Archives for January 2017

Based on a true story. A team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program’s first successful space missions. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Talia J. comments, “This absolutely fantastic film will inspire so many people to never give up on their dreams and talents. It shows that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” Arjun N. adds, “The movie has a positive message about never giving up, no matter how much of a struggle. Despite the racist behavior and the challenges of the job, the trio never give up. For example, Katherine is constantly faced with the cold behavior of her colleagues.” Tristen T. adds, “This inspirational feature film, based on a true story, captured my full-focused attention for the entire movie.  Not only is it emotionally charged, but it is also historically educational.  This movie is sure to give your family a lot of thought provoking conversations to have around the dinner table.” Morgan B. wraps it up with, “OK, I never have an excuse now. This inspirational movie is about three women who overcame prejudice regarding race, feminism and intelligence.” See their full reviews below.

 

Hidden Figures

 

By Talia Jacnuk, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

 

 

This absolutely fantastic film will inspire so many people to never give up on their dreams and talents. It shows that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

 

The movie takes place in the 1960s where sexism and racial discrimination is still at a high. There is fear of the Soviet Union since they already have the technology to send astronauts into space, though there is still hope for America. This is a true story which revolves around three extremely intelligent African-American women – Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) and Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) who all work for the NASA program. They are the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell). The woman struggle with using their brilliance since they live in a world where the color of their skin defines who they are and who they are not going to be.

 

The acting is fabulous! Taraji P. Henson is made to play Katherine Johnson. Taraji highlights the braveness and intelligence of her character, adding a bit of a quirky side as well. I feel that I know her character like a friend. Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) is my favorite character out of them all. She has this determination in her that is mind blowing. She can be very serious at times, but one of the most hilarious people at others. Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) definitely takes on the leader role. When watching this film you feel for her struggles and want her to succeed so badly. Octavia brings boldness and sarcasm that just makes you adore her. I felt the strong friendship between these woman.

 

I could tell how much time was spent in designing the set and costumes. The sets are so realistic that I felt transformed into that time period. I loved looking at the small details added to each set. Renee Ehrlich Kalfus designed the costumes which are so colorful and suit each character perfectly. It is so interesting to see how different the clothes were back then. The costumes helped add to it being the 60s.

 

My favorite scene is when Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) breaks down the colored woman’s bathroom sign to show that everyone can share the same restroom. Al Harrison is the head of the NASA launch program. This is my favorite scene because I loved seeing someone who looked beyond the color of people’s skin.

 

The main message of this film is to never give up on your dreams, even when people tell you that you can’t. The three woman look beyond their gender and their skin color. They look at the talents they have. One example of this is when Katherine Johnson is talking to Jim Johnson. Jim is surprised as to why they are having a woman do such important things at NASA. Katherine retorts with an inspiring line “Yes they let women do some things at NASA Mister Johnson. And it’s not because we wear skirts. It’s because we wear glasses!” I recommend this film for ages 9 to 18. The younger audiences will enjoy learning about the past and be inspired to shoot for the stars. The older audiences will like the comedy and the amazing story. I give this film a 5 out of 5 astronaut stars. It opens in theaters on January 6, 2017 so go check it out!

 

Hidden Figures

By Arjun Nair, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

 

 

Hidden Figures is a very inspirational movie. The acting and the informative material impressed me tremendously and the costume design adds to the greatness of this movie.

 

It is based on a true story is about three African American women living in the 1960s. Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) are gifted in math and science and the three manage to work at NASA. They face many difficulties due to their color and gender. Despite working initially in the segregated computer room, the three manage to help America in the space race which was dominated by Russia. The trio also ensure the entry and the return of John Glenn (Glen Powell), who is aboard the Friendship 7 orbiting Earth.

 

Taraji P. Henson’s acting is extremely powerful as Katherine Johnson. She has the look of a mathematical genius. The scene where she explains her struggles to her boss is my most favorite scene in this movie and it brings out Taraji’s excellent acting.  Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughn is great at both drama and comedy. Janelle Monae’s depiction of Mary Jackson as a determined and steadfast lady is excellent and believable. Kevin Costner is another standout performer as Al Harris, head of the Space Task Group. His caring nature of not being a racist is one of the sides of the character which is presented well, as well as his portrayal of always being focused on the task. Glen Powell brings charisma and respect in the famous astronaut, John Glenn.

 

Theordore Belfi’s direction gives the movie room for all three of the women to show their hardships and triumphs. The music, composed by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams appropriately enhances the setting of the movie. The costumes, for all the characters, are well designed and really look like attire from the 1960s. My only complaint is that only Katherine Johnson gets a proper back story, explaining her past,  but we don’t really learn about the background of the other two women. The movie excels at defining the contributions of all three women.

 

The movie has a positive message about never giving up, no matter how much of a struggle. Despite the racist behavior and the challenges of the job, the trio never give up. For example, Katherine is constantly faced with the cold behavior of her colleagues. I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18. The youngest audience members might be a bit bored since this is an informative type of movie, but if they are interested in math, science or history, then they should go and see it. This film is available in theaters January 6, 2017, so go and check it out for an inspirational true story

 

Hidden Figures

By Morgan Bertsch, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
 

 

OK, I never have an excuse now. This inspirational movie is about three women who overcame prejudice regarding race, feminism and intelligence. This is also a story about fear and change. After seeing everything these women overcame my Mom will never let me say “I Can’t” again. I learned you can overcome any obstacle.

 

This film is inspirational, inquisitive and all around fantastic. I love that, along with a magnificent storyline, it also talks about math, technology, NASA, women’s rights, discrimination and what life was like in the 1960s. The wonderful technologies we take for granted today were missing such as high speed computers, cell phones, social media, color TV – to name a few. While enjoying the movie I learned about history and how people were afraid of women taking their jobs, because many were threatened because of how talented and brilliant these women were. This is also the period when Martin Luther King became the speaker for Black people as a spokesperson for equal rights. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA and see how they worked during that era and how they did everything without the technology that we have today.

 

The acting is incredible. Taraji P. Henson (Katherine Johnson) is a pure genius who can do math equations that no one else can. She is very kind at heart and brings this side of herself out in Katherine Johnson. She is powerful in her own way. People tell her that she can’t, but she does everything she can to prove them wrong and succeeds. Taraji P. Henson is perfect in this role. She puts her heart and soul into this character.  By being herself, you know when she has something to say and you should listen when she talks because she speaks her mind and is always worth listening to. This is a very different role than what she plays on Empire. She is patient in this role but Cookie and Katherine have a goal and do whatever it takes to get to the finish line.

 

Octavia Spencer (Dorothy Vaughan) is helpful and headstrong. She overcomes many obstacles. She fears that she is going to lose her job and finds a way to educate herself as well as the other women employees so that they remain relevant to NASA. The lesson, which is relevant today, is education matters. Just by reading, she makes a lifetime career for herself doing what she loves.

 

Janelle Monáe (Mary Jackson) is inquisitive. She has an engineering degree, is brave and determined to accomplish her dreams. One of my favorite scenes is when she has to go to court to get permission to go to school. Kevin Costner (Al Harrison) is the Boss. He only cares about one thing, beating the Russians and getting a rocket up into space. He wants the best for NASA and the astronauts.  Just his name tells you his acting is A+. Jim Parsons (Paul Stafford) is very down to earth and does everything he can to make sure that the women know they are not wanted. This is a very different role than his character on the Big Bang Theory or the animated film Home. He is actually the villain here, who dislikes working women and people of color.

 

The film includes pictures and videos of the original rocket ships from the 1960s. The perspective from the astronaut’s point of view is also featured. It is difficult for NASA to go into space and watching some of that actual footage reminds me that our true history and it took place not that long ago.

The Race To Space with Russia is a wonderful story. I had no idea that women were involved with NASA’s success. JFK, Martin Luther King, signs for white and black bathrooms, and protesters all add to this amazingly true storyline. Be sure to watch the end to find out what actually happened to all the characters in real life. The film is rating PG-13 but younger kids will love learning about rocket ships and how they were made. History is always easier to learn and remember when it is told in the form of a great story and this is one they will remember.

 

I recommend this for ages 9 to 18. You should know that there is mild profanity but, the whole story is so different from the life we have today. This film shows how much we have learned and grown since the 1960s. I found this film very interesting and intriguing and appreciate how beautifully constructed it is. Hidden Figures open nationwide January at a theater near you be sure to check out this dramatic and historical film.

 

Hidden Figures

 

By Tristan Tierce, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 14 years old

 

This inspirational feature film, based on a true story, captured my full-focused attention for the entire movie.  Not only is it emotionally charged, but it is also historically educational.  This movie is sure to give your family a lot of thought provoking conversations to have around the dinner table.

 

Based on a true story, three African-American women, Mary Jackson, Katherine G. Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, work for NASA during a time of racial tension and segregation in the 1960s.  Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) became NASA’s first African-American female supervisor and self-taught FORTRAN programmer.  Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) became the first African-American woman engineer and Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Hensen) was a mathematician and physicist.  These three women not only helped NASA send a man to space, but carved a path for other women and African-Americans to hold high powered positions previously held only by Caucasian men.

 

My favorite character is Mary Jackson.  Janelle Monae truly captures the spunk and tenacity of the real-life character she plays.  She is inspiring, dedicated and truthful.  I find it interesting that Ms. Monae’s first passion is singing and songwriting and Hidden Figures is only her second feature film as an actress, with the other being the award winning Moonlight from 2016. The only negative comment I might share is that I would have preferred some elements to be expanded within the storyline so that I could learn even more about the lives of these three women, especially my favorite character, Mary Jackson.

 

There are so many messages one can take from Hidden Figures, but two specifically stick out in my mind.  First, that you should not allow someone else to put a ceiling on your dreams and second, that history teaches us empathy for others.

 

Hidden Figures has some cussing, but nothing derogatory toward another person.  It is a period piece set in 1961 and based on a true story.  Audiences do encounter terminology and situations that were the harsh reality at that time, so some kids may not be mature enough to understand and grasp the full message of the movie.  This film is correctly rated PG and is suitable for the whole family to enjoy together.  But, because of the period content, I recommend for ages 8 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

 

Travis (Johnny Orlando) and his sister Whitney visit their grandparents for the summer and stumble upon the evil plan of a greedy land developer (Kelsey Grammer) to steal the land of the town’s longtime residents.  While running from one of the developer’s goons, Travis falls through a magical portal which transports him to the world of American hero, Paul Bunyan (John Goodman) & his pet ox, Babe (Jeff Foxworthy).  Bunyan and Babe get wrapped up in a brand new adventure, and with the help of their new friends Travis and Whitney, they save the town.  Together they learn firsthand that you don’t have to be big to do big things. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen M. comments, “This movie is really unique and interesting. I have never before seen a plot quite like this. The events that happen are quite unusual and I really enjoyed how the ending turned out.”  Katlyn M. adds, “I really enjoyed this movie which I found to be very inspiring. At a time where so many people feel their voices and opinions are not being heard, this movie can inspire kids and even adults to voice their opinions.” KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer Juanita wraps it up with, “I am not a huge fan of animation, however, the animated film Bunyan and Babe about an American folk hero, has changed my feelings and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.” See their full reviews below.

Bunyan and Babe

By Jolleen M/, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

 

This movie is really unique and interesting. I have never before seen a plot quite like this. The events that happen are quite unusual and I really enjoyed how the ending turned out.

The film follows Travis (Johnny Orlando) who encounters some challenges when he goes to his grandparent’s farm for the summer. By accident, he travels to a different world and gets some big help from the legendary Paul Bunyan (John Goodman) and his talking blue ox, Babe. When they get back to the normal world, they realize that he didn’t just end up in a different world for no reason. He is chased after witnessing Blackstone, a magician, hypnotize a store owner and force her to sell her land to him. Blackstone’s bodyguard is the one who chased him. Eventually, everyone realizes that Blackstone and his brother, Norm Blandsford (Kelsey Grammer) a greedy land developer, are working together. They realize the problem is bigger than they initially thought.

I love how John Goodman’s voice perfectly fits what I think Paul Bunyan might sound like. His voice is deep and strong like a macho man, which seems really fitting. I also liked how Travis (Johnny Orlando) uses his voice to help us know what Travis is feeling. For example, when Travis wants to help Paul Bunyan find Babe, his voice sounds really determined, which shows the audience how persevering he is.

The animation is spectacular. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the body language of each character shows what they are feeling. I also enjoyed seeing Blackstone’s hypnotic device on his hand. It is amazing how the animators made the light look like it was going toward the character and not just staying on the screen of the device. I almost felt like I was being hypnotized myself!

My favorite part of the film is when Babe escapes and starts drinking the toxic water. It amused me that he was so careless. I couldn’t believe that he didn’t see how the color of the water was abnormal and it looked really gross. It was funny to me when Norm Blandsford sees Babe who is just lying there, out cold.

This film’s message is one that many children and even adults can relate to – even though you are small, you can still do big things. This doesn’t only mean small size-wise. It can also mean small, as in just one person in a big world. This message encourages people to keep trying and to never give up, no matter what challenges are in your way, such as being small. The message can also inspire people to not limit themselves as to what they can do, because of things they can’t control, such as being small, not pretty, or not being smart. This message is very important and could help a lot of people get over their insecurities and be more confident in themselves.

I really enjoyed watching this movie and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to ages of 4 to 10. You can watch this fantastic film on Google Play on January 12 and in theaters February 3. You should definitely check out this awesome movie. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Bunyan & Babe

By Katlyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

 

I really enjoyed this movie which I found to be very inspiring. At a time where so many people feel their voices and opinions are not being heard, this movie can inspire kids and even adults to voice their opinions. I hope kids who see this movie will be encouraged to stand up for what they believe, think big and become heroes.  I will definitely watch this over and over.

Bunyan & Babe starts off like any normal 3D animated movie.  It has many famous voices you will recognize. In the beginning, a boy named Travis played by one of my favorite YouTubers, Johnny Orlando doesn’t want to go visit his Grandpa (John Goodman) at his farm. Travis loves to play video games and is annoyed by his sister. His sister Whitney (Lola Wayne Villa) is a smart and active girl. Just like many brothers and sisters, they fight and think that the other sibling is annoying.  Grandma (Kay Cole) and Grandpa are nice and sweet, like most grandparents.  I love the relationship that Travis and Whitney have with each other and with their grandparents.

Norm (Kelsey Grammer) is a mean and horrible person who wants to build something big and bad on all the land in the town. Iris, Norm’s secretary, is sweet and caring.  Before they get to their Grandpa’s house, they pick up Grandma who is protesting because Norm wants everyone to give him their property.

Travis runs into some trouble throughout the movie, but learns a very important lesson – you don’t have to be big to do big things.  The moral of this story is that you should fight for what you want, no matter what size you are.  I can relate to that, because sometimes people think that kids don’t have a voice. But, I know that isn’t true and I always try to make sure my voice is heard.    I give this movie five out of five stars because it has everything you could want in a movie.  It is inspiring, heartwarming and funny.  It teaches you to believe in yourself.  I recommend it for kids ages 5 to 18 and believe adults will enjoy this movie also.  This has instantly become one of the best animated movies I have seen in a long time.  I’m sure everyone that sees this movie will love it. I know I did!

Bunyan and Babe

Juanita Seon Leary, KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

I am not a huge fan of animation, however, the animated film Bunyan and Babe about an American folk hero, has changed my feelings and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Of course, I am familiar with the story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox which this is loosely based on. This is an entertaining and colorful adventure story with lots of comedy thrown in.  I enjoyed the combination of the small town feeling with the magical world of giants – Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox.

The story opens with twelve-year-old Travis (Johnny Orlando) engaging in the world of technology while his mother gets him off to visit his grandparents on their farm in Delbert County. Travis is not anxious to make this yearly visit and urges his mother to send his little sister Whitney (Lola Wayne Villa) without him. Travis does not get his wish and finds himself without his cell phone and video games as he rides in the pickup truck heading to the farm.  .

Farm life is not Travis’ cup of tea.  In a couple of days, he begins to get into the swing of things and enjoys the chores. His Grandfather surprises him with a bike which allows him to ride and explore the town where he discovers that a greedy land developer, Norm Blandsford (Kelsey Grammer) has been buying up the little country town and chasing the hard-working residents off their land. Travis has a run-in with one of Blandsford’s men and is chased into the forest where he stumbles upon a magic portal a hidden world where Paul Bunyan (John Goodman)  lives.  Because of his self-imposed exile for 100 years, Paul and Babe the Blue Ox (Jeff Foxworthy) reluctantly escort Travis back to the farm.  Bunyan and Babe get wrapped up in a new adventure and together with Travis and Whitney set out to save the town.

In one scene Travis tells Paul Bunyan, he wishes that he could be a giant. Paul tells him “you don’t have to be big to accomplish big things.”  This is the main lesson of this film. It shows how working together with others with the same goal can accomplish great things. I recommend this film for ages 5 to 12 and adults may enjoy it also. I give Bunyan and Babe 5 out of 5 Giant Stars

 Bunyan and Babe will be available exclusively on Google Play beginning January 12 and in theaters Feb 3, 2017. Go check it out and enjoy the adventure!

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Holy Guacamole!  Brooklyn’s award-winning titans of kindie music are back, bringing a taste of July to this Christmas!  Rolie Polie Guacamole is set to warm up the season for families everywhere with the  release of their sixth studio album, Live on the Fourth of July.

Winner of the prestigious Parents’ Choice® and NAPPA Awards, Rolie Polie Guacamole has, through the years, developed a smart musical style that dresses up original tunes and classic covers with vibrant harmonies and deft instrumental layers that sparkle with a kid-and-parent-friendlhy vibe.

In addition to bringing their rocking, upbeat, high-energy shows to music festivals and performing arts centers, Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin take special joy in the informality and “up close and personal” feel of the numerous sing-along preschool and library shows they perform that have a focus on familiar children’s songs.

On July 4, 2016, responding to ongoing requests from families for a recording of Rolie Polie Guacamole sing-along favorites, Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin headed to Rutherford, New Jersey to make a live acoustic album with longtime friend, engineer/producer Max Caselnova.  Celebrating an unforgettable Fourth of July, they laid down fourteen classic children’s songs that revel in a true-to-life setting with very few overdubs or added tracks.  The result:  Live on the Fourth of July!

Live on the Fourth of July speaks to younger Rolie Polie Guacamole fans with sing-along gems like “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Mr. Sun,” and “Muffin Man/Pizza Man,” while offering older kids some of the band’s signature cover songs, such as “Fire Truck,” “Subway Train,” and “This Little Light of Mine.”

Enthuses Frank Gallo, “After years of being urged by our fans to record our sing-along set, I’m so glad we finally took the time to do it!  It was a blast to spend last Fourth of July going back to our acoustic duo roots and working with our good friend Max!  We hope to bring some of that summertime warmth to the colder months of the year with Live on the Fourth of July.”

Rolie Polie Guacamole lays claim to being one of the hardest working bands in kids’ music, and that just might be true.  They’ve released five albums and played well over 1,500 shows nationwide since hitting the boards with their first performance in 2007, receiving top picks from Boston.com, Time Out NY Kids, and Time Out Chicago.

To herald the release of Live on the Fourth of July, Rolie Polie Guacamole has launched an animated sing-along video series on YouTube, kicking off with “Mr. Sun,” illustrated by Alexandra Narvaez and animated by Teddy Gage, HERE.

Previous Rolie Polie Guacamole releases include Chips and Salsa (2015, Parents’ Choice® Recommended Award), Triathlon (2014, Parents’ Choice® Fun Stuff Award), Houses of The Moly (2012, Parents’ Choice® Silver Honor Award, NAPPA Honors Award), Time For Hummus (2010), and Rolie Polie Guacamole (2008).

I love this upbeat music and young children will love dancing and singing along!~ SoCal City Kids.

Live on the Fourth of July is available on the Rolie Polie Guacamole website and iTunes.  Pre-orders may be placed now at both sites.

 

Self Disclosure: I received a free CD to facilitate this post. 

https://youtu.be/L6qKBBvQc3o

Season Two of the popular Amazon Original Kids live-action series, Just Add Magic, will debut on Prime Video on Friday, January 13!

 

Based on Cindy Callaghan’s book of the same name, Just Add Magic for kids, tweens and their families, follows the adventures of Kelly (Olivia Sanabia, Extant) and her two best friends, Hannah (Aubrey Miller, Austin & Ally) and Darbie (Abby Donnelly, Suburgatory), who stumble across a mysterious cookbook and discover that its recipes are far from ordinary – they’re magical!

 

In Season Two of Just Add Magic, the girls’ Last-Ditch Layer Cake breaks every spell in town, which miraculously brings Grandma Quinn (Dee Wallace, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) back to her normal self. Unfortunately, it also brings back an old enemy…Chuck Hankins. Chuck disappeared when he was a teenager, but when he returns 50 years later, he hasn’t aged a day. When he begins to meddle in the girls’ lives, they must put aside their summer of fun in order to save the magic from falling into the wrong hands. As they begin to investigate, they learn that Chuck isn’t just an ordinary troublemaker. In fact, he’s capable of much more than they could ever imagine. Chuck is creating his own magic cookbook and may be seeking revenge on the people who spelled him years ago. His master plan will eventually put one of the trio in grave danger unless Kelly, Hannah and Darbie can find a way to defeat Chuck once and for all.

 

Just Add Magic stars Olivia Sanabia (Extant), Abby Donnelly (Suburgatory), Aubrey Miller (Austin & Ally), and Judah Bellamy (Home). The series also stars Dee Wallace (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) as Grandma Quinn, Catia Ojeda (Grey’s Anatomy) as Mrs. Quinn, Andrew Burlinson (Parks and Recreation) as Mr. Quinn, Amy Hill (50 First Dates) as Mama P, and Ellen Karsten (Camp Takota) as Ms. Silvers.

 

A single-camera live-action series, Just Add Magic is executive produced by Andrew Orenstein (Malcolm in the Middle) and Joe Nussbaum (George Lucas in Love, Awkward) with Nussbaum also directing several episodes. Luisa Leschin (Austin & Ally) serves as co-executive producer, Matt Goldman (Wizards of Waverly Place) serves as consulting producer and Pixie Wespiser (Good Luck Charlie) serves as producer.

 

The first season of Just Add Magic, the most streamed Amazon Original Series for kids 6-11 to date, is now available to stream exclusively for Prime members via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs; connected devices, including Fire TV; mobile devices; and online. Prime members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership.

Credit: Amazon Prime Video.