Archives for August 2015

This hilarious mash-up of the best classic fairy tales will delight both young and old. With a winged dragon, a brave little dwarf and toe-tapping songs, it’s a film you can share with your younger kids as well as your older ones. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Michelle C. comments, “I watched this movie along with my little sister and she loved it.” Morgan B., age 10, adds, “There are cute and funny dwarfs in this all new adventure. This new story line is adorable and fun for the whole family.” Brook S., age 9 also commented, “The Seventh Dwarf is an outstanding movie. It is full of comedy, adventure, music and dancing. The actors have great comedic timing and they amazed me with their singing performances.”

The Seventh Dwarf

By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

 
There are cute and funny dwarfs in this all new adventure. This new story line is adorable and fun for the whole family.

BoBo, the smallest Dwarf, is played Joshua Graham and he is my favorite character. His clumsiness leads the story line through its many adventures. The message is “Hero’s come in all sizes” – which is a great message.

Peyton List voices the famous Sleeping Beauty and she has been updated. Although there are many plans in place to protect her, she still cannot escape pricking her finger and falling into a dead sleep.

Norman MacDonald portrays Burner, the dragon. He is fierce and quirky. His voice matches perfectly with his character. Then, of course, there is the dancing. This is one of my favorite scenes and we learn that Burner is great dancer.

The music is catchy and I found myself still singing the songs the next day. They are original songs with great uplifting lyrics. There are many belly laughing moments.

The graphics are classic animation style done in German 3D computer animation. It is bright and colorful. The backgrounds and castle scenes are very detailed. Each character is well thought out with each matching its own unique personalities. Every fairy tale needs a villain and her name is Dellamorta (Nina Hagen). The movie all flows beautifully but this charter is done in a completely different style which makes her seem oddly out of place.

The story line is easy to follow and full of surprises. Many different characters show up from various fairy tales. The story is based loosely on Sleeping Beauty with many twists and turns. The characters are much different from the original versions we all know and love. There are several new ones you will be adding to your favorites list.

The Dwarfs have all new names with different traits and personalities. Their differences help them as they try to rescue Princess Rose and everyone in the castle from the evil sleeping spell. They must go on a quest in search of her true love.

This movie has many messages including 1) Don’t be afraid to be who you are, 2) Believe in yourself and 3) Don’t judge people before you really get to know them.

I recommend this movie to ages 5 to 8. It is definitely most suitable for a younger audience.

This movie gets 4 ½ toe tapping stars. It is sure to put a smile on your face and many new songs in your heart. It has a limited release in local theaters beginning July 31, 2015 and will be available on DVD August 18.

The Seventh Dwarf

By Michelle C., KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 16

I watched this movie along with my little sister and she loved it! It’s a pretty basic story but the film makes it interesting and funny.

The Seventh Dwarf is a family film adventure in which cute little dwarves Bobo, Tschakko, Cloudy, Sunny, Cookie, Speedy and Ralfie embark on a journey to save the beautiful and fabulous Snow White. It’s the night before Princess Rose’s 18th birthday and everyone in the kingdom went to the Fantabularasa Castle to celebrate including Snow White, the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.

Everything is going swell until, just before the clock strikes midnight, Bobo, the youngest dwarf, accidentally pricks Princess Rose’s (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty)  finger with a cursed needle and sends the entire kingdom into a slumber that is a century long. Yikes! The dwarves fall into a huge complication where they must find Rose’s true love, Jack, to save her with a kiss! In this tricky and insane journey, they face a fierce and blazing dragon and even defeat the evil, ugly witch, Dellamorta.
In this tale, they combine all of our favorite kid fairy tales into one and do great job at it!  The only cons are the songs that they sing. You’ll find it nearly impossible to get them out of your head afterwards! Pretty tedious if you ask me. What makes The Seventh Dwarf so enjoyable is the quality of it all. All of the colorful characters bring fascinating adventure and writing that directs both children and parents effortlessly.
The Seventh Dwarf is rated PG for its thematic elements and some suggestive material. I rate this film four out of five stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12.

The Seventh Dwarf

By Brooke S. , KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 9

The Seventh Dwarf is an outstanding movie. It is full of comedy, adventure, music and dancing. The actors have great comedic timing and they amazed me with their singing performances.  I have to commend the directors for bringing these characters to life.

The Seventh Dwarf is an animated film directed by Boris Alijinovic and Harald Siepermann.  I really enjoyed the movie. It is hysterical.  The movie is about Princess Rose (Peyton List), who has an 18^th birthday celebration and accidentally pricks her finger on a needle that is held by Bobo and cursed by the evil queen, Dellamorta.  The needle puts her immediately into a deep sleep.  After Princess Rose falls asleep, Bobo then accidentally puts the rest of the castle into a slumber.  The only way to get Princess Rose to awaken is by a “true love’s kiss”.

The film takes place at a castle.  There is a party thrown for Princess Rose and all of her fairytale friends attend: Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf, Cinderella, The Seven Dwarfs and others.  The main characters are the Seven Dwarfs but, they have different names than we are used to.  There is Cookie, Sunny, Cloudy, Ralphy, Speedy, Tschakko and Bobo.  Bobo is the clumsy one of the group.  Every time his shoelaces come undone, something bad happens.  Even though the evil witch, Dellamorta and her dragon, Burner are not invited to the celebration, she makes a grand appearance anyway. The dwarfs are taken on an adventure when they set out to find Jack who is the only one who can wake up princess Rose with a “true love’s kiss”.  The dwarfs get into so many sticky situations along their journey to find Jack.  Finally, they find Jack and they hurry back to see if the “true love’s kiss” will save Princess Rose. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out.

My favorite part of this movie is when the dragon, Burner shows Bobo one of his favorite things he likes to do.  He asks Bobo to promise not to laugh.  After he shows Bobo his secret, their new friendship takes a bad turn.  Soon afterwards, Bobo and the Dwarfs make Burner feel better and they end up being best friends.  My favorite character is Bobo because he is always happy and is hilarious.

The message of the film is: As long as you have friends by your side, you can accomplish anything.

I rate this movie four out of five stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 18 as well as adults.

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

Three-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep goes electric and takes on a whole new gig – a hard-rocking singer/guitarist – for Oscar®-winning director Jonathan Demme and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody in the uplifting comedy Ricki and the Flash. In a film loaded with music and live performance, Streep stars as Ricki, a guitar heroine who gave up everything for her dream of rock-and-roll stardom and now returns home to make things right with her family. Streep stars opposite her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer, who plays her fictional daughter. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Lainey A. comments, “I enjoy this laid back comedy drama for its intense and strong family relationships.” For her full review, see below.

Ricki and the Flash

By Lainey A. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This live action feature film directed by Jonathan Demme is definitely entertaining and a feel-good movie. Ricki and the Flash is loaded with non-stop music, mostly from the 80s and presumably sung by Ricki (Meryl Streep) and Greg (Rick Springfield).  I enjoy this laid back comedy drama for its intense and strong family relationships.

This movie is about Ricki who walked out on her husband and three young children in Indiana to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a rock-and-roll star in Los Angeles.   Her decision alienated her from her family and soon her ex husband Pete (Kevin Kline) married Maureen (Audra McDonald) who fills the role of mother.  One day Pete calls Ricki to help him with their daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer) who is reeling from her very recent separation from her husband.  When Ricki arrives in Indianapolis, she has a lot of work to do to rekindle the relationship with her kids.

This movie makes me think about what it could feel like to be a kid whose mom abandons them, or be a mom who walks in one day and her kids hate her.  This movie is very realistic.  My favorite character is totally Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter in real life, because she really portrays her role as Julie and makes me laugh and feel bad for her in some parts of the movie.  I really like Meryl Streep as an actress, but I didn’t buy her being a rock star as much as I would have liked.  The lead band player, Greg, is her boyfriend, and he tones down Ricki’s edgy personality.

My favorite scene is when Ricki and her daughter Julie are at a donut shop.  There is some inappropriate humor in this scene which lays out the first steps to bonding and rebuilding their relationship.

The target audience for this film is definitely for anyone who was alive in the 80’s and it may appeal more to women than men.  There is some adult humor, mild language, and drug use in this film, so I would recommend Ricki and the Flash for ages 13-18.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars because overall it was a fun movie for the summer.

This movie opened in theaters, Friday, August 7 so go check it out.

Ricki and the Flash

By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Meryl Streep and Rock ‘N Roll, two of the Best Things Ever. She is one of my all-time favorite actresses.

I was totally entertained watching this movie. The plot is awesome and has a great story line about a Mom leaves her family in order to follow her dream.  It is also about the consequences of choices. The theme for young people is that you can be anything you want to be. Rarely do you hear people talking about the hard work and sacrifices you have to make to achieve your dreams. Ricki, played by Meryl Streep, pays the ultimate price – her children and family. This is a very believable plot with an outstanding cast.

Take an old warehouse in Brooklyn, throw in same chairs, a bar and keep the Shirley Temples coming. The band scenes with Meryl Streep singing are some of my favorite. You can tell they are all having a great time and love being there. There are many Rock ‘N roll songs that you can sing along with (in your head) and I loved the music.

Rick Springfield plays her band mate and boyfriend and they seem like they belong together. I found myself rooting for their success. Meryl has said they he helped her learn to be a Rock ‘N Roll Star. This, once again, shows what an A+ actress she is. She excels at portraying different characters constantly. She is fearless. Congratulations to Rick Springfield for his amazing performance in this film and for coaching Ms. Streep.

Meryl Streep did not know how to play a guitar before this role and managed to snag a 45 minute private lesson with rock legend Neil Young in preparation for this film.

Kevin Kline plays Pete, her patient ex-husband who was left to raise their three children on his own while his wife tried to make it in the Rock ‘N roll business.

Mamie Gummer plays Julie the daughter. This was not a far stretch since this is Meryl Streep’s real daughter. They definitely look alike. At the beginning of the film, she is very upset and depressed and plays this part well.  I could not decide if I wanted to get mad at her or feel sorry for her. This movie is really about a mother, her daughter and her sons trying to reconcile their past. Some people should get a second chance but only if they want one.

The age range for this movie is 10 to 18. It has a mature topic and there are many bars scenes. Young ones might not like it because it is a drama. I give this movie 4.5  Rock Stars. This movie is in theaters now.

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

I have always loved to color and yes, I agree it helps relieve stress! I was excited to receive The Mindfulness Coloring Book by Emma Farrarons.

In The Mindfulness Coloring Book, accomplished illustrator Emma Farrarons presents 70 intricate and beguiling patterns to help you color your way to tranquility. Here are flowers, leaves, butterflies, and birds alongside rolling waves and kaleidoscopic designs.

I just love this! I love that it is also small enough to keep in your purse and it’s a must-have at the Doctor’s office. Yes, I am an adult, but I still get nervous when I have to go to the Doctor for check ups. But, this book really helps to be less worried and stressed out. I love the variety of designs. My favorites are the butterflies!

Mindfulness Coloring Book Sample Spread

You can purchase on Amazon.com. Also Available at Indiebound, Books-A-Million, Powell’s, B&N and Workman.com.

Check out Emma’s website too!

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.