KIDS FIRST!
35 Most Recent Endorsements

Reviewed by Katie F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

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By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

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Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

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

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A BethJean Daydream - Gnomes Find a New Home is pretty cute and silly. I think that young children would find it enjoyable. The concept of having gnomes live in a hole in the wall is a very original idea. The rhyming words of the script add a fun element.

The storyline follows two gnomes living in a hole in the wall and want to find a new place to live. A lady starts talking about her greenhouse and the gnomes overhear her, knowing where their new home should be. They make a daring adventure towards the greenhouse, only to be greeted by the lady with welcoming arms. The two gnomes live happily ever after in the greenhouse. The problem and plot of the story promotes kindness. There is a problem that the gnomes are able to fix which involves problem solving skills. The camera work for this short film is great. I like all the different backgrounds and the combination of live action and animation. The sets and locations are bright, have fun colors, and are quite whimsical. I really enjoyed the part where the gnomes travel through the carpet. My favorite part is when the gnomes land in the greenhouse and the lady finds out she has gnomes living in her house.

The message of the film is to never give up. The gnomes do not give up, even when their adventure to the greenhouse gets difficult.

I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 5o 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Rosabella P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This episode of the Body Brothers combines science education with music, comedy and physical exercise, which appeals to a wide range of youth audience. I like the educational facts and comedy in this episode. I got to learn and laugh at the same time, which makes learning fun. Including dancing physical exercise is great to follow along and try.

This series features the Body Brothers who love to explore the world and its inhabitants. They make songs and dance about what they've learned about the world. Their friend Auntie B (Laura O Mahony) is an inventor with a workshop who helps them better understand the new facts they find out.

The part I like in this episode is when it provides "Brittany Animal Facts." I liked learning that when ostrich run at full speed they can run at 70 KPH The camera work here is quite good. It's clear, well lit and easy to watch. I love the young cast, especially the Body brothers. The choreography is creative and fun, trying to represent how ostriches move. The costumes worn in the dance scene are hysterical; one brother dresses up as an ostrich! There are a few locations in this episode. My favorite is Aunty B.'s workshop because of her voice-activated computer and a TV screen made from an old video game console. Fota Wildlife Park is another location which is interesting to see. The background music is okay; it's pretty invisible but definitely adds energy to the episode. The stars of the show are the Body Brothers, Cormac (Cormac Mohally) and Cian (Cian Kinsella). Both of them are well suited for their roles and give a fresh and innovative approach to the show. There are also cut aways to actual children that comment on the show and these kids are well chosen.

The message of this show is that the world is filled of lots of animals and we have lots of things to learn about them and how they fit into our world. This episode taught me more about ostriches, from learning how ostriches use their wings as brakes to how fast they run.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 5o 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Rosabella P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

This title has online video!

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I like the podcast That's Totally Normal. It is informational and enjoyable. I learned things that I didn't know but, I thought I knew. The film talks about a variety of topics and it's nice to choose what you want to listen to hear other people's point of view. I could relate to the things that these women are talking about.

Hosted by a female doctor, each episode in this podcast addresses different topics. I listened to "Where's My Period, And When Will It Be Regular," "The Erection Episodes" and "Hair Down Where?" They discuss different things like odor, acne, periods, body image and etc. We learn what causes these things, how normal they are and how they happen to everyone. Also, there are youth guests on the show so you can listen to a kids' point of view.

I learned more about guys' and girls' bodies how they work. There are many cool facts on this podcast that interest me and make me want to learn much more about my own body. My favorite episode is "The Erection Episode." It made me feel like I wasn't alone in my curiosity about boys. I'm sure other girls my age have questions about these same things. It helped learning more about boys' bodies and how they deal with them.

The message of this podcast is that our bodies are normal and, in my case, every girl is going to experience what I am - periods, body image, boys, drama and more. In the case of boys, every guy is going through the same sorts of things - enlargement, insecurities, odor and such. Everything going on in your body is normal and you don't need to be ashamed because the person standing next to you or your friend is going through the exact same things that you are. Our bodies are normal. This podcast talks about things that people might be uncomfortable talking about and that some kids might not be ready for but are curious about. It is very informational and could help lots of people that are thinking about their bodies constantly, wondering what is going on.

I give That's Totally Normal 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18. You can find this podcast online at TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/thats-totally-normal

Reviewd by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Puberty, sex and ejaculation? These words used to make me cringe, but that is because I didn't know what they actually meant. Now I know That's Totally Normal!

The podcast That's Totally Normal! explores all of those uncomfortable and embarrassing topics we would rather not talk about or educate ourselves about. However, it is done in such a way where, not only is the audience comfortable, but more informed. On average, each episode is eleven minutes in length or substantially less.

Host and writer Dr. Tessa Commers, known to us as Dr. T, has a youthful and reassuring voice. As a board-certified pediatrician and the writer of this podcast, the information she provides can be trusted and taken to heart. Editor and Sound Designer John Ross makes the entire podcast come together by adding whimsical and funny sound effects that make the information easier to take. My favorite episode is "Acne," where Dr. T discusses the world of zits, pimples and even bacne.

The positive and uplifting message of the podcast That's Totally Normal! suggests that "we are all in this together." While our bodies may be different, together we experience many of the same things.

That's Totally Normal! gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. You can find the podcast That's Totally Normal! on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/thats-totally-normal

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Runtime: 13 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: AUDIO

This title has online video!

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A fun, light podcast perfect for a morning commute, Ooh, You're in Trouble will entertain listeners of all ages with its fun sound effects and strong storytelling style.

Ooh, You're in Trouble is a podcast where adults look back at their moments of teen defiance that shaped them. Each episode centers around one misadventure, a true story of a moment a young adult that broke the rules growing up and what they learned from their experience. It's an interesting answer to the question: why do we act out?

It's a show that's funny, educational, entertaining and insightful - perfectly reflective of growing up. The participants in each episode are between the ages of 10 and 25. They engagingly tell their stories, with an intricate plot buildup and super dramatic climax; they surely capture listeners' attention. Merk Nguyen hosts the podcast (in a minor role) as LV, the "little voice inside your head." Nguyen's peppy hosting helps accent each episode, though she doesn't play as big of a role as a conventional podcast host. Each episode is blended with tons of light, youthful-sounding music and effects (every episode has background music created by a different artist). The crisp editing by Hadley Dion and Aaron Garber makes the 20- to 27-minute episodes fly by! I also love the podcast thumbnails' art style, and the titles are super fun, too.

The message of Ooh, You're in Trouble is one of exploration and learning from your past doings; all of the older participants got into sticky situations as tweens or teens and grew from those mistakes. It's a positive message that's not pushed too hard, but that makes it perfect for leisure listening without sounding too preachy.

I would give Ooh, You're in Trouble 5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. You can listen to We Got You on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/ooh-youre-in-trouble

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The stories in the podcast Ooh You're in Trouble are beautifully illustrated and told in a way in which you learn something and it's also exciting to listen to. I really enjoyed it. At first I thought that this podcast wouldn't be fun, as it progresses I found myself drawn in. I was learning a lot, and it is hilarious.

This podcast is told by adults and teens talking about experiences that they have had breaking or bending the rules when they were younger. The audience is asked questions too and gets to ponder what they would do in a particular situation. The people talk about their experiences, while voicing regret and also lessons that they learned from it.

This podcast is cheesy and dramatic at times, but that contributes to its overall humor and makes it more entertaining and engaging. The recurring actors on the show are always able to bring out a new voice for their character. The sound effects, variation of points of views and the difference in stories all contribute to an amazing show. I love how some of the episodes are very relatable for me, and that I find them all enjoyable regardless. They are a reasonable length and have playful, mischievous music which really sets the fun mood of the podcast. My favorite episode is one following a girl that drives a car before she has her license and all the obstacles she and her friends have to overcome to meet their goal. I find it highly impressive how well thought through some of the peoples' plans are in this podcast and how determined they are at times to get to their goal. The show is about troublemaking, but sometimes it's not pointed out that people's actions are wrong. This is beneficial, because it leaves it up to you to decide if you would do the things that they did in a particular situation, hypothetically. But, it also could be problematic in that it might give kids ideas for getting into trouble. So, when listening to it, keep that in mind. Just because it's not voiced clearly that the actions are wrong, that doesn't mean you should do them.

The message of this podcast is that troublemaking isn't always necessarily "bad," but it can sometimes get to the point where it ends badly or unsafely and you will probably regret your actions afterwards, but learn something too.

I give Ooh You're in Trouble 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to18, plus adults. Ooh, You're In Trouble is available on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/ooh-youre-in-trouble

Reviewed by Rosemary K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 25 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: AUDIO

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By Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A candid and honest look at modern teens' lives with incisive commentary on mental illness, coping with conflict and other timely topics, We Got You is a great listen for kids looking for answers.

Have you ever felt like you are experiencing something negative that no one else is? Well, We Got You reassures you that there is someone who has been there and done that before, sharing the perspectives of kids on growing up, thriving and surviving in an uncertain world, and dealing with the darker aspects of life. Each episode has two parts. First, a kid speaks about their experiences. For example, one episode centers around a girl named Asha and her experiences with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Second, the floor is opened up for questions about the subject, which are submitted through the show's Twitter account, and the main speaker is joined by one or two other kids who share their personal experiences and thoughts. The show is hosted by actress Samantha Logan, but she takes a backseat in the podcasts, and it feels like each episode is really hosted by the kid who's sharing their thoughts.

The kids on the show are truly skilled raconteurs, presenting their experiences in an engaging way that makes you feel for them. Many of the speakers bore their hearts on the podcast, especially in the episodes about mental health, and it is heartwarming to see that they feel confident to share their experiences and thoughts so openly. The podcast is full of earnest perspectives and the roundtable segment features lots of great questions that I would definitely have asked. The sound designer Rob Ballingall also beautifully blends together sound bites with some sound effects and background music to make the podcast even more intricate.

The message of We Got You is quite simple: you don't have to go through anything alone. It's a podcast with a purpose, a beautiful one at that, and it's executed wonderfully.

I would give We Got You 5 stars out of 5, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. You can listen to We Got You on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/we-got-you

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The We Got You podcast is an amazing outlet for kids and teens that don't have a voice or need extra inspiration to help cope with their challenges. This podcast is all about helping others hold onto hope.

Writer / creator (Halle Petro) and producer (Sonic Union) proudly presents We Got You. Many episodes have guest speakers that talk about their conflicts. The podcast covers such topics as dyslexia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, social media, bullying and lots more.

I love this podcast series, because it includes so many inspirational stories. I got a sense of thankfulness while listening to the first couple of episodes. Although the podcast is audio only, it makes you take the time to settle down and listen. The guest speakers are so strong in their ability to speak out and spread awareness. Each episode is about 15 to 20 minutes long. They are full of amazing stories and a Q and A. The Q and A at the end of each episode includes middle-schoolers from around the country that get their questions answered by teens that have been there before. Especially during these tough times due to COVID-19, taking care of our physical and mental health is important. The weekly advice in these podcasts encourages kids and teens to come of age in the world around us. In each episode the real life example is accompanied by music that transports the listener to that space. Listening to these stories can give anyone hope, courage and gratitude.

I got lots of messages from this podcast, although the one that stood out the most is to hold onto hope. Never give up; have courage!

I give the podcast series We Got You series 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 16. The We Got You podcast is currently available on TRAX podcast page at https://www.trax.fm/we-got-you.

By Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

We Got You is such an inspirational podcast. I love it. It shares stories from teens all over the country that have gone through hard times and makes them feel heard. This podcast also makes you feel lots of emotions and is almost as entertaining as a regular TV show.

For example, one of the episodes talks about Jaelin, an 18-year-old boy who lost both of his parents before the age of nine, and went through childhood being abused by his stepfather. His journey continues as Jaelin finds hope through his brothers and friends.

One of the best things about this podcast is the emotions. You can really feel all that Jaelin's been through, from the death of his first parent to losing his second. His enlightening speech gives you hope that there is always a way out, no matter how much you have been through. Many movies, TV shows and podcasts use music to convey emotions. However, We Got You doesn't need music to show what these kids are feeling; you only need to hear their stories. To be able to show emotion without music is pretty hard, so that really intrigued me.

In the words of Dumbledore, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, when only one remembers to turn on the light." This describes the message of the podcast (even though it's not said in that way), that you should never lose hope. There are no foul words or concepts, but there is some mention of aggressive behavior. An example is Jaelin speaking of his father both verbally and physically abusing him.

I give We Got You 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18 and anyone who is going through a hard time. We Got You can be found on Trax at https://www.trax.fm/we-got-you.

By Apurva S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: AUDIO

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Reviewed by Nyara, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

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By Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-10
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This film offers a great opportunity to watch a silent black and white movie, which is uncommon these days. Reviewed by Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Vampires Don't Dance is a modern, silent black and white film that is full of suspense! I like the close-up shots and the simplicity of the set. Because it is silent, you can imagine the sounds and dialogue. The filmmaker is five years old.

This is the story of a little vampire who is searching for dinner. Along the way he has to fight off an evil which who is wearing a scary mask.

The storyline is very original and allows you to use your imagination of what is being said or thought. The cinematography is quite wonderful. The black and white film really suits the topic. The close-ups of the vampire's face, feet and cloak swishing around brings forward the beauty of the actor's movements. The black cloak and the mask for the evil character help define them. The entire film is shot in a small space with large looming fence and a central wooden sculpture that the vampire uses to lie down on. The small space makes the characters feel even larger and closer to the viewer. There are crackling sounds on the recording record, which makes it seem authentic and when the music stopped, only the crackling remains. It feels almost like the live music that played during old silent movies. Smoke is used just before the confrontation between the vampire and the evil masked character which creates a little suspense. The vampire is played by Arthur Frick, who is also the film's writer and director. My favorite part of the film is that it is written by a five-year-old boy with an amazing imagination. I wish that more five-year-olds would make their own movies.

The moral of the film is that good vampires who want to save the world can triumph over evil witches.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This film offers a great opportunity to watch a silent black and white movie, which is uncommon these days. Reviewed by Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14. The film shows family bonding, while participating in an aggressive sport. It promotes healthy game behavior and reminds us that, even though we can do our best and practice hundreds of times, all are humans and can lose or win equally. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Ramon is a short documentary from Colombia showing a young boy working to achieve his dreams of practicing kickboxing. The film shows a little bit of his training and his first major competition. It is an enjoyable story that shows an unusual sport for children, and it highlights the importance of the discipline and family support.

We see how Ram�n practices daily to become better and better at kickboxing. Now, it is time to put into play what he has learned in his training during his first major championship.

The story is simple, as it shows what Ram�n goes through during his training and how he does in his first big fight. It also shows how involved his family is in his process, which is interesting. His family's support helps makes him feel confident and to know that whether he wins or not, the important thing is to do his best.

The camera work is well done; it follows Ram�n during his practices and shows various elements around him. We are given insight into life and can appreciate his culture and the aspects on his daily life because we see it all. The locations take place at Ram�n's house and the various places where he practices kickboxing. We also see his city, his home, and where he goes to for the competition. The background music comes in intermittently and helps drive up the action. There are sound effects that add a certain comical tone to the documentary and lighten up the mood throughout the film. This is a short documentary, the key character is Jos� Ram�n Garc�a Nava, the protagonist, Giselle Geney, Alejandro Coronado, Andr�s Monta�a, and Natalia Bernal are the producers of the film. Natalia Bernal is the director as well.

My favorite part of the film is when we get to see children being children, even though they are participating in a sport that requires concentration, focus and discipline. Ram�n has a stuffed toy that he takes everywhere with him, and even his parents play with it. This is refreshing to see, because even though he is serious about becoming more expert as his young age, he is still a child and developing just like other children.

The message of the film is to show how kickboxing can be a healthy exercise or sport for children. Kickboxing helps develop discipline, exercise and self-control, plus the participate moves around a lot and becomes more flexible. The other big part related to the ending of this film is that sometimes we may win and sometimes we may lose, but the important thing is to give our best every single time. Losing allows us to reflect in what we can improve, and it gives us the ability to reflect in how to do something better the next time.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14. The film shows family bonding, while participating in an aggressive sport. It promotes healthy game behavior and reminds us that, even though we can do our best and practice hundreds of times, all are humans and can lose or win equally. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-14
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Note: Script is in the very early stages of being animated as a personal project and is not attached to any production studio. I am open to collaborating with a production studio, however.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Clever script. It's quite good for a short. The curiosity of the child reflects questions we all have asked and continue to ask. The snowman is an appropriate symbol for a teacher. He is wise, listens and is witty, with an edgy sense of humor. The brief escape into imagination, projecting snowmen and angels, is clever as part of their communication. The script is short, well developed as the child questions life and death, essence, heaven and looks at solutions which lie within her as the snowman points out before the fade out. This, if made into a short film - animated, puppetry or with live actors, should be viewed with family. This is a subject that needs to be shared as the questions raised and philosophy given are not easily answered or understood. They should be talked about and this story, with its clean characterizations, dialogue and resolve with the little girl going into the house to hug and be hugged by her father, is a story to be watched together. I recommend this for ages 8 to 12 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Clever script. It's quite good for a short. The curiosity of the child reflects questions we all have asked and continue to ask. The snowman is an appropriate symbol for a teacher. He is wise, listens and is witty, with an edgy sense of humor. The brief escape into imagination, projecting snowmen and angels, is clever as part of their communication. The script is short, well developed as the child questions life and death, essence, heaven and looks at solutions which lie within her as the snowman points out before the fade out. This, if made into a short film - animated, puppetry or with live actors, should be viewed with family. This is a subject that needs to be shared as the questions raised and philosophy given are not easily answered or understood. They should be talked about and this story, with its clean characterizations, dialogue and resolve with the little girl going into the house to hug and be hugged by her father, is a story to be watched together. I recommend this for ages 8 to 12 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Juror #11.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: Screenplay

I give The Nestling 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It has an important message and is well written and acted, however it does address the topic of death and there is a pretty graphic image of a dead bird. The dialogue is in German with English subtitles. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Nestling almost made me cry. It's beautiful and hopeful in a way a film delicately and well made only can be. The story completely engaged me, drawing me into the mind of the main character, a young girl, in a way that felt both honest and pleasant. The clever use of symbolism and subtext that the film presents drew me in deeper. This is really an extraordinary film and I highly recommend it.

The story follows a young girl, Ela, adjusting to her mother's return from a hospital where she was being treated for cancer.

The story works well for several reasons. It builds carefully, establishing later events in the very beginning of the film. The plot fascinated me, leaving just enough questions to keep me guessing, but not enough so I was confused. Finally, every event burns with hopefulness and a lightness that keeps the story from getting too dark.

The camera work has a soft look to it, giving the film a calm, serene feel. This feeling makes certain moments in the film that were upsetting feel distinctly less worrisome. For instance, Ela accidentally ends up killing the tiny bird she's caring for. The scene when she discovers the body is upsetting, but the way we view it makes it less distressing. One of my favorite shots is the opening one, a close-up of the little bird. The entire shot rapidly establishes important facts for the story and is incredibly pretty, especially the way it slowly zooms out and shows the rest of the bird and its nest.

There is one major set at the Ela's pastel house. I love this set. It is very detailed, from how the cabinets are constructed, to how its objects are built to fit into the setting. One of my favorite details is how the little bird's nest is visible during the climatic argument of the movie. This detail gives a calm feeling to the film. There are three main characters in the film - Ela (young girl), her mother and her grandmother. All three are exceptionally well acted, especially Ela Aktepe who plays the young girl Ela and who comes across as both fragile and strong, tired and awake; and scared, but fearless. The screenplay is filled with symbolism, and beautifully presented. My favorite part of the film occurs when Ela, after discovering her bird is dead, goes to her mother and grandmother and tells them the little bird flew away. For me, this scene is exceptionally well acted, and also well-written. It is also such an unexpected moment that I could not stop watching after.

The film's message is that even if life throws you curveballs, it is always best to keep your head up.

I give The Nestling 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It has an important message and is well written and acted, however it does address the topic of death and there is a pretty graphic image of a dead bird. The dialogue is in German with English subtitles. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 12 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Nexus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Joshitha B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Nexus is suspenseful and thrilling. This student made film is quite appealing as it has a traditional, one of which is seen in much of popular media. The format starts off lovely and ends by scoring a little below the mark.

The storyline follows what happens after a kid goes missing and a group of his friends band together to find him.

The storyline is not what stands out the most in this film. There are several scenes that look far too similar to the popular series, Stranger Things. This seems like a coincidence, except that every exchange appears to be something from the popular show. It's clear that the writer has taken inspiration from popular media, but since such these vital parts are unoriginal, that should be taken into consideration. Considering this is the work of a seventh grader, it is difficult to fault even the plot when the production is so well done.

The cinematography is incredible; every shot is breath-taking, and you have to give credit to the cinematographer, Caleb Reese Paul, who shot this at age 12. I especially enjoyed a scene where the camera is angled so that we see the perspective of the 'goo' the children are examining. All the shots are very professional and creative but this one stands out. The locations at the house and woods are all very fitting for the sci-fi story. The background music is very techno, which immediately supports the sci-fi vibe the director is striving for. The lighting is well done, especially for the scenes that take place at night, when it's a challenge to see the characters and keep the darkness. At one point, there is a bright pink light that is signaling us (the viewers) that these children are entering another dimension of sorts. While we do have to use our imaginations for this, the director took great initiative as it wasn't difficult to visualize at all. The work that stands out the most is the cinematography; much of the film emphasizes the beauty of the shots, rather than its contents. We never learn much about the characters, either in their backstory or purpose, but the actors that play them are clearly skilled. They make the scenes feel natural, which is not always the case in student made films. The cast includes Lily Buchanan, Griffin Wallace Henkel and John Mahanna plus Caleb Reese Paul, who is also director, writer and producer. Caleb is a 12-year-old actor who has toured the country playing Peter in the Broadway national Tour of Finding Neverland and plays the son of Jeremy Sito and Mara Davi on the Dick Wolf series FBI.

The message of this film is to "be safe and don't go monster hunting. You should know that it contains mild profanity.

I give The Nexus 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Joshitha B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 13 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

Reviewed by Bailey Rae F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Wolf Pack is very wholesome and the story is relatable, especially to outcast kids.

The story follows four lonely kids that are sent to a camp and forced to partake in a group adventure.

Each character is unique and they have fantastic chemistry. I became very invested in their friendship. The cinematography is quite good. Nothing stands out, aside from one scene showcasing a kid's struggle with gender, where the camera pans to a male bathroom sign. The costumes perfectly showcase the differences in each of the kids' personalities. The strength of this film is in its characters which are well defined and well-acted. They all have equal screen time and feel genuine. The acting and the bond between the characters is what held my attention most. Both are very genuine and the emotional scenes are very well acted.

The message is that being yourself is important, and so is the power of friendship.

I give The Wolf Pack 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. This film is very relatable to kids, and could teach them a good moral. The dialogue is in German with English subtitles.

Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This is a funny film that would make a great interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It will surely make people laugh. Reviewed by Nyara A.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What kid doesn't like talking about farts! The kids who are interviewed in Let's Talk About Farts are hilarious. The narrator is informative.

This film explains the biology behind farts and the multiple words used to describe them. Parents interview their children about different types of farts, while the children interpret farts using sound effects made by their mouths.

This film does not have a true story line, but is informative. I guess you could call it a documentary. I enjoyed the multiple voices of the different kids. The narrator is filmed in a clear way in portrait mode which allows the audience to focus on her and gives off a professional look. The interviews were filmed by the parents and are more informal with some shakiness. The children are interviewed in their own homes, sometimes on couches and sometimes at a table. This makes the film feel very natural, but also makes it more difficult to control the quality. The sound effects of farts made by the children add humor. The only shortcoming of it is that the sound is very uneven - loud at one point, too soft at another. It includes a short animated video of the stomach and gas bubbles which allows the viewer to better understand the science of farts.

This is a documentary type of film so all of the actors play themselves. The main character is the narrator, Dr. Mercer, who is a gastroenterologist and an expert in everything related to the gut. My favorite part is when a mother asks her son "Do spiders fart?" The son answers, "nooooooooo!" That scene made me laugh out loud.

The theme of the film is: everybody farts and it's normal.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This is a funny film that would make a great interstitial at a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It will surely make people laugh. Reviewed by Nyara A.
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Kids would like this film and find it interesting. Reviewed by Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - H-Squad is a fantastic animated series that teaches an amazing lesson! It has a semi-relatable plot based on a real family, not to mention the amazing supernatural abilities it displays. This is a perfect series for a film festival!

The storyline is about a family of superheroes that use their powers in everyday life. However, when the mother is busy fighting crime, the father has to raise the five kids and try to teach them how to use their powers responsibly. Sometimes, it doesn't go the way it's supposed to, and the kids have to learn lessons the hard way.

What I like about the story is that it has an issue that some parents face today, raising children alone or, most of the time, alone. However, it also includes compelling supernatural abilities that the characters have. This is a topic that a lot of people like to watch, so it's a good way to reel people in. In addition, the story was inspired by a real family. How cool is that?! It's a great way to showcase their lives while adding an interesting twist to them.

This is a 2D animated series. There are lots of scenes that are very interesting and impressive. For one, the scene when Arthur transports to somewhere different is cool. He fades out and there are only sparkles left behind. This is amazing animation, and something that is very hard to do, so props to Aaron David Harris and the rest of the animation team. Another thing that really sets this series aside from others is that this is in 2D. This element is produced when individual drawings are sequenced together over time. Therefore, someone draws all these images and puts them together. Again, this is incredibly profound.

The background music and sound effects are very good in the series. They match all of the events, and emphasize what is happening. For instance, the sound effect that stands out the most is when Arthur teleports. There are sparkling images and a sparkling sound effect when he disappears. This shows us his powers. There are many characters in this show. The biggest ones, so far, are Bria Mae, Arthur and Mr. Harris. They all are very important because they make the story progress. Bria Mae plays a big role in helping Arthur have more responsibility with his powers because she helps with his selflessness. Arthur also plays a key role because he is the troublemaker in the family, and causes a lot of the conflicts that take place. He also has the most control over his powers, which means that he can use them for many situations. The actors that play them - Crystal Cohen and Brielle Rankins - have very good chemistry, and typical of sibling relationships. The person that stands out the most is Aaron Harris who plays Mr. Harris. He is taking care of all of the kids on his own and you can hear the struggle in the actor's voice. It is clear that he is channeling some of his own experiences in his acting. Not only does Aaron Harris voice Mr. Harris, but he is the creator, director, editor, storyboard artist and the writer of the show. This is SO impressive! To do all of this, and make it look good is very impressive.

The message of this show is that with great power comes great responsibility. All of the members of the family have supernatural powers. However, without being taught how to use them responsibly, they cannot be used.

My favorite part of this show is when Bria Mae helps Arthur with his selflessness, which is essential in helping Arthur master his powers. This also shows a positive sibling relationship. Even though they fight sometimes, they are there for each other when they need it most.

I give this show 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 11. It's very intriguing and can prove to do well with this age group. H-Squad is a very kid-friendly and family friendly series with an uplifting message and a fascinating plot. Reviewed by Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 14 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Pickled 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adult will find this irresistibly cute too. Reviewed by Ava H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The short film Pickled is endearing. I love the animation and the music. By the end of this film you will be smiling!

The story is about a chili pepper that wishes to be in exotic and spicy dishes. Then, he gets tossed into a jar with carrots to be pickled and everything turns upside down for this pepper. But, he learns a valuable lesson.

I like this film because it is entertaining and really cute. It also had a few valuable messages. The animation is 2D and is executed very well. I like the bright colors and the various shots of the chili. The setting takes place in a restaurant as well as the chili pepper's dream. The music has a Chinese influence and is very happy, but calm. The characters include a chili pepper, carrots, a chef, a mom and a daughter. There is very little dialogue, which allows the viewer to focus on visual elements of the film. The animation reminds me of early Disney films, with a slightly nostalgic quality. My favorite scene is at the end, when the girl eats the soup.

The message of the film is to always look on the bright side.

I give Pickled 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adult will find this irresistibly cute too. Reviewed by Ava H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 6-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this short film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, also adults. Reviewed by Ava H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Through heartbreak comes comfort and adventure in an unusual manner! Chips captures the story of an upsetting situation which leads us to a very exciting experience purely by chance. I especially enjoyed it as it is set in a quaint Scottish seaside village and reminds me, as a Scot, of summer holidays up north.

The story follows a young girl who has recently lost her grandfather. She is reminiscing through touching his ashes from the urn and is called for dinner. When she cleans her fingers in her pet gold fish's bowl something magical happens.

I like the creativity behind the storyline. I also love the unexpected twist of the talking goldfish and the contrast between the girl being sad and upset at the funeral to being excited to come home from school every day to see Chips, the gold fish.

I like the camera angles and the bird's eye view of the beautiful Scottish scenery. The costumes are in keeping with the story and its events. This is set in a fishing village in Scotland. It captures the beautiful scenery and village life very realistically. There is a contrast in music which helps us to understand how the main character, Seana, is feeling. Seana, the young heartbroken girl, is played by newcomer, Sophie Lawson. Her performance is very believable when talking and interacting with her gold fish, and emotional when at the funeral. Chips, the gold fish, is voiced by Peter Mullan, and is one of my favorite characters. I love the unexpected twist when he can talk, it shows imagination. Peter Mullan (Chips) has been in Braveheart, Harry Potter amongst numerous other productions spanning over 30 years. Sarah McCardie (Alisa, the mum) is known for These Foolish Things and Big City Park.

The message of the story is that you can use your imagination to relive happy memories. It also highlights to me the importance of always being kind as you never know what's around the corner.

My favorite part of the film is when she hears her grandfather whistling and turns around to see no one there; she continues to walk and hears it again. This time she realizes that it's the gold fish.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 14, plus adults. It is a very family friendly film. This could be used as an educational film to assist children who are grieving. Reviewed by Katie F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 14 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. There is so much informational content that both young and older will benefit from watching this, from understanding this story and the stories of others and will learn to see past the disability and inabilities, and focus on their abilities. Reviewed by Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The beautiful documentary How the Titanic Became my Lifeboat is a thrilling, honest look at humanity. It starts out slow, but once it gets going, it captures you completely. Its focus is split between three people in a way that can be confusing, but all three plots are completely engaging. At times the film has a tendency to become a bit preachy and reiterate the same point repeatedly. However, it is very engaging.

The film is about a boy, Brynjar Karl, who is on the Autism Spectrum, building a LEGO model of the Titanic and how it changes him forever.

The film is narrated by Brynjar and his story is very uplifting. At times, the film wanders a bit - focusing on subjects less interesting, but it mostly keeps its focus. However, the beginning is a bit on the slow side, which is unfortunate. There are a number of interviews with autism specialists that describe the nature of this diagnosis. The cinematography is very good. One of my favorite shots is the shot of the entire model that Brynjar has built. It's a great shot that truly showcases the massiveness of the model - the largest model of the Titanic ever built. The background music is intermittent. My favorite musical moment occurs at the end, when hopeful music plays. In addition to following Brynjar Karl's journey, we are introduced to other characters. However, the most interesting person is Karl who is world-famous for building the LEGO Titanic model and for sharing his story at TED X. My favorite part of the film is the montage of Karl building his model ship. This is so well-edited I felt I was right there with him building it. Kudos to the filmmaker Bjarney Ludviksdottir, who followed Brynjar from beginning his journey at age 10 to the end - starting with the intent to document his building of the model, but discovering during the process, how it changed Bjarney in so many other ways.

The message of the film is your uniqueness is never a bad thing and that your dreams are worth achieving. This film is inspiring in so many ways. I truly believe it will be a hit at KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Sandrine A. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. This movie shows a reality that many children may face if they interact with someone who has Down syndrome. They may be bullied or feel like outsiders because of that. People with disabilities are still humans and deserve the respect and the opportunities that we all have and deserve. Showing this film to youth and families can serve as a reminder to not give in to social pressure and to learn about quality in friendships. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A beautiful coming-of-age story, Ole, Benni and the rest of the universe presents a unique perspective to including everyone and to fight off social pressure.

Ole is an 11-year-old kid who has to face the decision of staying friends with Benni, who has Down syndrome, or distance from him to stop being bullied by his swim class mates. Added to this is that he also has fallen in love with Lucy, which makes his decision of being friends with Benni even more complicated.

The continuity of the story is great because it shows what a good relationship Benni and Ole have and all the activities that they do together. But this changes as Ole becomes bullied and shamed for being friends with Benni, just because he has Down syndrome. There is a struggle, but the ending highlights the message of the film, and it shows character growth from Ole.

The camera work in this film is very high quality. All the colors are vibrant and vivid, and the camera angles show the various elements of each scene which helps the continuity of the movie. The locations vary throughout the film. We see that Benni and Ole are neighbors, and that they dream of becoming astronauts someday. They visit an abandoned building where they have built their own spaceship. We also see them interact in their swim class and in at school. The background music is well selected, enhancing scenes, such as when the boys are playing in the spaceship. The music becomes soft and dreamy, adding to the overall tone of the scene with them dreaming and thinking they are in space. So, in the moments of conflict, the music becomes stronger and louder to add to the drama of the moment. The main character of this film is Ole (Leopold Schill); the story centers on him and his experiences during that time of his life. I love the camera work of this film. It is such in high quality that it brings out all of the details and colors in each scene. The scene in which they first show the spaceship is an example of this, because every single element in the object feels vibrant and I could appreciate all the details that went into making the spaceship.

The message of the film is that we should not give into social pressure, and definitely not sacrifice friendships or relationships just because other people may not like it or make fun of them. You should know that it contains some mild profanity. There are scenes where Benni is referred to with the r-word, which is a slur toward people with developmental disabilities. Also, Ole says the s-word many times in the movie.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. This movie shows a reality that many children may face if they interact with someone who has Down syndrome. They may be bullied or feel like outsiders because of that. People with disabilities are still humans and deserve the respect and the opportunities that we all have and deserve. Showing this film to youth and families can serve as a reminder to not give in to social pressure and to learn about quality in friendships. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-15
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults, Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The script is a clever spin on the evils of stealing through the genre of fantasy adventure. The characters, in this case balls of all known sports, like ghosts, become visible and heard by the hero Willie, who is truthful, caring and clever. They form an unlikely team to defeat the burly Russian thieves who steal the sports balls, insert drones and manipulate them to win events. But these balls have energy and their communities which are being torn apart. Willie becomes their hero with the help of his friends and a very aware Grandma Maes. So good hearts prevail; evil doers are captured; new friendships made, if just for that magic moment in time.

I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults, Reviewed by Juror #11.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: Screenplay

Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - House of My Memories tackles an upsetting universal experience and does so in an appealing way with beautiful, expressive animation. This exquisite film really honors the people we have lost but who still live within our hearts. It is a perfect intergenerational film for KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.

The story is about a boy who finds his passion by working with his late grandfather.

The story is emotional and easy to understand, despite the lack of dialogue. The cinematography is very unique, especially in the scenes where the boy and his grandfather are working together. There is a very genuine connection between the boy and his grandfather. I like how the film showcases their progress. The main location, the grandfather's workshop is well rendered and nostalgic in a way. The characters are beautifully illustrated with great facial expressions and body movement. The boy appears as so na�ve and inquisitive as he works side by side with his grandfather, learning how to make things in the workshop. I like the scene showing them in multiple phases of their work together. The background music is light and noninvasive, just as pleasant as the visuals. All the animation is super detailed and serene. The colors especially pop. I particularly enjoyed the ending. It brought a smile to my face. I imagine this film would look even better on a bigger screen.

Although death is upsetting, the memories people leave behind are invaluable.

I give House of My Memories 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. This is a very sweet film about a tough subject that we'll all experience. Losing a grandparent, or a relative that we are close with, can be a very emotional situation, but the memories of being with them lingers and brings us comfort, as we see in this film.

Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

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Reviewed by Melissa M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Looking for an entertaining, educational and nostalgic TV series on DVD? Well, then the Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth! is perfect for you. Although it is targeted toward a younger audience, I still found myself attentive and interested in the story lines. Each episode has a fun adventure, mixed with an enthusiastic learning experience. It reminds me of how much I liked reading the original The Magic School Bus books when I was younger.

In the four episodes on this DVD, "Pigs in the Wind," "Hides and Seeks," "The Tales Glaciers Tell," and "Tim and the Talking Trees," the characters learn about the Earth's patterns and ways of communicating and how it's important to take care of the Earth. They also learn about wind patterns, how animals camouflage, how oxygen and carbon is preserved in glaciers for thousands of years and how ecosystems communicate with each other. And they also see many sights from different time periods and places that make amazing field trips.

My favorite episode is "Hides and Seeks," especially when half of the kids get to travel to different geographic locations and study animals camouflaging to report back to the other half of the kids. We see animals in the environmental atmosphere blending in, and in contrast we see the kids in their game of hide and seek. This show is for younger audiences, but some of the concepts are explained too quickly for me to grasp and won't make sense to everyone. A few characters are pretty different from the book, which makes them unique in this TV show. The voicing of the characters is realistic and fitting for their personalities. Although there is some repetition in ideas and story lines, it isn't enough to make the show any less fun to watch. I would definitely watch this show in my free time just for fun.

One of the messages in this series is love the earth and to protect it. This inspires people to preserve the wildlife and habitats. We are also shown that you can always find fun in learning and it's easier to learn when you get an inside look and explore things on your own, instead of read about them in a textbook. Sometimes the kids in the show find themselves in a scary situation, but they are never in grave danger. Apart from some concepts being a little hard to understand this series is pretty kid friendly great for school-aged kids.

I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 13. Adults and teenagers may enjoy it too. The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth! Is available on DVD now so look for it.

Reviewed by Rosemary K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is a great choice for young kids and schools. Apart from a few minor flaws, these four episodes are well worth your time. Colorful animation, creative incorporation of important messages and nice humor are a few of the things that make is DVD unique Based on the original The Magic School Bus, this collection follows an elementary school class on their field trips and creative experiments that are all about Earth. When a scientific topic needs investigation, Miss Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) and the class jump aboard the magic school bus and get creative to figure out solutions to their problems.

There are many impressive elements in this show - from trees, to animals, to kids, the colorful animation is eye-catching. The animals are also very cute, as are some of the plot points. Humor for all ages, but primarily aimed toward younger kids, is woven throughout and laughs are spread out nicely. Another touch of creativity is the way that these episodes are supremely entertaining, but also very educational. It's seemingly just your normal animated show, and then all of a sudden, you're learning things without even realizing it! With all of this being said, there are a couple aspects that don't quite hold up. This collection has the same characters as the original The Magic School Bus, but most of their personalities don't match too well. Sometimes I find myself wondering if they really are the same characters. This could be disappointing for fans of the original The Magic School Bus series. Also, some things are just not realistic. Besides the school bus's magic, which is clearly fantasized, a lot of events occur that don't make much sense. For example, the students build a tower with hundreds of bricks in a short amount of time.

The message of this show is that teamwork is necessary to accomplish tasks. Whether it be setting the stage for a play or playing hide and seek, working together is vital. This DVD is terrific for learning science concepts.

I give The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 9, plus adults. This DVD is available now so look for it.

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

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth DVD is the perfect thing to give you a much-needed laugh and a much-needed lesson. While traveling all over the world, the characters in this show learn essential facts that help them with the problems they face. This series is worth the watch!

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth DVD is compilation of episodes from The Magic School Bus: Rides Again, a spinoff of the 90s series, The Magic School Bus. The episodes in this DVD have everything to do with the Earth. Ms. Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) takes her students on epic adventures all around the world, in different time periods, and through various situations. And, of course, this is with the help of their magic school bus. The characters in this show use their smarts and creativity to have a blast, while learning new things about our planet.

When you watch this DVD it's evident that this is a fantastic show. First of all, the facts they learn are very useful, especially because they are related to concepts being learned in school. For instance, if you are learning about plants, then the episode "Tim and the Talking Trees" is perfect for you. It teaches about how the roots in trees and other plants are connected and therefore communicate in order to survive. Even if you're NOT in school when you watch this, it's still great to have the knowledge. Something else that makes this series so intriguing, are the settings. They are all very colorful and have a nice balance. This includes the way the characters are dressed. The colors of the wardrobe complement the backgrounds, context and the personality of each character. There are some flaws, like the comedy. Of course this is a kids' show, however, some of the jokes are a little unsubtle. Also, there are times when the acting seems very scripted, and the pace of the dialogue and interactions seem a little off. I had a high expectation for this show, since I used to watch the original when I was younger. While this show didn't exactly meet my expectation, it could prove to work really well for young kids now.

The message of The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is that exploring and being curious is a good thing, and that curiosity can lead to extraordinary discoveries. The characters aren't afraid of showing how fond they are of exploring and learning new things. This can be uplifting for kids who may get made fun of for being intelligent or inquisitive.

As you can probably already tell, The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth is an engaging DVD that you can watch whenever you want to learn something, have a laugh, or just want to watch an entertaining show! I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10. This is an amazing DVD for parents to watch with their kids, and it provokes discussion afterwards. The Magic School Bus Rides Again: All About Earth DVD is available now. So look for it.

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 90 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-13
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
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By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 7-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It has an important message and is a beautifully made, hopeful documentary that uplifts you as the viewer. This qualifies as a pandemic special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - PIVOT Paying it Forward will be very appealing for many people. While watching, I found myself overwhelmed with hope. The documentary shows people coming together and serving others in a way that pushes me to volunteer more myself. The film radiates a sense of community, making the film hard to look away from. It's hopeful in a time without hope; happy in a time without happiness.

This documentary follows businesses and communities paying it forward during the 2019-20 pandemic, showing many instances of people serving others in their community.

I love this storyline. I like how the film shows so many examples of people helping others. I like that it shows the effects of one person's acts of kindness and how that spread from person to person, and improve the world by doing so. I also like that the film discusses the pandemic, admitting it's a struggle, but also choosing to look on the bright side.

The camerawork is very good; one shot that impressed me is at a dog rehabilitation place. The film focuses on the dogs rather than the people, showing several close-ups of some very cute dogs. This focuses the film on the impact, not the performer of a good deed, and draws the audience deeper into the story. The film takes place in several locations - a horse farm, church, several food banks, rehabilitation centers and an un-kept lawn. The film features multiple people and the work they are doing including David Burke, world class chef and Brian Schwartz, who mows lawn for the elderly. All of the people in the film are fascinating and richly defined.

The message of this film is that hope must always be held and that helping others is always a good thing.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It has an important message and is a beautifully made, hopeful documentary that uplifts you as the viewer. This qualifies as a pandemic special interest topic. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 16 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

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Reviewed by Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

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DreamWorks' 'Go, Dog, Go!' Speeds to Netflix Jan. 26, 2021
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The creative TV series Go, Dog. Go! based on the book by P.D Eastman is completely satisfying. Every element of traditional animated shows is used to create a brand new, originally entertaining series. With intriguing animation and impressive voice-over acting, Go, Dog, Go is a must-see for young viewers!

Each of the nine episodes follows Tag Barker (Michela Luci) in her adventures through Pawston with her friend Scooch Pooch (Callum Shoniker). Together, they solve problems and have fun. There are two individual stories per episode, with the same general characters. The antagonist is primarily Frank, (David Berni), who stands in the way of Tag and Scooch.

Throughout the series, I am impressed time after time with its amazing animation. While it is colorful and fun; it is also fairly realistic. The dogs look so real and cute, I want to hug them! Something that makes this show even more special is the creative way that it uses so many elements from P.D. Eastman's original book and creates a whole new world out of it. All of the main story parts are included and more are added such as a doorbell shop, a racecar track and so much more. All these locations and lots of extra events are important to the story. One of my favorite aspects of the film is when the dogs sing. It's very clever and funny. The creative story is amazing, but the acting is even better. With such cute, specific-to-character performances, I almost wondered if these characters are real! There is only one minor issue that most likely isn't noticeable to little kids - some of the episodes are repetitive. Most of the time, the series doesn't change the plot very much from one story to the next. That doesn't make much of a dent in my overall enjoyment of this series however.

The message that Tag, Scooch and all of their friends convey is that teamwork and kindness are best. They work together to problem solve and help out dogs around town. Sometimes there are additional themes for individual episodes.

I give Go, Dog. Go! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7. You can watch Go, Dog, Go on Netflix beginning Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

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

Yes! The classic book by P. D. Eastman is now an animated series. Go, Dog, Go! has such clever dialogue and references to the book, high quality animation and is very fun to watch.

This series is about a dog named Tag Barker (Michela Luci) and her adventures throughout her town, Pawston. There are big dogs, little dogs and even a dog party in a tree. On Tag's adventures, we meet her family and friends as well as new friends like Scooch Pooch and Gerald the Mail Dog as she helps to solve problems along the way.

This new series is based on P. D. Eastman book, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, so this story is not only relevant to the kids of today but to their parents as well. I grew up with this book; my brothers grew up with this book; and my dad grew up with this book. My whole family grew up enjoying this book! And this new series will not disappoint all of the Go, Dog, Go! lovers as there is a reference to almost every storyline in the book. Also, the characters' names are hilarious. Instead of grandpa it's grandpaw and there is a group of singing dogs called the Barkapellas. The animation is so colorful as there are red dogs, blue dogs, green dogs, yellow dogs, purple dogs, and, pretty much, dogs of every color of the rainbow. I also enjoy seeing a town full of dogs riding bikes, trikes, blimps, boats and cars. My favorite voice actress is Michela Luci, who plays Tag, because she brings so much energy to the role.

There are many positive messages throughout the show, like helping others, perseverance and friendship.

I give Go, Dog, Go! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 10. Adults will love all of the references to the book. This show comes out on Netflix January 26, 2021.

Reviewed by Katherine Schell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

This title has online video!

By Ayden P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: CDROM
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This title has online video!

By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

This title has online video!

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I especially love the DVD Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie because of the interactive adventures! This show promotes imagination, games, colors, shapes and much more.

The storyline is about Charlie (Jacob Soley) who takes you on a whimsical adventure while introducing colors, shapes, sizes and all you need to know about creativity. Throughout the story Charlie also introduces other friends such as Violet (Saara Chaudry) and Red (Tyler Barish). With your help, you and Charlie get to create new stories filled with imagination.

I enjoyed the fun personalities of all the characters and the way they are so inclusive. Charlie loves to interact with his friends and the viewers, which keeps the audience engaged. I also got to build new inventions and talk with Charlie. Each new shape-filled story is repetitive enough to promote fun learning. My favorite episode is the first one, "Charlie the Pancake Chef," because it involves problem solving skills. Each new short story promotes behaviors of kindness and sharing. This series is perfect for a good role modeling. The backgrounds in the show are bright and whimsical. There are many areas where one can participate and spot out shapes. I really enjoyed the catchy and bubbly introduction in each new short story. There are four segments with two short stories ranging from ten to fifteen minutes in each episode. An entire episode is around twenty minutes long. This is perfect for the intended audience. I love the way that Charlie's Colorforms City can help kids learn so much about the world around them.

I got lots of messages from the show, although the one that keeps going with the theme is to stay active and creative. I really like how this DVD is trying to encourage kids to use their imagination more. With each colorful adventure they will have loads of fun.

I give Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. I also think that this would be great for families to watch together.

Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Are you ready for a fun filled, colorful, interactive adventure? Then you have to check out Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie In this animated series, your creative imagination will flourish. So, buckle up and get ready for a fantastic animated adventure that's both fun and educational for the whole family.

Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie is all about going on unpredictable, interactive, storytelling adventures in Colorforms City with Charlie and his best friends, Red and Violet. Every adventure is different and unique, so you never know what to expect. Charlie is always shaking things up. With Charlie's imagination leading the way, you'll be inspired to create colorful and magical stories, while developing your critical thinking skills.

The cast is filled with many talented actors. Jacob Soley (Charlie), Tyler Barish (Red) and Saara Chaudry (Violet) all connect with their characters throughout this series and deliver awesome performances. I love the colorful animation and music. Sometimes, I just jumped to my feet and start dancing. My favorite part is when Charlie uses his imagination to build a rocket ship using different shapes, sizes and colors to travel to outer space in order to send his friend home. And, I absolutely love the part, when he can't decide which pet to have; so his solution is to build one mega-super pet by using various shapes along with one trait from each animal he wants.

The intent of this DVD is to inspire kids to learn about different colors, shapes and sizes as well as work on their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Charlie also teaches friendship skills such as being kind, considerate, respectful, supportive and being an active listener. I wish I lived in Colorforms City, don't you?

I highly recommend Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie for ages 2 to 6 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. This DVD is available January 19, 2021. Look for it, you've got a great story to create!

By Ella M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie DVD is a compilation of episodes from the educational TV series that will have kids laughing and learning the whole time! It combines shapes, colors, creativity and music to entertain watchers and teach them how to problem-solve and create stories. This is a show with a lot of concepts that are easy to understand.

Charlie's Colorforms City is about Charlie, a very silly and creative friend. Charlie invented Colorforms City from his imagination. It is a city full of colors and shapes that can make anything you dream of. From making pancakes to finding the end of a rainbow, Charlie and his best friends Violet and Red go on CRAZY story quests and solve the problems that get in their way.

This series has many components that make it as good as it is - for one, the musical part. I love performing and music. Music is always around me. This show includes upbeat songs and background music. For example, the theme song is SO catchy, explains what the show is about, and, by the way, has impressive vocals. Something else I noticed with this series are the storylines. They are easy to follow and are entertaining. They're not too complex but they also get you thinking. That's a nice balance, so props to the creator, Angela Santomero, and the writers of the show. Like a lot of shows for young kids, Charlie's Colorforms City has "call and response." I love how this element is used in this show. It allows kids to be included in the story. When I was watching this I thought: "Wow! These characters sound excited!" It's all thanks to the voice actors. The actor who plays Charlie, Jacob Soley, really stands out to me. He is always enthusiastic and caught my attention immediately. My favorite episodes of this series so far are "Charlie the Pancake Chef" and "Adventure Charlie." They are intriguing and they have the best storylines. Who doesn't love pancakes and a little adventure?!

The messages of Charlie's Colorforms City are: creativity can lead you anywhere, and learning can be fun! Whenever the characters run into a problem, they use creativity and imagination to solve them. There is nothing inappropriate in this show and it is kid-friendly.

Overall, Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie is an incredible DVD for kids! With it being fun and educational, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. It's also a good series for parents to watch with their kids! The DVD releases nationwide January 19, 2021. Check it out, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

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

From the series we all know and love comes Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie. I was entertained and delighted with this spectacular DVD. Follow along with me, so I can show you how this story provides color and brightness in a time like this when we are surrounded by gray darkness.

Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie is an eight episode DVD. The episodes consist of Charlie the Pancake Chef, Rock Star Charlie, Racer Charlie, Adventurer Charlie, Starry Charlie, Birthday Charlie, Knight Charlie and Charlie's Pet. Each episode tells a fun and uplifting story about our the character, Charlie, trying new things. From adventuring to the other end of the rainbow, to eating a pancake, Charlie's stories make us smile and laugh along with him. Watch to see how Charlie and his friends use their imaginations to create their own worlds from stories.

When I watched Charlie's Colorform City: Meet Charlie, something I noticed right away was how wonderful this show can be for kids who are still learning about shapes and colors. This show teaches them about those things in a fun way, where they can use their imaginations. The show encourages creativity in a way that is different from other kids' shows. Charlie creates a city out of his imagination and the possibilities are endless. Kids should be learning from a young age that imagination is the key to following your dreams. Charlie's Colorforms City demonstrates that by making wonderful stories and taking you on his adventures. Another thing I like is the design of the show's animation. The bold colors and easy shapes of buildings such make it appeal to the target audience. For example, Charlie's whole neighborhood is filled with light blues, purples and greens. Young children will be drawn into this fabulous world of neon colors and hexagons.

The message of this show is to use your imagination to create wonderful things. Kids love to imagine things and when Charlie creates Colorforms City, he shows the audience how to put your mind to something and make it happen.

I give Charlie's Colorform City: Meet Charlie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 11. This DVD is available January 19, 2021.

By Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age, 14

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: CDROM

I give MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. This film shows recycling in such a simple way that everyone can watch it and still learn the main message. With the use of the music and the colors, younger children will understand the importance of recycling better. Recycling is an action that families should practice at each of their homes so the world can continue to be the beautiful and diverse planet that we all know. This would play well in any festival that includes films about the environmental, recycling, activism and family. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A valuable lesson full of color and with a catchy song! MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story is a short film that teaches a great lesson which has never been more important than right now. The animation of the characters is well done and makes the story more appealing. The way the story is narrated, using music, makes the lesson easier to learn and to remember for future scenarios.

Aunt Maggie May loves to travel, and she collects souvenirs after each trip. However, she will have to learn how to deal with all the trash in her house, and she will learn a great lesson about helping the environment.

The continuity of the storyline is great. It shows how something small can lead to a bigger problem if is not addressed early enough. It also shows how adults and their behaviors can have major effects on children, such as how the little girl was observing all the actions that Aunt Maggie May did regarding her trash. The story develops in a way that both the problem and the solution are easy to identify and to apply to real life scenarios.

The animation of the film portrays daily aspects very accurately. Each detail is well-designed and full color, which makes them appealing and easy to associate. The film shows different places that are easy to recognize, such as a house, the store, the planet Earth and the recycling plant. The transitions between each scene help to the continuity of both the story and the song.

As this is an animated short film that focuses on Aunt Maggie May and her niece, each location reflects their daily lives. The shots that include the Earth are well done, as they show most countries where the plane is flying from above. The music by Elliot Sheridan is the main factor of the film. It narrates the storyline and moves the scenes according to what is being sung at the moment. The song is catchy and the words easy, which makes it easier to learn and to remember. The instruments can be all heard and appreciated by the watcher. The song is energetic, joyful and it helps to highlight the overall lesson of the film.

The animation by Kevin Mark is remarkable. Each character is well designed and is easy to recognize who is who and what role they have in the film. All the details of the film are well executed; there are some scenes that mix fantasy characters, which makes it more appealing. Donna W. Guthrie is the director, writer, and producer, and she delivers an engaging and relevant film.

The message is that recycling can make a difference to the planet. The words "recycle, reduce and reuse" have great impact, and how we decide to act will mark our future and that for the coming generations. Collecting memories does not mean to collect trash and unnecessary materials, as the most valuable things in life cannot be bought or collected on shelves. Showing younger generations how they can start changing the world by just recycling can lead to a better future.

The film makes me want to learn about ways to recycle and how I can use those ways in my community. It makes me want to look for recycling plants near me and take all my trash and recycle to help the planet. The scenes where Aunt Maggie Way and her niece are going through all the trash and the recycling bins are so much fun to watch! They really show all the details and the emotions in the characters' faces well. I like those scenes because they show how recycling works and how to separate the trash, so the viewers will learn to recycle in their own communities.

I give MAGGIE MAY, An Environmental Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18, plus adults. This film shows recycling in such a simple way that everyone can watch it and still learn the main message. With the use of the music and the colors, younger children will understand the importance of recycling better. Recycling is an action that families should practice at each of their homes so the world can continue to be the beautiful and diverse planet that we all know. This would play well in any festival that includes films about the environmental, recycling, activism and family. Reviewed by David O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO