You are here: Home / 2021 / Archives for April 2021

Archives for April 2021

Faith and Sammy, April 8th Pets of the Week !

April 7, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Faith

Faith and Sammy are bonded siblings who came in as owner surrenders. Faith is very loving to both people and dogs, and so is Sammy does—he’s even learned to play fetch from one of them. The cats are protective and needy of each other. They’ve been bounced around from place to place and are adjusting to shelter life. We feel bad for the former owner because there was obviously love going on, but we feel even worse for Faith and Sammy because they’re used to a loving home. Do you have one for them? Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through email, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Faith and Sammy. Ask for ID#A537301 for Faith and ID#A540906 for Sammy.

Sammy

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Celebrate Earth Day with The Aquarium of the Pacific

April 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific

Looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day and take action? The Aquarium of the Pacific is launching an Earth Day poetry contest, a virtual festival, and offers other ways to get involved in supporting ocean conservation from volunteering to Aquarium memberships. “Everyone can help protect this ocean planet that we all depend on and call home. We hope people will learn simple things they can do to make Earth Day every day,” said Emily Yam, senior manager of education at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

You can learn what you can do to help protect our planet at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s twenty-first annual Earth Day Celebration, which will be held as a virtual event. Experience animal meet and greets from your home. Explore our ocean planet through poetry. Learn everyday tips to protect our environment. Hear about the work that the Aquarium is doing to help protect animals and the environment. Everyone is invited to tune into this free virtual celebration. You can follow the Aquarium on Facebook @AquariumofthePacific and enable notifications so you don’t miss this free virtual celebration.

As part of its Virtual Earth Day Celebration, the Aquarium is hosting a poetry contest with the theme ‘celebrating our ocean planet’. People of all ages are invited to review contest guidelines and submit their poems on the Aquarium’s Earth Day Poetry Contest page by April 9, 2021. The top three finalists will be featured during the virtual festival on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Those looking to support the Aquarium’s ocean conservation efforts can do so by becoming an Aquarium member, making reservations to visit, donating, or volunteering. Starting on Earth Day, the Aquarium is inviting the public to participate in an ongoing cleanup initiative through its newest community science program called T.R.A.S.H. The Aquarium also invites the public to take part in its local sea turtle monitoring project to help this threatened population of green sea turtles.

WHEN:  Virtual Earth Day Festival: Saturday, April 24, 2021, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Pacific Day Time

WHERE: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/earth_day_celebration/ and the Aquarium’s Facebook page @AquariumofthePacific

How to view the virtual festival:

On Saturday, April 24, the public can visit the Virtual Earth Day Festival webpage to watch the live streaming event. The schedule will be posted on the webpage, along with links to social media outlets that will also stream the event live.

COST: Free, virtual event 

RSVP: No RSVPs are required for this virtual festival

INFO: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/earth_day_celebration/

AQUARIUM: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Shark Lagoon, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Lorikeet Forest, and the Molina Animal Care Center. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including lectures by leading scientists, through its Online Academy. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium during the pandemic, please visit Pacific.to/donate.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

26th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Virtual Event

April 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Kristin Hannah, Meena Harris, Don Lemon, Guy Raz, Douglas Stuart, Richard Thompson, Ibi Zoboi and More Set to Appear at L.A. Times Festival of Books

The Los Angeles Times today released the schedule for the 2021 Festival of Books. Beginning on April 17, and taking place over the course of seven days, the online festival will feature more than 30 individual events. The line-up features a variety of writers, poets, artists and storytellers discussing a myriad of topics, including race, identity, immigrant experiences, historical romances and – following a year that’s tested its vulnerabilities and resilience – the human body.   

Traditionally the nation’s largest in-person literary event, this year’s festival will bring together a community in L.A. and beyond with authors from across the globe. And while the pandemic has limited travel and experiences, books have taken readers on adventures and provided insights into other people’s lives.

“During an unprecedented year that tested humanity’s adaptability, it shouldn’t be surprising that, as sales numbers show, people turned to books more than ever to make sense of the world,” said Book Editor Boris Kachka. “The Festival of Books, too, has adapted to serve that need. With a year of experience behind us, the Times team has worked to create an event as rich, varied and communal as a virtual festival can be. I hope our readers agree.” 

Festival highlights:

  • Hosts of the No. 1 kids podcast “Wow in the World,” Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz chat with award-winning actress Zooey Deschanel about their new book “Wow in the World: The How and Wow of the Human Body.” 
  • A young adult fiction panel about race and identity with Dean Atta, Morgan Parker, Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam moderated by Hannah Gómez.
  • James Patterson discusses his new Audible Original Drama, “The Coldest Case.”
  • Meena Harris, niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, discusses and reads her children’s book “Ambitious Girl” with Times Columnist Mary McNamara.
  •  Jesse Tyler Ferguson talks modern California food and his debut cookbook “Food Between Friends.”
  • S.A. Cosby, Danielle Evans, Nikky Finney, Robert Jones, Jr. and moderator Marcus Anthony Hunter on writing about the Black experience across different genres. 
  • Historical fiction with Kristin Hannah and C Pam Zhang in conversation with Times Columnist Patt Morrison.
  • Novelists Chang-rae Lee, Imbolo Mbue, Sanjena Santhian and Meng Jin talk about writing internationally focused fiction with Times Book Editor Boris Kachka.
  • Iconic singer-songwriter Richard Thompson will discuss his new memoir with music journalist RJ Smith and perform two songs.
  • Don Lemon, CNN journalist, host and author of “This Is the Fire,” discusses America’s history of racism and how the country can begin to fix the problem with Times TV Reporter Greg Braxton.
  • Authors David Weiden and Brandon Hobson discuss writing about the Native American experience, and honor the legacy of Robert Kirsch Award honoree Leslie Marmon Silko.
  • A discussion about America’s broken criminal justice system with Brittany K. Barnett, Emily Bazelon, Christine Montross and moderated by Times Columnist Sandy Banks.
  • A conversation about films that defined the last decades of the 20th century with Mark Harris, Glenn Frankel, Melissa Maerz and moderated by film critic and host of “The Treatment,” Elvis Mitchell.
  • An exploration of the natural world and looking for answers about life with Jonathan Meiburg, Jonathan Slaght, Lulu Miller and Patrik Svensson.
  • Authors Eloisa James, Vanessa Riley, Erica Ridley and Amalie Howard talk historical romance with moderator Elle Jackson.

The annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is presented in association with USC. Most sessions are free to attend and require advanced registration. Participating local booksellers will be selling books for every panel and, in most cases, will offer signed bookplates with purchase. The schedule can be found on the festival’s website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feed (#bookfest).

Credit: The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Universal Studios Hollywood to Reopen on Friday, April 16, Kicking Off with Special Annual and Season Pass Member Bonus Days Beginning on Thursday, April 15

April 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD — Pictured: Universal Studios Hollywood Main Entrance — (Photo by: Universal Studios Hollywood)

At long last, Universal Studios Hollywood rolls out the red carpet to resume operations and welcome guests back to the theme park beginning on Friday, April 16. The momentous occasion will commence with a special park preview for Annual and Season Pass Members starting on Thursday, April 15.

While most rides will be operational, some rides and attractions will reopen at a later date as the theme park complies with government restrictions. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to work in partnership with health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures that include controlled capacity to enforce physical distancing and required face coverings.  In accordance with government guidelines, only California residents may visit the theme park at this time

Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood will be available to California residents only and can be purchased online beginning on Thursday, April 8. The theme park will also celebrate Annual and Season Pass Members—who will be among the first to visit—with a series of complimentary Bonus Days on select days from Thursday, April 15 through Sunday, May 16; these Bonus Days can be reserved by Annual and Season Pass Members online starting on Monday, April 5.  Annual and Season Pass Members will be able to resume regular use of their passes starting on Monday, May 17.

Due to capacity limits, until further notice, guests with unredeemed tickets purchased prior to April 8, 2021 will need to make an advance reservation at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for their visit dates.

For more information about Annual and Season Passes, including Pass Members Bonus Days and re-activation of Passes, reservations for previously purchased tickets or to purchase theme park tickets, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

After more than a year of closure, Universal Studios Hollywood is ready for its close-up and set to call “action” on the all-new “The Secret Life of Pets:  Off the Leash!” and “Jurassic World—The Ride,” which features the spectacularly realistic new dinosaur, Indominus rex.

Here’s what guests can expect:

A stroll along the cleverly themed Pets Place will bring guests to the front of Katie’s NYC apartment building where the innovative “The Secret Life of Pets:  Off the Leash!” ride resides.

This all-new tech-savvy adventure inspired by Illumination’s blockbuster The Secret Life of Pets films, answers the question, “What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home?”

This impressive new ride combines 64 technologically-advanced animated figures with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping designed to take guests on a journey to meet some of their favorite Illumination characters from the movies, including Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke, along with a host of other animal friends, who have all been transformed and transported into the live-action world. From blinking eyes to eyebrow movements, from head tilts to head nods, from moving mouths to smiles, from ear curls to lip curls, from full torso twists to physically walking, the depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride. 

The grand reopening of Universal Studios Hollywood also brings guests face-to-face with “Jurassic World—The Ride’s” all-new, extraordinarily realistic dinosaur, the Indominus rex, who stakes her claim at the ride’s finale in a forceful battle with her arch-rival, the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Breaking new ground with highly complex innovations, this fully-articulated lifelike Indominus injects intense new thrills, excitement and intrigue to the already dynamic ride.  Spanning nearly 55 feet horizontally from head to tail and over 22 feet vertically, the Indominus’ imposing presence will be amplified by the fluidity of her motions and synchronized movements that deliver an unprecedented level of authenticity.  From the subtle blinking of her eyes, the flexing of her arms and claws and clenching of her jaw as she bears her razor-sharp teeth, the colossal Indominus rex will lunge from her hillside setting, stalking guests just before they descend the giant waterfall drop to escape her grasp.

Of course, these new experiences are among the many welcoming attractions and themed environments that await guests upon their return to Universal Studios Hollywood, including “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and the critically-acclaimed rides, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy:  The Ride,” Despicable Me’s “Super Silly Fun Land,” and “Springfield, U.S.A.,” home of America’s favorite animated family, “The Simpsons.” The theme park’s signature attraction and world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of an authentic production movie and television studio and where they can experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D,” will also open.

Because the safety and well-being of guests and team members is a top priority for Universal Studios Hollywood, the following guidelines outline the theme park’s new health and safety protocols, also highlighted in this video and detailed on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.

·     Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. If temperatures exceed 100.4° Fahrenheit / 38° Celsius or greater, Guests will not be permitted to enter.

·     Face coverings required for all Guests throughout their visit. Face coverings also will be available for purchase.

·     Controlled capacity within the theme park, and limited occupancy at all CityWalk venues to help enforce physical distancing. Some areas and programs may remain temporarily closed.

·     Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting at all food locations, restrooms, and all other high touch points.

·     Physical distancing practices at all locations throughout the park and at rides and attractions.

·     Eating and drinking permitted only in designated dining areas.

·     Contactless payment options wherever possible.

More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Health and Safety Guidelines
All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC guidelines and conduct temperature checks prior to their arrival.  Guests should evaluate their own risk before they visit, and it is not recommended that older adults or individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit.  People who are asymptomatic can still spread COVID-19 if they are infected.  Any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and Universal cannot guarantee guests will not be exposed during their visit. For information on CDC guidelines, click here. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, details are subject to change without notice.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Hosting a Safe Picnic to Bring in the Spring and Sweep Winter Away in 2021

April 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment

The weather is warming up, and vaccinations on the rise! The best way to come out of hibernation and fight off the pandemic blues is with a delicious outdoor meal prepared at home and enjoyed outside.

There is no reason why family and friends need to remain locked away on your phone or stuck in your computer screen as long as the proper precautions are in place. This article will provide meal ideas along with packaging and serving tips that will allow you to enjoy delicious food and much-needed company outdoors this Spring!

Outdoor Guidelines

Before we dig into the food ideas, let’s quickly refresh the CDC’s suggested outdoor social distancing regulations. If you are inviting people who do not live with you, you should still maintain a six-foot distance. When sitting and eating, a mask is unnecessary, but a mask is still recommended when moving about.

Choosing the Right Spot

Try to avoid crowded outdoor spaces. Large parks should have ample room, but it might be best to choose a location off the beaten path to avoid unsafe conditions. National and state parks are a good choice because they are often quite large and have designated picnic areas and more secluded areas.

Try for wide, open areas like a beach or lakeshore. This will give you and the guests who aren’t from your home bubble ample room to spread out, set up, and relax! 

Picnic Blanket Alternatives

The classic image of the picnic brings to mind friends and family sharing a relatively small blanket. If you are picnicking with people from your household, the traditional style still works. However, we have to get creative for Spring 2021 when different house bubbles mingle.

If you are picnicking with people from outside of your living space, try using individual beach towels spaced at least 6 feet apart. If getting down on the ground and back up again is difficult for you or a member of your group, try bringing folding chairs and TV dinner trays, so each person has their own picnic table.

You can arrange the spots in a large circle and have a “buffet blanket” set up in the middle, where all the food, drink, and additional PPE are kept. Guests can take turns going up to the “buffet blanket” as needed.

Make it BYOF, B, and PPE

If you do not have the time to organize the party supplies, food, and protective gear, a straightforward workaround is to tell guests that the picnic is BYO. Therefore, each guest is responsible for their own food, drink, and PPE. But you should still bring extra PPE.

Bringing Ample PPE

You want to come prepared. Make sure there is enough hand sanitizer or antiseptic wipes to accommodate all guests. It is also a good idea to bring extra disposable masks in case some get soiled by food or the outdoors.

Introducing Napkin Packs

Think about bringing napkin packs – napkins tucked away in a Ziploc bag that also contain those little antibacterial hand wipe pouches. You can also store disposable forks and spoons in these napkin packs to reduce the spread of germs.

You can also make a jar or large Tupperware container of warm soapy water to wash your hands before and after eating. This works well for storing any used plastic, glass, or ceramic dishes when everyone is done eating.

Meals Preprepared in Tupperware  

Now we get to the fun stuff – the food! There are many ways to prepackage entire meals so that only the person who makes it and eats it ever touches it.

Overnight Oats

Overnight oats can be made both savory and sweet to taste and require minimal preparation. You simply need a fridge, a sealable container, and some time overnight to prepare them.

You want to mix all your wet and dry ingredients into the containers, making sure the meals are well mixed. Then you refrigerate overnight. The dishes can remain sealed until they are ready to be eaten.

This meal idea involves the slightest bit of preparation but also requires the longest time to set fully.

Individual Meals in Tupperware

If you like to cook, you can prepare whole meals and portion them out into individual containers for guests to enjoy. Like the overnight oats, only the person who prepares the food and the person who will eat it come in contact with it. Just be sure to pack some extra containers for guests who want seconds!

Meal ideas for this can include some type of protein and a whole grain garnished with a vegetable of some sort. The possibilities are endless, but the idea is to provide container-sized meals that people can enjoy without risking the contamination that the traditional buffet-basket picnic might harbor.

Individual meals packed up in Tupperware stack easily in coolers or hot food bags, ensuring that the meals keep and that the container space is used efficiently.

Soup in Mason Jars

Another delicious way to make safe and individually packaged meals for your COVID-proof picnic is to cook soup at home and package the soup fresh and hot into mason jars. It’s best to prepare the soup the same day as the picnic and package the jars into a hot food bag right away to preserve the warmth.

Usher in the Spring With a COVID-proof Picnic

By following the suggestions in this article, you can safely and confidently hold an outdoor picnic with friends and family. Remember to bring ample PPE and make sure the meals are individually packaged. Now shake off the winter blues and get outdoors!

About the Author

Veronica Baxter is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant working and living in the great city of Philadelphia. She frequently works with and writes on behalf of Lee A. Schwartz, a busy family law attorney in Philadelphia.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Strengthen Bond With Your Horse And Train Him Well Simultaneously

April 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Whenever someone talks about pet animals, we often limit ourselves to either dogs or cats. But if we tell you, you can get the same love with horses as well, what will be your reaction? Confused! Don’t worry. Keep reading, and you’ll know more.

Horses are social animals or more like herd animals. But no two horses are alike. Some are loners and handle a solitary life well. And others adapt to the circumstances and develop stable vices. But did you know that these creatures can read human facial expressions clearly? And if you consider certain studies, they might even remember your mood.

But how to get started initially?

Everything Starts With Forming a Bond

This is quite a simple ideology. If someone doesn’t trust you or feels comfortable around you, why would they do anything you ask for. Similarly, horses need time to gel with humans. So, you must give them some time to get to know you. That way, they will better understand you.

But how to do that? It’s simple. All you need to do is start spending some time with your horse. Start focusing on low-stress activities with a positive feeling. And when it’s due, make sure to reward the horse. Let the horse associate you with positivity.

Other than that, focus on the likes and dislikes of your horse. Understand his/her fears and emotions and make sure to keep a note of them when you start the training process. When you take the first few steps, your horse will naturally come closer to you and start taking you as a part of your herd.

Now that you have attained some affection and confidence, the next step is to prepare him well via training. Surprisingly, horsemanship is often referred to as an art. Contrary to popular belief, you won’t have to jump on the bucking broncos to train them. That’s too much exaggeration.

It is a lot simpler and less dangerous than what the Wild West always portrayed. But how to get started? Let’s find out!

Master The Foundation of Training

There is a saying, “if you can’t do it on the ground, you won’t be able to achieve anything in the saddle.” So, you must master the groundwork. To do that, you must start with some of the key exercises mentioned below.

Standing Still- The purpose of this exercise is to let your horse understand the meaning of leadership and that you are in charge.

Leading- The purpose of this is to help the horse understand your body language.

Flexing and Soften- The purpose is to let your horse adjust to pressure tactics and respond well.

Moving their hind end and front end-  Doing this will help them understand your personal space.

The whole idea of these exercises is to develop a bond so that nothing happens when you are on the saddle. If you don’t, you might face a situation that will leave you with a rearing horse that can be dangerous for your horse and the rider if left uncorrected. It could be because he/she is stressed or being disrespectful. Whatever may be the case, you’ll have to develop a rapport with your horse not to let that happen ever.

Wrapping up

Horse training is quite fun, but it can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Experts suggest leaving the young horses to experienced trainers. And if you don’t know how to get started, you can always take classes online or look for videos to train your horse in a fun way.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure * Eventful and Distinctive, Great Plot and Amazing Animation

April 5, 2021 By Leave a Comment

When a mysterious and dangerous whirlpool appears in the tropics of the Atlantic Ocean, astronauts Belka and Strelka are sent to investigate. With the help of their good friends, Belka and Strelka must once again act heroically and complete a daring mission to save the planet along with the distant home of their new alien friends. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N. comments, “Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is the final film in the Space Dogs trilogy. It’s an eventful and distinctive movie! When I watched it, what I expected to happen didn’t happen, but it has a great plot that definitely works well. Space Dogs:  Tropical Adventure also represents diversity and has a great message.” Katie F. adds, “Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is the third film of the Space Dogs franchise which includes Space Dogs, and Space Dogs: Return to Earth. This is a fun and up-beat film with amazing animation and catchy songs! The cast are incredible and the story is great. The characters are unique, all in their own way.” See their full reviews below.

Space Dogs:  Tropical Adventure

Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is the final film in the Space Dogs trilogy. It’s an eventful and distinctive movie! When I watched it, what I expected to happen didn’t happen, but it has a great plot that definitely works well. Space Dogs:  Tropical Adventure also represents diversity and has a great message.

Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is about two astronaut dogs named Belka (Maria Antonieta Monge) and Strelka (Mauriett Chayeb-Mendez) who are sent to Earth on a mission to investigate a suspicious anomaly in the Atlantic Ocean. Belka always takes control and is the leader of the missions. But with that, she is constantly getting blamed by the General when things go wrong and is always at fault. Now, both Belka and Strelka have to step up and work together with their friends to solve this mysterious case and save the planet.

One of the factors that makes Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure special is the diversity in the characters. Even though this film is about animated animals, there are many different types of animals that all play a major role. For example, besides the two main dog characters are a rat and a fly. The settings are well detailed. Everything that surrounds the characters emphasizes and gives context to each situation. So when Belka, and Strelka are trapped in the underwater dump, around them you can see pieces of wood, skeletons and trash. My favorite character is Belka because she reminds me of myself. She loves to be the leader, and always ensures that everything goes according to plan. The voice acting was done very well because it suits the characters. However, sometimes the words don’t align with the movement of the characters’ mouths. Also, if you aren’t paying close enough attention, this movie can be a little hard to follow. Aside from these things, Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is pretty fun.

The message of Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is that teamwork can solve any problem. Belka and Strelka repeatedly attempt to complete assignments their own way, with one trying to take control from the other. But this approach never works. When their friends assist them, they finally realize that the only way they will succeed is if they work together. This movie is totally kid-friendly, and there are no red flags.

Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is an interesting movie. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 10.  Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure releases in theaters on April 2, 2021, and on video on demand on April 6, 2021. If you’re having a family movie night, pop some popcorn and check this out!

Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure
By Katie Francis, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure is the third film of the Space Dogs franchise which includes Space Dogs, and Space Dogs: Return to Earth. This is a fun and up-beat film with amazing animation and catchy songs! The cast are incredible and the story is great. The characters are unique, all in their own way.

When the water from the Atlantic Ocean suddenly starts disappearing, Space Dogs Belka and Strelka are sent to investigate. With help from their friends they try to discover the cause of this. Will they figure out where all the water is going? Watch Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure to find out.

Written by Mike Disa and directed by Inna Evlannikove, the characters and cast of this film are incredible. Belka (Katerina Shpitsa, Breakfast at Dad’s, Brothel Spites) is the more sensible of the pair of dogs. Belka is very smart and looks before jumping. She always has great plans to get Strelka and herself out of situations. Strelka (Irina Pegova, The Stroll, Super Bobrovs) is a very lovable character. She is funny and definitely jumps before looking. The rat Yenya (Yevgeny Mironov, The Spacewalker, The Idiot) is a very dramatic and funny character. We watch him go on a rollercoaster of emotions, but still come through to help his friends. My favourite character is Thomas the Cricket (Rómulo Bernal). He is Yenya’s assistant and is very lovable and brave. He is my favourite for those reasons. He is also smart and has lots of great ideas. My favourite part of the film is when Yenya is expecting his uncle to be a famous sailor, but he turns out just to be a photographer that takes pictures of famous sailors and famous boats. The animation in the film is amazing and the music is very catchy. 

The message of the story is that sometimes to find the truth it just takes a little leap of faith.

I give Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure  5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12, plus adults.  It comes out in theatres on April 2, 2021, and on VOD April 6, 2021.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Godzilla vs. Kong * Best Action Movie of 2021 So Far! Amazing Graphics

April 5, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Legends collide as Godzilla and Kong, the two most powerful forces of nature, clash on the big screen in a spectacular battle for the ages. As a squadron embarks on a perilous mission into fantastic uncharted terrain, unearthing clues to the Titans’ very origins and mankind’s survival, a conspiracy threatens to wipe the creatures, both good and bad, from the face of the earth forever. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like Godzilla vs. Kong and rate it as the best action movie of 2021 so far. It keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. I really like the amazing graphics and the computer generated image effects.” Benjamin P. adds, “Godzilla Vs. Kongpits two cinematic titans against each other in a fight for the ages but one that relegates its undercooked human characters to the sidelines, as it should, in favor of spectacular clashes, monster to monster, in all their big-budget glory.” See their full reviews below.

Godzilla vs. Kong
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, Age 12


I like Godzilla vs. Kong and rate it as the best action movie of 2021 so far. It keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. I really like the amazing graphics and the computer generated image effects.

This movie is about two strong titans who won’t back down from their throne. It happens that Godzilla’s and Kong’s ancestors were enemies centuries ago. While Kong is captive in a semi-artificial environment dome, Godzilla comes out of the ocean and walks in the city destroying everything that crosses his path. This is not the heroic Godzilla we watched from his last movie. No one understands why Godzilla is so angry. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), who takes care of Kong and Dr. Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgard) helps Kong find a safe place to live, which is the core of the Earth. While Kong is being transported on a huge ship, Godzilla senses Kong in the ocean. That’s when the first extraordinary and intense battle of these two titans begins.

This film has amazing CGI. Godzilla’s rough skin and red eyes make it look like he is real. Kong looks like an actual gigantic ape. You can sense his soul in his eyes. He surprises the audience by having a special bond with an orphan named Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the only person able to communicate with him. The sound effects are amazing. The cast are all outstanding including a more mature Millie Bobby Brown who plays Madison Russell and a funny Julian Dennison who plays Maddie’s friend Josh.

The moral of this movie is that greed and excessive pride lead to an unnecessary rivalry situation. We need to leave the past in the past and start fresh. Unity is the key in this film.

I give Godzilla vs. Kong 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. Godzilla vs. Kong opens March 31, 2021 on HBO Max and in theatres. 

Godzilla Vs. Kong

By Benjamin P., Kids First! Film Critic, Age 15

Godzilla Vs. Kongpits two cinematic titans against each other in a fight for the ages but one that relegates its undercooked human characters to the sidelines, as it should, in favor of spectacular clashes, monster to monster, in all their big-budget glory.

Following the events of 2017’s Kong: Skull Islandand 2019’sGodzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla has become the alpha to the similarly-powered titans roaming the earth. Meanwhile, Kong has left his island home with one of its natives, a little girl named Jia (Newcomer Kaylee Hottle), as he is monitored and researched by a team of specialists trying to keep him from Godzilla’s grasp. Well, you read that title, so you know that’s not happening, and indeed it doesn’t! Godzilla begins attacking after years of stability between humanity and skyscraper-sized creatures. Kong’s greatest champion among the researchers, Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), is approached by an old colleague (Alexander Skarsgård) and is convinced to take Kong to an underground world called Hollow Earth. Hopefully, in this habitat he can thrive and find more of his kind, free of the threat of Godzilla and others like him. It’s not before long on this journey that Godzilla senses his primate competitor and arrives to dispatch Kong.

There’ve been several Kong/Godzilla solo efforts in recent years in the lead-up to this face-off, and somehow it is all worth it. Although there are flaws—the two main plotlines feel disconnected and previous story developments abandoned—they don’t compare to the immense joy it is to watch these titans go at it. That would be enough: a mildly enjoyable large-scale romp, the cinematic equivalent of smashing two well-loved action figures together. However, Adam Wingard’s direction elevates the action sequences. Consistently satisfying and, better yet, consistently surprising—watching Kong leap from building to building, dodging Godzilla’s atomic breath, or Godzilla getting Kong’s ax launched at him doesn’t grow stale.

Godzilla Vs. Kong humanizes Kong as someone who’s lost his family and now the home he protected. I didn’t expect to feel emotionally attached to a 400-foot ape, but there you go. Whether you’re team Godzilla or team Kong, I have no doubt, you’ll find some enjoyment in the shenanigans they unleash. I was entertained—and if this matchup means anything to you, I think you will be too!

I give Godzilla Vs. Kong3 out of 5 stars and an age rating of 12 to 18 for mass—and I mean, mass—destruction, some mild language, and the injuries each of the titular creatures sustain. Godzilla Vs. Kongis out March 31, 2021, simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
« Previous Page
Next Page »