Archives for March 2022

Trust, identity, and the danger of unchecked power push a covert operative to the edge in director Mark Williams’ intense action thriller Blacklight. Travis Block (Neeson) lives and fights in the shadows. A freelance government “fixer,” Block is a dangerous man whose assignments have included extracting agents out of deep-cover situations. When Block discovers a shadowy program called Operation Unity is striking down ordinary citizens for reasons known only to Block’s boss, FBI chief Robinson (Quinn), he enlists the help of a journalist (Raver-Lampman), but his past and present collide when his daughter and granddaughter are threatened. Now Block needs to rescue the people he loves and expose the truth for a shot at redemption. Nothing and no one is safe when secrets are hidden in Blacklight.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Thrilling, fast-paced and intricate, you won’t want to miss Blacklight! Liam Neeson’s strong performance, the plot by Nick May and Brandon Reavis and impeccable cinematography all make this film a joy to watch.” See his full review below.

Blacklight

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Thrilling, fast-paced and intricate, you won’t want to miss Blacklight! Liam Neeson’s strong performance, the plot by Nick May and Brandon Reavis and impeccable cinematography all make this film a joy to watch.

The film follows Travis Block (Liam Neeson), a freelance government operative coming to grips with his past, present (still a bit of a gray area) and future, which he sees in his daughter and granddaughter. When he discovers a plot undermining the safety of American citizens that has proliferated through the upper echelons of national intelligence, Block is pitted against FBI director Gabriel Robinson (Aidan Quinn), whom he once protected while on tour in Vietnam. Using the help of tenacious journalist Mira Jones (Emmy Raver-Lampman) to get the truth out, Block must find a way to keep his daughter and granddaughter safe while combating grave danger.

Just as he plays all of his roles, Neeson seems to have invested all of his mental and emotional energy into perfecting Block’s troubled and cerebral personality. He portrays the agent’s struggle with great conviction and vigor, and he certainly is my favorite actor in the film. I have to say, though, that as a journalist, I have a soft spot for Emmy Raver-Lampman’s character Mira Jones. From Jones’ first scene, her grit and tenacity are visible. She even confronts the head of her news corporation! Just as Raver-Lampman acts from her heart, Jones writes from her heart, and I’m sure she would have taken some inspiration from her own craft to portray Jones’ courageous quest for the truth. The production of the film isn’t all about the acting, though. The variety of unique, dramatic shots in the film including several cutaways, medium shots and closeups, adds to the intensity of several scenes. As is apt for a film with “light” in the name, the lighting plays a large role in the cinematography; the number of bright scenes steadily decreases over the course of the film as the characters descend to the dark depths of their lives.

Blacklight promotes honesty, valor, persistence and perseverance. There’s really no other way to put it. Regardless of how many hurdles Mira Jones faces in her pursuit of the truth, she never backs down. Similarly, Travis Block, however ragged he may look, never throws in the towel in his pursuit of the shadowy figure from his past. There is some violence to look out for and in one scene, a political activist is murdered.

I give Blacklight 4.5 stars out of 5, and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Blacklight is available in theaters now.

Street-smart thief Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a fortune lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who believes he and his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world’s oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps even Nate’s long-lost brother…but only if they can learn to work together.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like Uncharted because it is based on the 2007 PlayStation video game of the same name.  You never know who to trust in this action-packed, two-hour treasure hunt game turned movie.” Katherine S. adds, “I love Uncharted! Uncharted has been a mega-successful game franchise, and now, Sony is transforming it into a swashbuckling prequel film fit for all:  gamers and non-gamers alike. It is full of massive, action-packed sequences, comedy, objects of desire, globetrotting, booby-traps, and loads of double, and even triple, crossers.” See their full reviews below.

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

Uncharted

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I love Uncharted! Uncharted has been a mega-successful game franchise, and now, Sony is transforming it into a swashbuckling prequel film fit for all:  gamers and non-gamers alike. It is full of massive, action-packed sequences, comedy, objects of desire, globetrotting, booby-traps, and loads of double, and even triple, crossers.

Nate Drake (Tom Holland) is a bartender and street-smart criminal, who, along with his brother Sam, dream of finding the long-lost fortune of Ferdinand Magellan. But when Sam disappears, Nate is left with nothing but Sam’s ring, some old postcards and his undying love of adventure. One night, he meets the professional treasure hunter and scoundrel, Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg), who tries to recruit Nate to set out on a thrilling expedition to find the lost treasure of Ferdinand Magellan and his crew. At first, he is hesitant, but he joins Sully to carry on Sam’s unfinished work. But they must do this before Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas), a man who believes he’s the heir to the lost riches, gets to it—if they don’t, all their work will be lost forever. Who will get there first and what lengths will they go to?

Getting Uncharted to the big screen has been a wild ride. I heard it went through six directors before hiring Rueben Fleischer for the job.  And Mark Wahlberg was originally cast as Nathan Drake. True to the game, the adaptation features unrealistic fight scenes and a clichéd storyline. I still find Uncharted to be very fun and entertaining. The violent combat scenes kept me on the edge of my seat, and the perfectly timed comedic lines kept me laughing. Make sure to watch this on the biggest screen possible. The sets are realistic, the props pack a big punch, and the historical symbolism blends everything together perfectly. The beaches and caves provide the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s biggest scenes. Tom Holland delivers a knockout performance and his performance is very likeable:  he’s charismatic, handsome, intelligent, and naïve perhaps to a fault. Tom does some of the biggest action sequences of his career in this film, and he kills it! Mark Wahlberg and Antonio Banderas also have notable performances.

The messages of the movie are that family bonds last forever and that adventure awaits. There is some profanity, intense fighting scenes, alcohol use and weapons.

I give Uncharted 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Fans of basically any adventure movie will love this. This movie releases in theaters on February 18, 2022.

Big Nate is an American computer-animated streaming television series developed by Mitch Watson and based on the comic strip and book series of the same name by Lincoln Peirce. It follows the adventures of titular protagonist, alongside his friends, in sixth grade. Big Nate follows the adventures and misadventures of Nate Wright, an incompetent, spirited and rebellious sixth-grader. His friend group includes Francis, Teddy, Chad and Dee Dee. Nate hates social studies teacher Mrs. Godfrey, whom he considers his nemesis and calls her names like “the school’s Godzilla,” and the firm Principal Nichols. At home, Nate lives with his single father, Martin and girly sister Ellen.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “Big Nate is an excellent show for kids of all ages! The show has wonderful characters, amazing comedy and teaches valuable lessons. It’s an ideal series for families.” See her full review below.

Big Nate

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

Big Nate is an excellent show for kids of all ages! The show has wonderful characters, amazing comedy and teaches valuable lessons. It’s an ideal series for families.<p>Big Nate is an animated series based on books of the same name. Big Nate follows Nate (Ben Giroux), a boy in sixth grade, as he learns about life and grows into his own, while accompanied by his friends, Dee Dee (Bryce Charles), Francis (Daniel MK Cohen), and Teddy (Arnie Pantoja).

The comedy of Big Nate is genius. Nate, Dee Dee, Francis, and Teddy each have their own sense of humor, giving balance to the group and adding to their individual personalities. The animation stands out—it’s computer animated, and the heads of the characters are bigger than their bodies; their hair has specific lines and an exaggerated, stiff shape to look like the comics the show is based on. The characters all have depth, giving them as much importance as the titular character. They all have their own backstories and lines that they mutter under their breath. These expression make viewers laugh and provide clues about their personas. By the end of the episodes, we’re left wanting more of Nate and his friends. The translation of the books to the small screen is spectacular. It’s clear how much the creators of the show cared about doing justice to its published material. The execution of the animation, Nate, and his journey through sixth grade is done with precision and attention.

The messages of this series are learned through Nate.  He learns about discovering who you are and who you want to be, the power of friendship, and the hardships of family. Nate makes some enemies and at times doesn’t know who he can trust, and yet he always has his friends in his corner.

I give Big Nate 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 16. It begins streaming on Paramount+ February 17, 2022.

Four teens are swept into an adventure of a lifetime when they discover a connection between an urban legend (Big Foot!) and a missing father who uncovered a mysterious reel of “creature” footage. Threatened by shady characters and stalked by a mysterious entity, they go deep into the woods to look for clues to unravel a decades old conspiracy that leads to proof of the unexpected.  

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kendall B. comments, “If you want to watch an adventure-filled film with a little bit of drama then Reel Monsters is a great choice for you! It has all those things and more, including a great plot and characters—and some mystery along with that, too.” Ayden P. adds, “Reel Monsters stood out to me because I had an immediate connection with the main character. We both want to make movies. If you’re a teen like me, and you have a love for acting, writing and movies, then you will also relate with the characters.” Anna Clara B. adds, “Reel Monsters is a breathtaking film—full of suspense and big revelations throughout the movie that made me excited wondering how it would end.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “Reel Monsters has an interesting storyline, awesome props and cinematography that captures everything in a unique way.” See their full reviews below.

Reel Monsters

By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

If you want to watch an adventure-filled film with a little bit of drama then Reel Monsters is a great choice for you! It has all those things and more, including a great plot and characters—and some mystery along with that, too.

Reel Monsters follows four teen sophomores who find a connection between an urban legend and a father and a mystery surrounding both. They get stuck in a situation that leads them into crazy adventures—including a mysterious forest and film footage of a monster—as they search for the  truth about what’s really going on.

This film is exciting, especially when the plot seems to be dying down a bit, but even then the characters find things that keep one glued to the screen wondering what they might discover. The cinematography isn’t always the highest quality, but that really doesn’t take away from the movie because the great story makes up for it. I really love how they switch up the timeline in this movie. They go back and forth from the ‘80s to the present day which definitely adds some interest to the plot. My favorite part is when the kids are watching the film strip and discover more about the secret because I love mysteries and the vibe they create.

The theme of this film is friendship and how teamwork helps you reach goals. These kids could never have gone on this amazing adventure apart, but together they could overcome anything—their friendship really makes you feel better. This film does mention drinking and includes some scenes with kids doing risky things.

I give Reel Monsters 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on February 15, 2022 in theatres and on digital platforms.

Reel Monsters

By Ayden P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Reel Monsters stood out to me because I had an immediate connection with the main character. We both want to make movies. If you’re a teen like me, and you have a love for acting, writing and movies, then you will also relate with the characters.

The story’s lead characters are Cory (Dawson Hilfinger), Boone (Nicholas Olson) and Sandra (Sophia Guss). The title Reel Monsters is a funny play on words because the movie is about teens taking a directing class and directors make film “reels,” and the teens end up filming a “real” monster, Big Foot. The main action starts after Cory shows a film his dad made before his mysterious disappearance. The teens decide to find Cory’s dad and, in doing so, they go on a journey that both brings them closer together and changes their lives.

The story is one that has been told before (finding Big Foot in the woods), but this one is different because it is from the perspective of teens. This helps keep the attention of younger audiences. All the kids want to be directors, so it’s not like other movies where only one person has a skill or dream. So it is a nice plot twist to have all the main characters share so much in common. Also, the film manages to be suspenseful and funny. For example, the creative ways Cory, Boone and Sophia deal with the two bullies. Also, the actors are believable as teens dealing with regular teen problems like bullies and major family issues—like the missing dad. 

The message of the film is that if you have a goal then stick to it and be prepared for any opportunity. Another message is that it is okay to be nervous and afraid, and to get others to help you accomplish your goal.

I give Reel Monsters 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to ages 11 to 18, plus adults who will enjoy it, too. Reel Monsters releases digitally February 15, 2022.

Reel Monsters

By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Reel Monsters is a breathtaking film—full of suspense and big revelations throughout the movie that made me excited wondering how it would end.

The storyline follows four teenage friends named Cory (Dawson Hilfiger), Sandra (Sophie Guss), Boone (Nicholas Olson) and Millie (Grace Hines) who get mixed up in an adventure when they find a connection between an urban legend about a monster, some film footage and a missing father. They journey deep into the woods to discover a conspiracy and a mystery from the past.

This film is really terrifying! The script is very well written and the acting is very well done. My favorite part is when the teenagers are in the forest, and they hear something exploding, and they go see what’s happening, and solve the catastrophe. I like it because seeing someone saving and resolving the situation is exciting. The brave teenagers in this story made me feel like we have superheroes to protect us. I also really enjoyed it when Millie looks at Cory with an interested eye when they meet each other—it’s very cute. The costumes are very well done, too. The soundtrack strongly supports the tone and theme of the movie.  During the film, because of the soundtrack, there are times that I was very nervous imagining what would happen in the end. The camera angles and shots are really well positioned, and the scene transitions keep the story moving. I am filled with admiration for Reel Monster´s production team overall.

The message of this film is that we don´t need others’ opinions to follow our dreams.  And that it’s important to know who your real friends are.

I give Reel Monsters 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. 

Reel Monsters releases digitally February 15, 2022.

Reel Monsters

By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Reel Monsters has an interesting storyline, awesome props and cinematography that capture everything in a unique way. However, there is a shortage of important themes and suspenseful elements despite the plot being action-packed. Overall, Reel Monsters is a fine film with some positive and negative aspects.

Reel Monsters follows four teens, members of the film club at school, as they find evidence that a supposedly fake monster, Bigfoot, actually exists. They venture into the woods on a camping trip to find out more and capture the monster on camera. At the same time, we flip back to the past to find out more about the monster. Can the teens survive the monster, two scary hunters and their parents searching for them?

Reel Monsters has a very intriguing plot. The way it flashes back and forth in time allows us to see two different run-ins with the antagonists as well as understand certain characters’ motivations. There are mysteries in the present time period that are gradually solved in the past, and vice versa. The props are also incredibly cool—since even the present time period is a couple decades ago, we get to see what the cameras and film looked then. This is especially cool for kids and teens who are interested in the business and history of movie making. We also get to experience old-fashioned cars. The cinematography in Reel Monsters is done really well. Shots from all different angles highlight the important parts of a scene and show the body language and facial expressions that are vital to understanding the characters. The views from above also make it easier to understand distances between places. The acting, though, isn’t fantastic enough to match the wonderful story, props and camera work. Even the primary protagonists aren’t very developed. Their motivations and strong traits aren’t shown, so it’s hard to make connections to the characters in order to root for them. Millie (Grace Hines), one of the four teenagers, emerges as the most developed character despite her being probably the least important to the story. Grace Hines delivers one of the best performances here. She clearly understands the character and captures the quiet determination and slight shyness of Millie.

The message of Reel Monsters is to be careful where you let hobbies and curiosity lead you. It emphasizes the importance of exploration and love but warns against letting these things put your life in danger. There is some violence including guns and scary monsters, but nothing too scary.

I give Reel Monsters 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 15. If you are interested in Bigfoot or creating movies, this film will be very engaging. You can view Reel Monsters online beginning February 15, 2022.