Archives for 2014

The latest installment of The Hunger Games trilogy, based on the best-selling books by Suzanne Collins was released this weekend to an eager youth adult crowd. With the Games now destroyed and in pieces, Katniss Everdeen, along with Gale, Finnick and Beetee, now end up in the so-thought “destroyed” District 13. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her friends, Katniss becomes the “Mockingjay” and the symbol of rebellion for the people. KIDS FIRST! Critics Brianna Hope Beaton comments, “I completely love this film and the overall production. It’s intense and has such a grand feel to it. With scene after scene, it gets bigger and bigger and you see just how powerful one voice can be.” See her full review below.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

by  Brianna Hope Beaton, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

This much anticipated film is absolutely fantastic with some action and a stellar cast that will blow your mind!

This epic story continues with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peetar Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) who both play a big part in the lives of District 13’ers, each in their own way. They want to unite and save an entire nation. In order to do this, they need the help of their friends and new alliances.

I completely love this film and the overall production. It’s intense and has such a grand feel to it. With scene after scene, it gets bigger and bigger and you see just how powerful one voice can be. The aerial shots, emotions, excitement and the anticipation of what’s happening next basically keeps your eyes glued to the screen. I’ve read all the books and this adaption is very true to the original stories. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is incredible.  She becomes her character completely with a range of emotions –  anger, doubt, disbelief and feeling sorry. She is so convincing. My favorite character is Peetar. Although he is not on-screen time as much as the other characters, he plays a big part in the film. Peeta is what drives Katniss throughout the film as she struggles to get to him. Almost everything she does is a result of her wanting to save Peeta. I also like Peeta because, every time he is on screen, he seems to change and intensify the situation. My favorite scene is when Katniss sees Peeta for the very first time. She is shocked and, at the same time, grateful that he is alive. It is nice to see all of the questions that go though her mind through her own eyes. Katniss’ eyes reveal how she feels about Peeta.
I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It is a little slow in the beginning, but I understand why. They have to bring you up to speed with what happened in the previous film. I cannot wait to see Part 2!

Satisfy your excitement and see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. It  is playing in theaters now, so please check it out.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions, www.kidsfirst.org

You may remember that we have mentioned the film The Equation of Life. This is a film about Bullying through the eyes of a child. If you haven’t seen this DVD yet, you really must. It is rather powerful! I recently received a copy from our friend and young Director, Gerry Orz and honestly,  this film left me speechless. I was that impressed! Everyone should see this film. I actually think they should show it in every school across the nation.

“There are many anti-bullying films on the market but this one is unique. It was written and produced by a 10-year-old. This is a dramatization of a real life experience from someone who’s been there and, because of that, it is all the more poignant.”- Ranny Levy, Founder and President, KIDS FIRST!

So, if you haven’t seen this amazing film yet, you can find it on Amazon.com.  This one really is a Must-See for everyone!

Photo: Gerry Orz

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy to facilitate this post and I highly recommend this film.

We like to think that bullying is not a major issue but it really is. I like that this DVD also offers helpful solutions to the problem of bullying that faces so many kids today.

All these three books serve to educate parents and kids on the importance of brushing teeth and developing good eating habits from childhood itself in an engaging and interesting way with lively characters that kids can relate to. These digital books come with interactive narration with colorful illustrations for kids to enjoy. The best part is that they are available as free downloads on the Google Play store (for Android devices like Samsung smartphones and tablets). “Sam and the Sugar Bug” can also be downloaded on Apple devices, like iPhone and iPad).

Leila’s First Visit to the Dentist deals with the issue of kids being scared of that ‘first’ dental checkup. It shows kids what to expect during a dental checkup, hence making it a fun trip that a child may actually look forward to in future.

Sam and the Sugar Bug is a funny depiction of evil sugar bugs in kids’ teeth that sneak in and stay there if your kids fail to brush their teeth properly. It educates the kids about the importance of brushing their teeth twice daily and also of the consequences when they neglect to do that. It explains how the bugs affect their teeth and what needs to be done to combat that. This ebook is available on both Google Play and Apple stores.

Leila and the Tooth Fairy talks about kids losing their teeth, a stage when they innocently believe in the tooth fairy taking it and replacing it with new ones. This story takes the kids to the magic Tooth Fairy Land and lets them know what happens behind the scenes. It educates them about eating a healthy diet and maintaining a good oral hygiene.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received. SoCal City Kids believes that these books would be a helpful resource for parents and children.

You’ve met this crew before and they return again in this latest film where Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it. Starring the voice talent of Tom McGrath, Chris Miller and Christopher Knights. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha comments, “…it is funny and most little kids will understand the topic but there are some jokes that younger kids might not understand. I loved it and so will you!” Check out her full review below.

Penguins of Madagascar
Samantha A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Penguins of Madagascar is a movie about a group of penguins (Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private) that go on globetrotting adventures. In this movie, their adventures take them to Antarctica, the desert, Venice, Shanghai and New York. During their travels, the penguins meet an elite team called “The North Wind” led by a husky handsome dog, Agent Classified (Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) and together, they must fight the evil Dr. Octavius Brine (Voiced by Jhon Malkovich)

You may have already seen the penguins in Dream Works original movie Madagascar but now, you see them again in their own movie comedy. You may not think it, but this movie does have a few very good messages, For example, don’t let anyone underestimate you and your true power, and always speak up and be heard.

This movie is action packed. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing because it feels like it jumps from place to place. Sometimes it is good because, once the action REALLY gets going, it feels just right. One of the reasons I like this movie is because, even though it is action packed and funny it also has sad parts. I like that. Even though the penguins are adventurous and strong, it is nice seeing their more sympathetic side

Something I like, and always have liked, about the penguins is that they all have distinct personality traits that define who they are. For example, Kowalski has his big brain. They are each so different, but together they are a very cool team.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages six to 13 because it is funny and most little kids will understand the topic but there are some jokes that younger kids might not understand. I loved it and so will you!

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Upcoming Attractions! www.kidsfirst.org