Archives for March 2022

Looking for books to celebrate Women’s History Month? Here are a couple of my favorites!

Who doesn’t know of and love Betty White?

I love this picture book that is suitable for all ages!

THAT’S BETTY! THE STORY OF BETTY WHITE by Gregory Bonsignore; illustrated by Jennifer M. Potter (Henry Holt BYR, on sale February 22, 2022, Ages 2-6): A joyful picture book biography that celebrates the life and achievements of TV legend, pioneer, and activist Betty White.

Do you have a middle-school-age reader at home? This next one is sure to be a hit!

LATINITAS by Juliet Menéndez (Henry Holt and Co., on sale February 23, 2021, Ages 8-12): In this collection of short biographies from all over Latin America and across the United States, Juliet Menéndez explores the first small steps that set the Latinitas off on their journeys. With gorgeous, hand-painted illustrations, Menéndez shines a spotlight on the power of childhood dreams.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post. Cover images were also provided.

From director Amy Poehler, Lucy and Desi explore the unlikely partnership and enduring legacy of one of the most prolific power couples in entertainment history. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz risked everything to be together. Their love for each other led to the most influential show in the history of television, I Love Lucy. Desi — an immigrant from Cuba who lost everything in exile, became a band leader, and eventually a brilliant producer and technical pioneer. Lucille came from nothing and, with an unrivaled work ethic, built a career as a model, chorus girl, and eventually as an actor in the studio system. She found her calling in comedy, first in radio. When Lucille was finally granted the opportunity to have her own television show, she insisted that her real-life spouse, Desi, be cast as her husband. Defying the odds, they re-invented the medium, on the screen and behind the cameras. The foundation of I Love Lucy was the constant rupture and repair of unconditional love. What Lucy and Desi couldn’t make work with each other, they gave to the rest of the world. Lucy and Desi is an insightful and intimate peek behind the curtain of these two remarkable trailblazers — featuring interviews with Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Norman Lear, Desi Arnaz Jr, Carol Burnett and Bette Midler.

Lucy and Desi

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Lucy and Desi is a mediocre take on a story fans have heard millions of times! Throughout the film, you’ll be craving a sense of something new and fresh, but unfortunately, this film simply doesn’t deliver anything worthwhile. 

Lucy and Desi is a documentary that tells the story of two of the biggest comedians in television, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The film provides behind-the-scenes clips of the hit show I Love Lucy, video recordings of Lucy and Desi throughout the years, and sit-down talks with some of their closest friends like Carol Burnett and Bette Midler.

This film falls flat for several reasons. The story of Lucy and Desi has been told too many times for this documentary to provide anything new or exciting. The timing of its release is unfortunate as another film on the two stars, from the same studio, Being the Ricardos, came out only a few months ago. Lucy and Desi fails to differentiate any information from what the biographical drama gave audiences.  Lucy and Desi feels like a watered down version of its predecessors and is unable to engage its viewers. However, it does have some incredible cameos like those by Carol Burnett, Bette Midler and Norman Lear. They give some anecdotes that not many fans have heard and will definitely leave you wanting to hear more of their relationship with Lucy and Desi, which this film does not deliver. The greatest part about the documentary is the romance between Lucille and Desi—their pictures and video clips show a love that is timeless.

The film’s main focus is the love of Desi and Lucy, how they were able to create a fantastic and iconic series, and still be in love off camera. There are no warnings for this documentary. 

I give Lucy and Desi 3 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 15 to 18, plus adults. It is being released in theaters and on Amazon Prime Video March 4, 2022. 

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music by wanting to go to Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “CODA is a very inspiring film with an overall good script and moral message. There are many morals to this film, but the main one is that no matter what you suffer from or who you are—or even how you look—we are all humans. We should all be treated equally, and we are each unique in our own way.” See his full review below.

CODA
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

CODA is a very inspiring film with an overall good script and moral message. I also love the comedy in this movie.

CODA is about an 18-year-old named Ruby who is the only one in her family of four without a hearing impairment. Her father is a fisherman, and she needs to help her dad with fishing since he can’t hear. For example, if he violates a fishing code, the Coast Guard calls him, but he cannot respond because he can’t hear the call.  That’s when Ruby comes in handy. Ruby’s passion is singing. Her dream is to go to the Berklee College of Music. She finds out about a chorus group and joins it, which leads to some conflicts—primarily that her family relies on her, but she also wants to live her life and go to college.

CODA, which stands for “child of deaf adults”, is an outstanding film (with many awards and nominations) that is a remake of the 2014 French film, La Famille Bélier. Sian Heder wrote and directed this beautiful adapted screenplay. Not only is this film heartwarming and comical at the same time, but it also lets the audience experience what it is to be deaf to the point of feeling vulnerable by not experiencing the joy of a live concert. My favorite part is when Ruby performs a song on stage with her family watching in the crowd. This is the most interesting and heartwarming scene because when they cut out the audio you get to see the dad’s point of view. You really feel what he experiences as a deaf person.

There are many morals to this film, but the main one is that no matter what you suffer from or who you are—or even how you look—we are all humans. We should all be treated equally, and we are each unique in our own way. CODA does have some sexual scenes and foul language.

I give CODA 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. CODA is available now on Apple TV. 

The world’s most iconic dog is ready for his close-up. Dive into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha P. comments, “The Snoopy Show is a fun spin-off series from Charlie Brown’s many movies and shows. This animated series is enjoyable for young audiences because it focuses on the life of Charlie Brown’s dog Snoopy.” See her full review below.

The Snoopy Show

By Samantha P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

The Snoopy Show is a fun spin-off series from Charlie Brown’s many movies and shows. This animated series is enjoyable for young audiences because it focuses on the life of Charlie Brown’s dog Snoopy. This show has the same style as the originals, which makes it interesting to watch, especially if you are a fan of the Charlie Brown classics!

Each episode follows Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown (Ethan Pugiotto) and Charlie Brown’s friends as they get into different hilarious situations. Woodstock and Snoopy have creative and intriguing solutions to problems they face, like wanting a fishbowl so they can become astronauts, or writing a story for a competition. Every episode is unique and has a creative storyline.

This series has interesting anthropomorphic characters, because Snoopy, along with his animal friends, walks on two legs and has many human characteristics. Snoopy (Terry McGurrin) doesn’t talk, but he makes many noises like yelling, grunting, sighing and laughing for his character. Woodstock (Rob Tinkler) does something similar for Woodstock. Every episode has about three five-minute shows within it. The first episode has three stories about the backstory of Snoopy, which is really interesting.

Every episode has a different theme; some common themes are selflessness, perseverance and coming-of-age.

I give The Snoopy Show 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 11. The Snoopy Show returns for season two on Apple TV Friday, March 11, 2022.