Archives for May 2014

Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B. comments, “There is so much that I love about this film. I love the story, the costumes, the intensity and the scenery.” Her full review follows.

Belle

Reviewed by Brianna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14.

Belle is remarkably interesting, informational and captivating.  It’s a wonderful film that I enjoy watching. I would really like to see it again soon.

Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is of mixed race and an illegitimate daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. She is being raised, reluctantly, by her noble great-uncle, Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife. They find out that, surprisingly, Belle is part of their blood lineage and is entitled to certain things such as money, land and education. However, due of the color of her skin, she cannot attend some of the traditions that the family has, such as dinner with the family when guests are present.

There is so much that I love about this film. I love the story, the costumes, the intensity and the scenery. The acting is so genuinely real and all the actors make this story come to life on the big screen. The wardrobe is breathtakingly beautiful, especially the dresses that Belle wears, and has tremendous historical details that are very accurate. This story touches base on slavery and equal rights. It is by no means over-bearing or too much to handle and definitely needs to be told to everyone who will listen. My favorite character is, of course, Belle. She transitions from being a confused little girl, who is scared and alone, to a strong-minded supporter of human rights. I like her witty comebacks and how she does not settle for anything she does not want. One of my favorite scenes is when Belle is playing outside with her cousin when they are children. They go behind a tree, laughing and playing together, and when they come from behind it, they are two beautiful young women who obviously still love to play and fool around. The resemblance from the young Belle to the older one is almost exact except for the eye color.

Belle is based on a true story and sends a great message that everyone is created equal. It doesn’t matter what color their skin is or how they look or even, how they are brought up – everyone should be treated equal.
I recommend Belle for ages 10 to 18 and to anyone who likes the Eighteenth Century. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Belle comes out in theaters on May 23rd, so please check it out. Reviewed by Brianna B., Age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

What do you get when you put two top notch comedians and a great, slightly plausible script? This script exploits the impossibility of a man and woman getting together after a rocky first encounter? As KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. says, “Blended is one of the funniest films of 2014 so far. I also believe this is the best and funniest of Sandler’s film to date.” Shelby R. adds, “One of lessons that I learned from this film is that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because you never know how it might surprise you.” See their full reviews and coverage of the red carpet below.

Blended
Reviewed by Gerry Orz, age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Coverage from the premiere here. http://youtu.be/vOg2i8lg748

This film made me laugh till my jaw hurt. Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler are back together for another comedy that is fun, smooth and has so many one-liners that everyone will repeat and remember for years to come! Blended is one of the funniest films of 2014 so far. I also believe this is the best and funniest of Sandler’s film to date.

The amazing thing about this film is that it has a great story line with deep meaning. It isn’t just about comedy. There is a romantic family get-away with jokes, dancing and heartwarming scenes and a very special treat for all animal lovers out there.

The story starts when two single parents, Lauren and Jim, have a horrible blind date…at Hooters! After that, and quite by accident, the two families end up enjoying a family vacation together. It is a funny adventure that makes you laugh, cry and stay at the age of your seat, pumped with excitement and anticipation of what is coming next.

I absolute love the chemistry. You can see that the actors are good friends and they play their emotions perfectly. The comedy is an Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore classic but, it is not the usual everyday Hollywood comedy that you expect. This film has a message. Even though it is a funny movie, it has a story line that is easy to follow and easy to cry, to laugh and to be happy.

My favorite scene is when the two people, Jim and Lauren, first see each other. They get in line to buy something and in front of them is someone from another Happy Madison movie. Yep, they brought an old character from another movie that everyone adores. So, when this happens, it surprises everyone and it makes the audience laugh out loud. If you want to know who I am talking about, you have to watch the film.

Even though this is a comedy, there are a lot of jokes that are somewhat mature so I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. I also give it 5 out 5 stars for good chemistry, comedy and great acting. I hope this is the beginning of many films with this amazing duo because their partnership clearly works. It gives the film that little something extra that makes for an instant blockbuster.

Blended

Reviewed by Shelby R., age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

This movie is really funny and also heartfelt. Blended is about Jim and Lauren’s journey together. After going on a blind date, swearing never to see each other again, only to find themselves and their kids in the same hotel in Africa for whole week. Jim and Lauren are forced to learn how to blend themselves and their families together through various activities.

My favorite moment is when Lauren (Drew Barrymore) sings “Over the Rainbow” to Jim’s daughter, Lou. It made me almost cry because Jim’s wife used to sing that song to Lou every night before she passed away. It helped Espn (Jim’s daughter) get over the death of her mother. I liked how the director, Frank Coraci developed Lauren into this compassionate mother who cares about not only her kids but the well beings of others. Because of that, she is my favorite character.

The funniest moment is when Hilary (Bella Thorne) starts to dance in the middle of a basketball game to catch Jake’s attention and Jim (Adam Sandler) embarrasses her by asking her what she is doing. This scene connects the audience to the characters because everyone has gone through an embarrassing moment in his life when trying to impress someone.

Another funny moment is when Brendan (Lauren’s son) gets mad at Jim for not wanting his mother.  When Jim says how she uptight she is, he comes to her defense and calls her “hot.”

One of the filming locations is South Africa. Julio Macat, the cinematographer, captures the true essence of Africa and allows the audience to see its splendor including all the animals that live there. I love the scene when Jim and Lauren decide to explore the great outdoors and all you see is a long river with elephants, giraffes and a sandy desert.

One of lessons that I learned from this film is that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because you never know how it might surprise you. I give this movie four out of five stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. Check out Blended it comes out May 23th!!! Let the BLENDING BEGIN!!

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions