Archives for March 2022

The Batman * This Stellar Film Shows A Deeper, Darker Side Of Batman And Other Characters

Batman ventures into Gotham City’s underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans become clear, he must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued the metropolis.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like The Batman because the overall script is interesting and very suspenseful. This movie is definitely worth the 2 hours and 55 minutes to watch—I was not expecting it to be this good!” Allison B. adds, “Out of the deep dark depths of Gotham City comes the newest addition to one of the best-known franchises. The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson is thrilling, chilling, and jam-packed with action. We all know and love Batman, but this stellar cast will show you a deeper, darker side of him and other characters who have been loved, and hated, for generations.” See their full reviews below.

The Batman
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13


I like The Batman because the overall script is interesting and very suspenseful. This movie is definitely worth the 2 hours and 55 minutes to watch—I was not expecting it to be this good!

The Batman takes place in Gotham City, home of all the Batman stories. A crazy killer named Riddler (Paul Dano) kills liars like political figures and reveals how corrupt they are. Riddler likes to leave trails of clues behind which forces Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), a single millionaire, to become a detective to find out who the Riddler is. As you know Batman is Bruce Wayne’s secret identity. Along the way, Batman visits old friends like Penguin (Colin Farrell) and meets new ones like Selina or Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz).

The graphics are amazing looking, although the CGI is not as good compared to other films. I was a little disappointed with the Batmobile because it just looks like a sports car with a powerful engine. Very different from the other Batmobiles in the past movies. Robert Pattinson’s transformation into Batman is impressive. We see a muscular Robert Pattinson with impressive fighting skills. Colin Farrell is unrecognizable as Penguin. It was fun to watch Zoe Kravitz portraying Catwoman. She resembles Halle Berry when she portrayed Catwoman for the movie of the same name. Her fighting skills are impressive and catch the audience’s attention. The gruesome way the Riddler kills his victims makes this a very dark Batman movie—very different from the other Batman films. My favorite part is when Batman uses the hook to walk down a building, kind of like he did in the older films or the 1960’s show instead of going down.

The moral of this movie is that not everyone can be good. Bruce finds out the dark side of the Wayne family after Riddler exposes his family—and not only his family but other people such as cops, too.

I give The Batman 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Watch the movie in theatres on March 4, 2022. 

The Batman

By Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Out of the deep dark depths of Gotham City comes the newest addition to one of the best-known franchises. The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson is thrilling, chilling, and jam-packed with action. We all know and love Batman, but this stellar cast will show you a deeper, darker side of him and other characters who have been loved, and hated, for generations. 

The Batman is an exciting addition to the DC Universe, but does not follow the original Dark Knight trilogy. This new film follows beloved hero, Batman, as he tracks down a series of murders of Gotham’s most powerful people. He is given clues written in cryptic codes that he has to decipher, all while the deviously smart (and insane) Riddler (Paul Dano) is killing off important people one by one. From a history of lies, in a corrupt city, and in a battle over the true meaning of justice comes the new DC film that will get in your mind and stay there. 

From the moment the lights of the theater dimmed and the movie started, I was hooked. I have never been a fan of movies that waste time getting to the meat of the story, and The Batman wastes no time. This film is full of suspense, and the music is one of the major components that contributes to that. In intense situations, atmosphere is everything, and the music by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino creates the perfect amount of eeriness and tension. Robert Pattinson’s acting is also incredible. This Batman speaks very little, but his body language and facial expressions speak volumes. I was extremely impressed by how real and broken Pattison makes his character seem, and I have never seen this protagonist reach depths like this in other Batman stories. The one thing in this movie I would have liked to see more of is the story behind Batman’s technology. He seems to have a million gadgets, but the audience doesn’t know exactly what they are or where they came from. 

The message of this film is that vengeance won’t change the past, but helping others can change the future. A big part of this film is about justice and what that means. In the end, we see that justice isn’t about killing or hurting others. Justice is about taking what is wrong and fixing it by doing the right thing. Justice does not equal bloody revenge. 

I give The Batman 5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to ages 13 to 17, plus adults.  You can see The Batman in theatres on March 4, 2022.

5 Tips for Putting Together a Wardrobe of Clothes and Shoes That Leave Room for Your Child’s Growth

An adage says that children grow like weeds. You will notice this once your recently bought clothes for your children suddenly don’t fit them anymore. How should you address this problem?

One solution is to create a child’s wardrobe for clothes and shoes, making sure that there’s room for growth. It also makes it easier to estimate their measurements, especially when you start buying more clothes. But how to measure your kid’s feet at home may be an issue. Ideally, you can use a measuring tape, ruler, or a foot-measuring gauge you can order online. 

How to buy clothes and shoes that grow with your child

You will be amazed at how fast a child can outgrow their clothes and shoes. Thus, it is vital to find a way of creating a wardrobe that consists of practical pieces.

1.  Anticipate the child’s height

Kids grow up quickly, so it is not easy to know how tall your child will be in a few months. However, you can use a height calculator to estimate their height. By using the calculator, you will have a good idea of which sizes to buy as they grow older.

2.  Look for hand-me-downs from friends and relatives

You know that your child will outgrow their clothes in a few months, so letting them wear hand-me-downs is a practical idea. It does not matter if the clothes do not fit them perfectly at that moment, as they will fit your child soon enough.

3.  Buy clothes one or two sizes bigger

It is all right for children to wear slightly bigger clothes. After all, it looks better than letting them wear small and uncomfortable clothes. You can fold back the sleeves or take up the hem if the larger size is too apparent. Buy a winter jacket, sweater, or raincoat that is one to two sizes bigger, so the outfit can last through a few seasons.

4.  Shop at clearance aisles or thrift stores

These stores are good places to find a range of children’s clothes in different sizes and at low prices. It might take time to find what you need, but you can be lucky to find new clothes and out-of-season items that will fit your growing child in a few weeks or months.

5.  Buy shoes that fit

It is not wise to buy bigger shoes for any age because the size can hinder movement and stability. What you can do when shopping for your child’s shoes is to ensure that they fit comfortably, with enough room to move their toes. Ideally, you should give a space of about 0.4 centimeters or 3/16 of an inch between the end of the shoes and the child’s longest toe. 

You have more options to buy oversized clothes than shoes for children. Ensure that the shoes you buy fit the child correctly, with enough space for their toes to wiggle. With some ingenuity and resourcefulness, you can build a child’s wardrobe with items that they can use for a longer period of time . 

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-children-standing-near-concrete-fence-35188/

Ways in Putting Personality in Home Décor

A home is a place where you can let your personality shine. But how do you put personality into your décor? The answer is simple: by working with colors, design styles, and themes that are unique to you. Check out these different ways to add some of yourself into your interior today!

Use bright and bold colors throughout your home.

Using bright colors in your home décor can make it pop. Not only will it be more visually appealing, but it will also make you feel more energetic and happy when you’re there. So if you’re looking for a way to add some personality to your home, consider using bright colors!

Choose a unique design style that represents you.

There are so many design styles to choose from, and each one can say something unique about the person who chooses it. If you’re not sure which style speaks to you, take some time to browse through pictures of different homes with different styles. Once you find a style that resonates with you, go ahead and incorporate it into your home décor!

Create art pieces and displays that are meaningful to you.

One of the best ways to add personality to your home is by displaying art and décor that are meaningful to you. Whether it’s a painting you created yourself, a collection of your favorite things, or a souvenir from your favorite trip, these pieces will help to make your home feel truly yours.

You can also have photos of memorable occasions or trips made into a custom picture canvas that you can display prominently in your living room. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and display your personality in your home décor!

Go with a theme that is personal to you and your family.

A theme can be a great way to add personality to your home décor. And you don’t have to stick to traditional themes, either. If you’re the type of person who loves all things vintage, for example, you could go with a vintage-inspired theme for your home. Or, if you and your family are all animal lovers, you could decorate your home with a safari theme. The possibilities are endless, so find a theme that speaks to you and run with it!

Add plants and flowers for a natural touch.

Adding plants and flowers to your home is a great way to bring in some natural personality. Not only do they add color and life to a room, but they can also help to purify the air. So, indoor plants allow you to add some personality and freshness to your home décor.

Indoor plants can provide several health benefits. For starters, they can help to improve air quality, which can be helpful for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Indoor plants can also help to reduce stress levels and anxiety and can even promote better sleep habits. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider adding some indoor plants to your home!

Use furniture and accessories in interesting and unique ways.

Another great way to add personality to your home is by using furniture and accessories in interesting and unique ways. For example, you could use a colorful rug to brighten up a dull room, or you could hang a large piece of art on the wall opposite of your bed to create a focal point.

You can also get creative with your furniture by using unconventional pieces in unconventional ways. For example, you could use a coffee table as a makeshift desk, or you could place a chair in the corner of your room to create an intimate reading nook. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have some fun with your furniture and accessories!

Hang mirrors to create the illusion of more space.

One of the best ways to make a small space feel bigger is by using mirrors. Not only do they reflect light and create the illusion of more space, but they can also add visual interest to a room. So, if you’re looking for a way to add personality to your home and make it feel bigger, consider hanging some mirrors!

Paint or wallpaper your walls in an eye-catching pattern or color scheme.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add personality to your home, consider painting or wallpapering your walls in an eye-catching pattern or color scheme. This is a great way to make a big impact without having to do a lot of work. And, if you ever get tired of the look, it’s easy to change it up.

If you’re looking for a way to create the perfect home, consider adding some personality. Whether it’s with artwork that has meaning or plants and flowers, these ways to add personality will help your house feel like a true representation of who you are. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new to make your home truly yours!

Nancy, March 10th Pet of the Week

The Cat Adoption Center at Long Beach’s Pet Food Express is a satellite of our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS). It’s a kitty kennel and playroom in the rear of the store where you can meet (and adopt!) cats who have transferred from LBACS. You don’t need an appointment to meet them—just trot on down to Pet Food Express! Nancy, a 2-year-old brown tabby, is a shelter alumna, shown cuddling with volunteer John, one of her best friends! As you can see, Nancy is a complete love bug. She’s a little shy at first, but she warms up real quick! Adoptions from Pet Food Express also require applications, so to adopt Nancy, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov and specify ID#A671151,or visit Pet Food Express, 4220 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, to meet her and her furry buddies!

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Why Jiu Jitsu is a great family activity

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Playing Jiu Jitsu as a family is one of the best ways to keep everyone happy and healthy. Although this unique style of martial arts originated from Japan in the early 1900s, it was perfected by three Brazilian brothers named Carlos, Hélio and Gastão Jr.

Apart from being a superb sport that improves people’s functional motor skills, Jiu Jitsu is also one of the most exciting family activities that you can engage in. It’s also a fantastic way to boost your kids’ self-esteem, enhance their athletic capabilities and keep them out of trouble.

Here are 4 reasons why Jiu Jitsu is a great family activity:

  1. It’s an amazing way to exercise the body

Jiu Jitsu is a form of martial arts that trains people to develop some key combat skills such as offense and self-defense. In addition, it’s a fun engagement that works out the entire body. In our current fast-paced society, most parents struggle to create quality time where they can enjoy and have fun as a family. Signing up to Jiu Jitsu classes is one unique way to break the mundane daily routine and burn off some extra calories.

  1. It’s an effective stress reliever

Disturbing news such as the recent pandemic and the ever-rising cost of living can trigger stress, depression and other mental health issues in adults and children alike. In such scenarios, it helps to engage in a fun family-oriented sport that brings joy to everyone. Jiu Jitsu is one such sport. Apart from conditioning the body and improving your reflexes, Jiu Jitsu stimulates the brain to release endorphins and other feel-good hormones. You’ll feel happier and more relaxed once you start participating in this combat sport.

  1. It trains kids about respect and discipline

It’s important for children to learn about courtesy, discipline and respect from a tender age. When you sign up for Jiu Jitsu classes, kids are trained to address their trainers appropriately. They frequently use Ma’am, Sir and similar titles when talking to their instructors. Adults, on the other hand, learn how to manage their time effectively. They slowly develop self-discipline which allows them to become more organized and focused. Jiu Jitsu also helps the entire family to become more confident by training them to confront adversity and discomfort head-on. These vital life skills should never be swept under the rug.

  1. It promotes bonding between parents and their children

How often do you spend quality time bonding with your kids? Jiu Jitsu provides families with the perfect platform to share wonderful moments and make valuable memories together. When performing “Open Mat” and other activities, adults are paired with their children. They perform fun movements such as Flow Rolling and Chokeholds, allowing them to play together and create a close bond. Once you’ve created a strong rapport with your kids, you can even choose to compete with other families in Jiu Jitsu tournaments held across the globe.

Playing Jiu Jitsu can provide these and more wholesome benefits to the entire family.

Dog * Compelling Story About Two Warriors That Rescue Each Other In Their Odyssey Of Self-Discovery

Dog is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, “Dog is a thought-provoking film about an important subject.  This movie tells a compelling story about a former Army Ranger and his journey to bring a canine hero to the funeral of his previous comrade and handler.  In the end, the two warriors rescue each other in their odyssey of self-discovery.” See her full review below.

Dog 

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14  


Dog is a thought-provoking film about an important subject.  This movie tells a compelling story about a former Army Ranger and his journey to bring a canine hero to the funeral of his previous comrade and handler.  In the end, the two warriors rescue each other in their odyssey of self-discovery.   

Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois K-9 Working Dog) are joined together against their will to honor the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Riley Rodriguez (Eric Urbiztondo) at his distant funeral.  Along the way, they drive each other crazy, exhibit self-destructive and bad behavior while also escaping dangerous situations. They begin to bond on their journey and heal the wounds they both experienced from combat situations which makes them realize that life can move forward in unexpected ways.

Channing Tatum (Army Ranger Briggs) adds a lot of humor in his character’s dialogue and in the physical comedy between Lulu and him.  Tatum also co-directs this movie along with Reid Carolin who wrote the screenplay as well.  My favorite scene is when Briggs coaxes Lulu into taking a bath—and there are many other funny physical interaction scenes between the two of them when they are fighting or at odds.  There are some touching scenes together as well, such as when Lulu is comforting him after a severe headache.

The message of Dog is that life typically unfolds in unexpected ways and embracing change can bring about unexpected happiness.  Both Army Ranger Briggs and Lulu are wounded warriors and together they experience this journey of healing. Parents need to be aware that this film has some mature elements involving language, drugs and sexual material.  Younger audiences may also be frightened by some of the dog’s aggressive behavior. 

I give Dog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. The film opens exclusively in theaters on February 18, 2022.

Are Higher Education Marketing Agencies Important?

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Although higher education institutions have prestige on their side, they must go the extra mile to enhance their reputation and grow their brand to attract students to their school. Doing this helps them to remain relevant as centers of academic excellence. But the type of goals the institution sets determine whether they can benefit from marketing agencies’ activities. It is the reason why we ask if marketing agencies are important to higher education institutions.

Yes, higher education marketing agencies are still as important as they were a few years ago. They enable institutions to create and grow their brand to help increase enrollment. The agencies enable learning institutions to reach out to their audience easily. This allows them to compete favorably with universities and colleges when recruiting students.

Indeed, higher education managers are worried about whether the institutions are getting enough attention online. Also, they are concerned with building their brand and reaching out to a wider audience. But the kinds of students the institutions recruit matter and help them enhance the institution’s brand tenfold. Read on to see why higher education marketing agencies are still important.

Help To Increase Enrollment

This being the digital era, prospective students spent most of their time researching online. They then use the data to make up their minds about the institutions to join. So a school that does not stand out may find it difficult to recruit students that can help them to grow their brand. Online directories, Google and Facebook, are some areas prospective students will visit when looking for enrollment information. Therefore, partnering with a marketing agency is important and can help the institution expand its presence in areas where students congregate.

Creating An Incredible Digital Experience

Higher education institutions must create an incredible digital experience if they want to continue attracting the caliber of students that can help grow their brand. Therefore, the institution must use well-researched campaigns to target its audience. Unfortunately, on their own, institutions cannot create the digital experience required to help them achieve their goals. Thus, they may want to rely on marketing agencies that possess tools and technology that enable them to create the experience they need to remain at the top.

Understand and Speak the Language of Higher Education

Marketing agencies hire specialists who understand the higher education landscape. They also know about existing opportunities and challenges the institutions face at every turn. So they use this information to put the institution at the forefront. It helps to increase awareness and put them ahead of their competitors. They also have an in-depth understanding of how higher institutions operate. So collaborating with them helps the institutions redirect their resources to meaningful marketing channels.

Employ Practical Solutions

Higher education marketing agencies are thus critical because they use a data-driven approach and practical solution to get to their prospective. They understand the landscape and have access to relevant knowledge as well as market information that enable them to deliver on their mandate. It helps them to reach out to a targeted audience easily. Also, they have access to marketing data across platforms where they exchange marketing data to gain insight into what to do to optimize enrollment.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder * Your Favorite Spunky, Loving, Humorous Family Are Back

The series follows the story of Penny Proud, a 14-year-old girl and her family, as they navigate their lives in the 2020s. Trudy, Penny’s mom, has new career highs, Oscar, Penny’s dad, has wild dreams, and Penny faces a myriad of challenges while her Suga Mama returns, as does Michael, Dijonay, Zoey, and LaCienega. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic comments, “Your favorite spunky, loving, and humorous family are back – louder and prouder than ever – in the new series reboot of the 2001 Proud Family series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder! From glow-ups to new adventures, to new characters, this show is sure to entertain new and original Proud Family fans!” See her full review and interviews with the show creators below.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Your favorite spunky, loving, and humorous family are back – louder and prouder than ever – in the new series reboot of the 2001 Proud Family series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder! From glow-ups to new adventures, to new characters, this show is sure to entertain new and original Proud Family fans!

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder follow 14-year-old Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) as she tries to navigate through the 2020s with new challenges, technology, and social issues in Smithville. Of course, she is joined by her wild, yet relatable family members we have come to love — Oscar Proud (Tommy Davidson), Trudy Proud (Paula Jai Parker) and Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton ). The creators of this series, Bruce W. Smith and writer, Ralph Farquhar, are the “proud parents” who delivered us both the Proud Family series and The Proud Family Movie, so you can expect the same laughable, adventurous, and exciting storytelling.

One of the best things about this series is that all the main characters and most of Penny’s friends have returned, but there are a few newcomers. Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins (KeKe Palmer) and her rapping brother Francis ‘KG’ Leibowitz-Jenkins have moved into the neighborhood. The interactions between Maya and Penny are a must-see as they both try to figure themselves (and each other) out. My favorite character in the series is Michael, who is now voiced by the bold, fierce, and stylish EJ Johnson, who plays a live-action unapologetic version of his character. He is the perfect person to voice Michael. I love how the characters have all grown, and yet their transformations all still make sense even after the show has been off-air all this time. 

The message of this series is that no one is perfect, and we are all works in progress. The Proud family and their friends are no different. In life, we are going to have different experiences, likes and dislikes, especially as kids grow older and develop in different ways. As a family and extended family, we must learn to grow and accept each other. There isn’t anything for parents to look out for, but you should know that real-life family, teen and societal issues are discussed and may initiate conversations with viewers.

I rate The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder series 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 10 to 18. You can stream it on Disney+ now with new episodes streaming every Wednesday.