP (Effective Climate Action Project) fights to stop the continuing effects of climate change.

Some of the impressive things about this podcast are the clarity of the voices, the sound effects and, most of all, the stories. Each and every story finds some way to hook you in. There are many components that contribute to making this podcast interesting. Two of the main factors are the background music and the sound effects, which are particularly outstanding. An example is when Luna talks about how she got hooked into science in school and we hear a school bell in the background that takes you there. Another time, we hear the sound of metal clinking when Luna mentions a microscope. Another amazing thing about this podcast is the narrator, Danni Washington. She asks relevant and thoughtful questions and speaks with a clear voice.

The Genius Generation has one message throughout - kids can do anything. It is in the title itself. Youth have a voice and we should use it.

I give The Genius Generation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. This podcast can be found on Trax at https://www.trax.fm/the-genius-generation

Zabezoo is a young girl who just wants to sleep and finish her dreams. This adorable film shows you how she navigates this problem and how her parents also help.

The 2D animation is impressive and professional. The storyline is great for young kids and has a very relatable message about wanting to sleep. It holds your attention. The characters wear PJs and work clothes that looks like what anyone might wear. The story takes place in Zabezoo's home, which is built in a tree. The background music is very whimsical and fun. All the voice over talent is terrific. Zabezoo is voiced by Jillian Menees; Mom is voiced by Courtney Wohl. Dad is voiced by Dylan Mcclosky. Storyteller is voiced by William Pica. They all have very distinctive voices and it's easy to tell them apart.

The message is about sleeping well. When Zabezoo turns off her parents' alarm clock, all havoc breaks loose.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. It is very kid-friendly and would play well at a festival for kids and families. The only thing I find perplexing is the description of the film. It seems to have nothing to do with what happens in this film.

City of Ghosts follows a group of children that love ghosts. Together they decide to make a homemade show discovering different ghosts around the city. The children go to various places meeting new people and new friends.

City of Ghosts has a very different animation style than most other shows. The physical characters are animated, but the environment around them is real world settings. This seems odd at first, but over time you start to adore it. The animation really stands out because of this creative new angle of animation it delivers.

The show has many themes of friendship, family and exploration. City of Ghosts also has many morals. It teaches children the importance of creativity and the concept that you can do anything you put your mind to.

This series takes an unforeseen look into the world of minuscule animals and looks into the advantages and disadvantages of being such a small size in a massive world. Each episode follows the lives of multiple species in the same habitat and what they must do to survive and thrive.

Writers Tom Hugh Jones and Pamela Ribon have created a perfectly comical and intriguing script that Paul Rudd (Ant Man, What If) so ironically narrates. The macro cinematography, shot at such a small scale with such detail, had my mouth down to the floor. All the intricate details are captivating with their up-close perspective along with the sounds of these miniscule critters. My favorite part about this show is when the audience gets a real glimpse of what it is like to be so small! The message of this show suggests that, while you may be small, what makes you unique makes you necessary in this big world. This series is educational and enlightening.

I give Tiny World 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, as well as adults. It is streaming now on AppleTV+.

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!

Are you ready to die of pure cuteness?! The documentary Tiny World is filled with fun and education. It has so many things to see and learn about, while also entertaining the viewer.

This nature documentary showcases tiny creatures, from the desert to the ocean. It features rare footage of tiny animals from all over the planet. Be prepared to be amazed. There are twelve episodes with six in each season.

Tiny World is full of life, excitement and especially color. All the animals are interesting to watch and learn about. It makes you appreciate Earth and its incredible biodiversity. I learned so much about animals I've never heard of. The cinematography will blow your mind. The macro photography is very unique and the quality is the best I have ever seen. For example, there is a scene showing baby crabs that are as small as a single grain of sand; they are as clear as you might see an elephant! It still escapes me how such remarkable camera work can be a thing. Kudos to executive producer, writer and creator Tom Hugh-Jones, cinematographer Simon De Glanville and their team for creating this wonderful show. The music is always cheerful and fits the mood of the various scenes. Paul Rudd narrates and his voice is clear, crisp and calming; he uses simple words, making it easy for the whole family to watch. It's hard to choose a favorite episode, but I really like "Jungle" because it has the cutest little monkeys, called pygmy marmosets, that fit in the palm of your hand.

The message of this show is sometimes the tiniest things have the biggest impact. We should get out and enjoy nature. Even looking in your backyard will amaze you. This show will definitely inspire future explorers.

I give Tiny World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This is a great family-friendly show. Both seasons of this show are available now on Apple TV, so look for them!

The storyline follows protagonist Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson), a creative outsider who is looking forward to meeting "her people" at her new film school. Her dad, who just wants to keep his family together, decides to go on a cross-country road trip to take her there instead of Katie flying, so they can bond one last time. On the way, the family ends up in the middle of a robot uprising and now it's up to the Mitchells to work together to save the world.

The main characters in this film are Katie, her dad Rick (Danny McBride), little brother Aaron (Michael Rianda), mom Linda (Maya Rudolph) and family dog Monchi (Doug the Pug). This film is all about connecting. Its director, Michael Rianda, uses every part of the creative process to make sure the audience relates to the characters. The storyline and the Mitchell's road trip are based on a real road trip some of the staff took while not using cell phones and just connecting. I love how the film combines both an illustrative, hand-painted approach and realism animation style to help develop the characters. Rianda helped develop Katie's character by making her love for filmmaking a focal point throughout the movie. There are hilarious freeze-frame moments where Katie is writing on a screen, it's almost as if she is the narrator. One of my favorite scenes is when Linda turns into a "super" mom and takes on the robots to try to protect her kids. I also like that Rick and Katie's family song "Live Your Life" by T.I. and featuring Rihanna is used to represent their relationship and wrap up the theme of the movie.

The message of this film is that everyone in a family has their own personality and you should just let people be themselves and focus more on understanding and connecting to them. In this film, Katie is considered a "weirdo" because she isn't like everyone else. The film shows how you should embrace your "weird" qualities, because that's what makes you unique.

The podcast is perfect for tweens that are interested in Greek mythology and find the exciting stories entertaining. Hermes, the god of luck and thieves, is the host and acts as the messenger between the gods and humans. Throughout each episode, the listener learns about Perseus trying to save his mother from an evil King by using his power and perseverance. Each episode begins with a recap, presents a quest that Perseus goes on, a lesson he learns, and ends with an ad for similar podcasts.

The podcast is very well produced and is highly entertaining, while simultaneously educating tweens about Greek mythology. The episodes range from approximately 20 to 30 minutes in length. The sound effects, voices and overall soundscape made it seem like I was really there in the midst of the action. At some points, I closed my eyes and could easily picture the interactions between the characters playing out in my head, due to the great attention to detail pertaining to the spatial awareness. I recommend listening with earphones to get the full effect. Another interesting component of this podcast is that the listener can take a quiz to see what Greek god they are.

The message of this podcast is that anyone can be their own hero; in other words, believe in yourself.

I give Live from Mount Olympus 5 out 5 stars and recommend this for ages 8 to 13. You can listen to this now on TRAX at: https://www.trax.fm/live-from-mount-olympus.

Secrets of the Whales brings alive the visions of both Academy Award winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron and acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry as they share their knowledge and research finding of some of the most intelligent giants living on our planet. Filmed across three years and in 24 locations, this documentary series, narrated by award-winning actress Sigourney Weaver, takes viewers on an amazing journey into the lives of orcas, humpbacks, belugas, and sperm whales. From Cameron and Skerry's work we gain such an expansive understanding and appreciation of whale family dynamics, social bonds, communication and tradition. It's the "secrets these mammals share which help them prevail."

This series has me completely captivated throughout all four episodes. Seeing the variety of marine life within their natural habitat is just jaw-dropping. With such stunning photography and action-packed video footage, the cinematography in Secret of the Whales is the best I've ever seen. As each scene is presented to viewers, you get a sense of being right there and consumed within each moment. To pick a favorite episode within this series would be impossible, since each episode is so unique with new secrets of the whales being unveiled to viewers.

The common message within all four episodes of Secrets of the Whales is centered around culture. These whale families must work together in a sophisticated manner if they are going to survive and be successful as a species. Whales are highly evolved creatures that have the complexity of family bonds, language, feeding patterns, emotions and interesting secrets. It is critical that these traditions be taught to offspring and passed down throughout the generations.

I give Secrets of the Whales 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. Adults, especially those interested in marine ecology and conservation will certainly appreciate these films as well. Secrets of the Whales will begin streaming on Earth Day April 22, 2021 on Disney+. What a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Don't miss this series!

By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

If someone came up to you and asked whether you liked reading facts or fiction, chances are you'd probably say fiction. And I can relate. Let's face it, the real world can be boring, but Secrets of the Whales definitely is not. Its pictures and views are absolutely outstanding; it has pretty unknown facts; and, best of all, it hooks you in! Kudos to the creators of Secrets of the Whales for making it something I can't stop watching.

This show is a classic documentary series that gives an inside look into the lives of whales. From raising their young, to getting them food, to teaching them to swim and where they live, Secrets of the Whales is an in-depth show that doesn't miss a fact.

The show is amazingly entertaining; it's like a dramatic show, but with a little less drama and featuring whales instead of humans. We learn that whales feel emotions and grieve as well. Drama like this is definitely a factor that got me hooked into the show. One thing I need to call attention to is the images and cinematography. National Geographic Explorer and Photographer, Brian Skerry brings expansive knowledge and research to the film. Cinematographer Brian Armstrong's images are clear and relevant, always providing a highly appreciable visual match to the story. Narrator Sigourney Weaver also has a clear voice and talks slowly as well as loudly, so we can hear her and understand her well.

When I watched this show, I definitely learned a lot about the lives of whales. They are a lot smarter than we think. This was a very educational experience. It is definitely a family-friendly show.

I recommend Secrets of the Whales for ages 6 to 18, plus adults and give it x out of 5 stars. Secrets of The Whales is produced by National Geographic and releases on Disney+ on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. Be sure to check it out.

The storyline is about a half-boy/half-alligator named Arlo (Michael J. Woodard), who was abandoned as a baby. He is raised by a woman named Edmee (Annie Potts) that protects him from the world and gives him everything he needs. But as Arlo gets older, he yearns to find his family, and figure out who he really is. So, Arlo sets out on a journey to find his father in the Big Apple (New York City) and meets Bertie (Mary Lambert) and some new friends that help him along the way.

My favorite element of this film is the music. The casting team, led by Ruth Lambert and Robert McGee put together a wonderful cast. I can't tell if they cast good actors that could sing, or good singers that could act, because they are equally talented in both. My favorite song is "Better Life" performed by Ansel (Vincent Rodriguez III). It's upbeat and there are some high notes that make it memorable, really setting it apart from the other songs. All of the characters are very different, each with its own special qualities. The animation has subtle and unsubtle parts for each character. My favorite character is Marcell whose random outbursts and fragmented statements are hilarious and relatable. If I was in the same situations he was in, I would probably respond in similar ways. The voice actors really surprised me with how terrific their performances are. They made this a movie something I would definitely watch more than once.

The message of Arlo the Alligator Boy is that it's okay to let go of whatever is holding you back, and sometimes letting go is the best thing for you. Arlo has to let go of Edmee if he wants to find his dad; and Bertie has to let go of her unfortunate past if she wants to embrace a new, better version of herself. There is some mild violence, but it contributes to the comedic aspects of the film.

Arlo the Alligator Boy is a great movie! I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12. Adults will also enjoy watching this with their kids, as it's a great family film. Arlo the Alligator Boy comes out on April 16, 2021 on Netflix worldwide. Check this new movie out, you're in for a treat.

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

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, The Year Earth Changed is a documentary featuring exclusive footage from five continents that shows you a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic - the planet was given a much-needed break! The BBC Natural History Unit compiled film from Jalandhar, India of the Himalayas on the horizon, of clear skies in polluted places like Los Angeles and China, of birdsongs in San Francisco, of whales in Glacier Bay and of hippos walking to the gas station in South Africa, among many others. The crew even got the chance to film a leopard, which adapted from its nocturnal routines to hunting in the daylight, within feet of their camera.

The Year Earth Changed is a beautifully constructed film, and the care taken in creating it and obtaining accurate facts is evident. There's little I can mention that would detract from the glory of elephants and humans living side-by-side, of Japanese deer running across the city to their old grazing patch, and of capybara finding new pastures in the homes of Argentina's suburban families. This is simply an amazing family watch.

The Year Earth Changed puts forth perhaps the most convincing argument that the pandemic has actually had an upside to it, showing real evidence of natural change and organisms thriving in their habitats, unbothered by humans. The message of the 48-minute film is to respect nature and recognize that after this pandemic, we need to do all we can to be kinder to the Earth.

I give The Year Earth Changed 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids age 7 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it now on Apple TV+!

Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!

Over the past year, humans across the globe have had to adapt while taking a pause due to the pandemic lockdown. Interestingly so, while our lives were a bit on hold, something very interesting and exciting has happened right under our noses. The absence of humans in a variety of ecosystems around the world has had a profound effect on the natural world. The Year Earth Changed is a compelling new, one-hour documentary that takes us on a journey to over 30 cities across five continents, detailing nature's response to the global pandemic. The film highlights for viewers that this global experiment is our "call to action" in making positive change for Mother Nature.

The Year Earth Changed is a magnificent documentary emphasizing the immediate need for reducing man's footprint on the natural world. The film shows us firsthand how we are able to transform the health of the planet by making adaptations in the way we live our lives. David Attenborough, narrator of the film, explains how striking changes on and below the surface of the earth, as well as within the atmosphere, can take place when humans allow more of a balance between them and nature. One year's worth of amazing research for this documentary displays how simple things such as the reduction of travel, crowds at beaches, and people within cities can improve our fragile ecosystems. The Year Earth Changed is a timely film and critical for us all to see!

This film is so uplifting and has a great deal to rave about. The beautiful photography, drone shots and elusive video footage are incredibly captivating. The flourishing habitats that are captured in this documentary certainly give us something to smile about. Executive producer Alice Keens-Soper and director Tom Beard have given the world something very special - a new appreciation for what humans can do to help preserve our global ecosystems. Every example we are presented with in The Year Earth Changed is inspiring and heartfelt. I can only hope that this story of change can be globally presented for all to witness.

The message in The Year Earth Changed is simple - man and nature must find a balance. If we are to share our planet with the variety of species that occupy it, we must live harmoniously. Modest changes in the way we live are vital for the future of our natural world. The speed at which nature is disappearing is alarming and, if we are unable to coexist, species will be lost forever. The Year Earth Changed is a "wake up call," and it's critical that its message be shared.

I give The Year Earth Changed 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18. Adults would also love this documentary. The Year Earth Changed begins streaming on April 16, 2021 on Apple TV+. A great way to celebrate Earth Day is to encourage everyone to watch this film!

The storyline follows a group of dinosaurs that take off on adventures and deal with struggles such as planning parties and combating seasonal allergies. These dinos have fun together and their friendship is exceedingly strong. Some of the other dinosaurs claim that Gigantosaurus is the biggest and baddest of them all, but through their adventures together they realize that Giganto is not so bad after all.

Young children will enjoy this because of the fun, different-looking dinosaurs that are also spunky and likable. Of course, the adventures are fun and definitely relatable. Most importantly, various life lessons are woven into their dialogue, making it easy for kids to grasp. Each episode flows well and certainly makes sense. The structure goes as follows: the dinosaurs encounter a problem (whether it is losing an hour of daytime or dealing with the sniffles), then the group faces obstacles, but ultimately Giganto helps them solve their problem. The material and vocabulary are suitable for the intended age group. For example, instead of using the word allergies, they call it the sniffles, since children can grasp the action of sniffling and sneezing better than the word allergies. The animation is great. The color scheme is always vibrant - light blue, green and yellow, which is also calming. The DVD cover shows a big jungle that is also shown in the episodes. The backgrounds are whimsical and vast and incorporate small details such as volcanoes and big trees. The visuals most definitely relate to the dinosaurs' jungle adventures. The user can select any episode they want, fast forward through them, or drag the buffer button across the screen. It also remembers where you left off.

The show focuses on problem-solving and not jumping to conclusions. For example, while planning a party, everything seems to go wrong, but through communication and problem solving, the dinosaurs are able to create a fun party and Giganto makes them realize, all the elements of the party do not matter, it's being with friends that makes a party. Two takeaways for children are "never judge a book by its cover" and "do not jump to conclusions."

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Vol.2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 3 to 10. Younger children will enjoy the beautiful visuals and cool, vibrant looking dinosaurs. Older ones will understand the messages, while also appreciating the visuals.

Milk features a young girl (Charlotte Jaspers) counting her change so she can buy herself a treat at the coffee shop nearby. But when she sees an old man (Frank Edwards) who doesn't have enough money to buy himself milk, she steps in and out of kindness.

The film is beautifully created with outstanding camerawork, beautiful locations and tremendous acting and terrific direction. The little girl's behavior is so charmingly real. You can almost hear her think, thanks to Celia Jasper's direction. The old man is also well played and the shopkeeper (Christy-Anne Sullivan) makes an impactful statement at the end, when she accepts the girls' change without counting it, as enough.

The story is about a puzzle piece that is separated from its puzzle and tries to find a puzzle to fit in with.

The story is simple, yet effective. It has a nice moral and I like how it was presented. The cinematography is well done; there is nothing outstanding. The setting is definitely unique, though a little vague. It's unclear where the film takes place. The animation has a lot of personality. You can feel the puzzle piece's character in the way it moves. The art direction is creative and engaging. I like the world portrayed in this short.

The message of the film is: there's always a place where you fit in, even when you don't think there is.

The story follows a mom (Kim Jisoo) who gets into an argument with her son Insa (Shin Yuchan) about Children's Day. Insa wishes that his mom could understand him and let him enjoy the day off. Little does Insa know that he should be cautious for what he wishes. Insa and his mom take an interesting ride as they experience a day in each other's shoes.

The story line is very simple, but its simplicity is what made me like it so much. This short film is well written and has a progressing story line that builds upon each scene so that everything makes sense. This is very well executed for a student film. The cinematography is good; each shot is framed well and very clear. The locations confused me a tiny bit, since everything was filmed at a school. Given that, the creativity of making places look like an office or a home comes across quite well. Throughout the film there is background music that captures the tone of each scene very well. The one performance that stood out to me was Shin Yuchan's. I found myself laughing during some comedic parts of his performance. Both characters Shin Yuchan plays (as the mom and Insa) are played very well, especially after the switch. It is as if, out of nowhere, he had an old soul and was now a protective, caring mother. Also, the screenwriters deserve very good props. It is very simply written, but has a good moral message.

The message of this film is that, despite how much you think your parents don't understand, they care for you a lot. Make sure that you don't make an assumption without seeing the whole picture.

My favorite part of this film is when the mom goes to school as Insa and meets Insa's teacher and has a very strange but funny laugh, as if she was talking to a friend. That part, as well as most of the film, made me smile.

The story follows Jin-il, a student that gets no help when he is bullied at school. After a chemical incident in the bathroom, he turns into a zombie and the school must figure out how to cure him before the entire school turns into zombies.

The story isn't super creative, but it is decently comical. I even laughed a couple times!

The overall camera work is poorly done and many of the shots are choppy. The transitions are pretty arbitrary, but the lighting is pretty good. I like that the film takes advantage of all the locations in the school including classrooms, the library, the hallways and even the bathroom. It shows lots of variety and makes the film a bit more interesting as the students race around the school trying to escape the zombies.

The sound effects are not very good, but they work well enough to drive their purpose across in the story. At times, there is considerable background noise during the audio recording. While the acting is not anything to brad about, the young students' ability carries the storyline well enough. They are definitely enthusiastic and put in a lot of effort. The kids who play zombies are especially impressive with their clumsy zombie walks. My favorite part of the film is all the young actors. They seem to have a lot of fun acting in the film and pretending to be zombies!

This film probably doesn't meet the standards for screening on a big screen, but it is silly and fun. However, I do think that little kids would have a lot of fun watching it.

The message is "never leave anyone behind, and always look out for your friends! You should know that it does contain bloody images. There is blood in the movie, which is obviously fake and not at all gruesome.

This documentary follows eleven-year-old Bobo as he completes the second ever solo crossing of the Alenuihaha Channel, the most difficult channel in Hawaii. He is also the first ever person to cross it using a wing and foil. This documentary covers Bobo's pre-riding events, interviews with friends, family and experts, as well as footage of his crossing.

The film is detailed, informative and interesting. It includes small suspenseful and exciting moments that enhance its main plot and captured my attention. Its only shortcoming is that sometimes it gets a bit repetitive. I love how they include the history of native Hawaiians in crossing this channel. That puts things into perspective.

The cinematography is terrific. I especially enjoyed the beautiful images of the island and the channel; they took my breath away. The only times when the cinematography doesn't quite hold up are some from the ship because parts of the boat block the shot.

However, the locations are so breathtakingly beautiful that it doesn't detract from it very much. The background music and sounds add a lot to the film. Bobo is main star of this documentary, but we meet his family, friends and others that were involved in helping him fulfill his goal. The director, Deveraux Gallagher, had a big influence in how we get to watch Bobo's adventure. You appreciate Bobo's impressive accomplishment more by learning about the history of the channel and how challenging it is. I was fascinated learning how the wing and foil work as I watched Bobo successfully using them. Watching his crossing is totally exhilarating! I felt as if I was flying alongside him. Bobo definitely inspired me to pursue my own dreams and be more confident. He has such a great personality and is so talented.

The message of this film is to believe in yourself and do what you love to do. It shows a young boy undertaking a risky challenge, but taking appropriate precautions to do it, including the help of adults and professionals.

Great White Sharks documents the life of a great white shark from birth to its death, which we discover is not usually due to natural causes. This film sheds light on the horrors of the true victims, the sharks themselves.

Stop motion is one of my all-time favorite types of films. There are no mistakes in the flow and natural motion of the LEGO-animated great white shark. It is impressive how well the sharks and other animals move about throughout the scenes, almost effortlessly. For a student film, this is extraordinarily well made. It does have rather an abrupt start, which I had to go back and listen to a second time to see if I missed something. Also, it is narrated by a child, presumably the filmmaker, and the narration is a bit rough. The shark finning scene perfectly represents how it is done in real life. The blue ocean LEGO blocks make a perfectly, imperfect ocean, one that resembles the actual ocean. The music fits most scenes. When there is comedy, there is comical music; when there is sorrow, there is sad music. However, the music cuts off rather awkwardly in the scene transitions. I love the shark trivia as well as the black background still scenes that offer interesting facts about sharks.

The message of this film suggests that, even though these predators of the ocean are stereotyped and categorized as mean and vicious, we learn that humans are more a danger to them, than they are to us. Many people would enjoy and learn many new things about sharks from this film and it would change their perception on these beautiful creatures.

The storyline follows a day in the life of a young boy living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Each day is exactly the same. His parents don't have time for him due to their work and he is stuck, unable to engage in school or with his friends. He tries to distract himself with video games, but that does not make him happy. In the end, he finds a way to lift his spirits.

The story line is so true to the experience of kids this past year and has many emotional moments. While I felt the emotions of the main character and could see his day in the life, the film takes a while to draw you in. The film starts off with terrific scenes, well lit and interesting angles that show the boy in his home. The close ups help capture the boy's emotions. The montages in the middle of the story are very cool. The home is in Oakland, California in a beautiful green neighborhood that feels as if it could be anywhere in America. The music is excellent and helps drive the film's emotions in every way. It starts with a reminder of where the film takes place. The music in the middle, during the montage, includes a song written by the main character and includes a group performance, which he deeply misses. The music in the final scene is hopeful.

The story was written and directed by the protagonist's dad. The actors are the actual family of which the film is based. They act very naturally. The film's creator produced, directed, wrote, edited and performed in the entire thing. Of note is that the entire film was shot on his I-Phone. I love how he creates various moods throughout the film and I particularly like the video montages during the middle of the film. My favorite part of the film is the music.

The impact of the COVID pandemic and quarantine was extra hard for kids who were forced to go attend school from home and were isolated from their friends.

I give The 2020 Kid 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. I think everyone can relate to this movie and it is something that people in the future can refer to as it shows how difficult the pandemic lockdowns were for kids and their families. My only concern is to make sure that the filmmaker owns the rights to all of the music in the film.

The film features a group of kids from the UK on a call talking about their Alopecia, saying what it is and how people with alopecia should be treated.

I like that the kids speak for themselves and talk honestly about their experience with the disorder. The film is animated so whoever is speaking has an animated box with their name come up so you have an idea of what they look like. I like how they used a zoom-type set up for the animation boxes. The music in the background is happy and light, which goes with this video, because they should not be sad or ashamed of their disorder and the light music helps support that atmosphere. Lydia Hibbert directs the film and is to be commended for the simplicity of the format. The questions are structured so that they never make the kids uncomfortable. The kids that speak are very brave for being okay with talking about their situations. I never knew what this disorder was before, so I learned it is the condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches. I also learned that the disorder is caused by the white blood cells attacking the hair follicles.

The message is to not treat people with alopecia any different than others. It is good to expose kids to various disorders and teach them how to treat people at a young age.

The story is about a disabled boy who desires to reach the top of a cliff so he can throw a paper plane from there like the other boys.

This short film is interesting, although a big vague in some ways. We don't know the backstory of the boys, or the relationship between them, but that doesn't necessarily detract from the film. The camerawork is pretty simple, but effective. The scene where the boys climb the cliff is quite dynamic and is undoubtedly the best scene in terms of the camerawork. Also, in terms of character development, when you see the older boy carry his crippled friend up the hill, sometimes on all fours - it shows a tenderness between them that almost brings you to tears. That is an incredible scene. There is some background music and natural sounds of birds or insects, all of which make it seem real. The acting is quite good; both boys seem like normal kids, although one is physically handicapped. The final scene where we see a scattering of paper airplanes and the wheelchair slowly comes into view strikes you as you see how, in spite of being wheelchair bound, the boy was able to realize his dream.

The message is that you can achieve anything with the support of others. I really enjoyed the symbolism and the intriguing imagery. Dealing with the cliff and the paper planes symbolize achievement.

The story line begins with a young girl drawing a snowman. We see her react as her snowman waves and blinks on the paper. Then, she looks outside to see that her drawing has come to life right outside her window!

The story is quite simple, has a nice flow and is very positive and uplifting. It is only three minute long, and is well written and delivers a cheerful winter theme.

The visuals are well done. There are a limited number of shots, of course. Only so much that can happen in such a short film. It is a combination of a live action and animation. The girl, her room and the house are all live action, but the snowman on the paper and the snowman outside are all animated. This is creative and definitely adds a lot to the film. This combination is one of the best parts of this film, especially since the snowman animation is colorfully detailed and amazingly cute. The locations match the story perfectly - the girl's room and the front yard. The window looking out at the snow and showing the audience how beautiful the yard looks is a great touch. It adds a lot of happiness to see such pretty shots. I really like the heartbeat sound that accompanies the snowman coming to life. It adds a very human element to the movie. Dina Noroozi plays the girl in this film and she is perfect. My favorite part of the film is the live action and animation mix. It makes it more believable and spiritual.

The message of this film is to be happy and believe in the winter and holiday spirit!

The storyline describes just how Santa came to be. It starts with just a man giving a doll to a small girl and shows how as the years pass, the Santa we know today begins to take shape. The final version of Santa shows him in his traditional red coat getting onto his sleigh with the reindeer, while the elves load up the gifts. It is a creative take on the Santa legend and is interesting to watch the interpretation of each of Santa's stages before turning into the jolly character children enjoy today.

Although the film is only about six minutes, the story stretches over a long period of time beginning in the year 330 AD in what is now Turkey. It is creative but a bit confusing at times. There is no dialogue, but it's fairly clear what is going on. The animation is developed from drawings and they are subtly colored, in muted tones. We see gifts that look like Russian stacking dolls. We see the passage of time in an hour glass. We see a gentleman secretly delivering packages to children and riding in a horse drawn cart through the snow. Footsteps take him to many places. It is all presented as almost a dream, a cherished dream at that. There is a beautiful background of instrumental music that begins slow and picks up speed as the plot develops. The music, by Marc Timon, definitely enhances the film a great deal, drawing the audience along from scene to scene, century to century. This is definitely one of the high points of the film.

The message of this film is to never lose hope and to spread joy.

Elder Bear narrates a story about greedy King Glopp who has a scepter with a gem that holds powers that he is using to try to take over all the planets. The only thing that can stop him is the friendship gem which he breaks into pieces. Space Bear Sam teams up with Zoe, Becca and others to try find the pieces and defeat him.

I like the main characters in the story - the evil king who wants take over the galaxy, Sam the hero who wants to defeat him. The friendship gem keeps getting destroyed which makes it interesting since that's the only way they can defeat the evil king. I also like how everyone has a special talent and they contribute to stopping King Glop. The theme of friendship is seen throughout the story.

The 2D animation is very detailed, once you get beyond the opening 3 minutes - which is composed of non-animated images as Elder Bear gives the background of the story. I was concerned that the entire film would be like this, but fortunately it is not. After you get past the opening 3 minutes, it has full range animation with bright colors, interesting characters and cool backgrounds. The planets have a lot of detail and are named to fit the environment of each one. The characters are imaginative, as is their attire. Sam's hero suit has lots of details with many gadgets that he uses to do lots of stuff. The backgrounds change throughout the story several times as the characters travel to different planets, including the one where King Glop rules. I like how the planets' environments match their names and King Glop's planet looks gloomy, which sets the mood there. The music is upbeat and optimistic music when Sam enters and when the space bear team appears. The show is directed by Mike Shleif and written by Mike and Madison Shleif. Kudos to them for creating an excellent script with lots of child-appropriate humor. The plot is interesting and the characters are very enjoyable to watch. The message is a really good one for young children. I particularly enjoyed Erika the Robot. She is humorous because she never understood sarcasm and takes things too literally. All the voice actors are to be commended for their performances.

The message of the show is that friendship and teamwork can help you triumph over difficult obstacles and get you through difficult situations.

The storyline follows a turtle that has just hatched and is trying to avoid predators to get to the water. He sees other animals die at the hands of predators.

I love how cute the main turtle is and how his facial expressions show his emotions. I love seeing the turtle's mini adventure from birth to getting into the ocean for the first time; it shows how hard it is for the turtles to survive. It shows hope because the turtle keeps fighting to get to the water and how he tries to help the other turtle when he doesn't think it will make it. The turtles are so darn cute. They look so innocent to show the true effects of humans littering and how the animals are innocent.

The animation is really terrific. It is well detailed and represents turtles quite well. I like how it shows the world from a turtle's point of view. The water and moon light up the whole scene, giving it a hopeful glow. The music is exquisite, lending dramatic touches that fit the storyline. As the turtle keeps running into issues and you never know if he is about to die or not, the music helps build suspension and nuances. The animators are to be commended for their excellent work. I love how the turtle's movements mimic the way that actual turtles move. My favorite part is when the turtle finally gets to the water because it shows freedom for the turtle and he is so exuberantly happy. This would look great on the big screen.

The message of this short film is to always have hope.

The plot of this film takes in the concept of modern family issues. When Minna's ( Robyn Dempsey) life is turned upside down upon the arrival of her new stepmom Helene (Karen Ardiff) and mean daughter Jenny (Emma Jenkins). Minna is able to find the backstage to her dreams and tries to sabotage Jenny's dreams to stop her from ruining her life. When a dream creation goes wrong, Minna finds herself and her dream worker friend Gaff (Luke Griffin) helping to bring back Jenny.

Throughout the animated movie each scene is colorful and bright. The set designs are so whimsical and creative. I love each design and the idea of our dreams. The dreams are created for each person with actors, sets and scripts. There is a whole new world behind the backstage of dreams. The ideas are super fun. My favorite part of the movie is when Minna finds this hidden world. Each character is very unique and has a certain style that makes them different. The storyline is also quite sad because it addresses family issues. The hardship between the two families eventually wears off until they all learn to love each other. There is beautiful background music playing throughout the film. The songs all have a story behind them relating back to the scenes in the movie. The movie did become a bit predictable at times, but it is still original, entertaining and worth watching.

The message is to be careful what you wish for. Minna wants a specific life with just her dad. When others show up, she is unsure and does not take into account the sadness and harm she would bring to her family by messing with others' dreams. You should know that this film includes a sensitive topic of families like divorce, fighting and new family members. There are also some frightening and intense scenes.