Archives for April 9, 2022

In the present year mutants are fighting each other in a civil war. Humans and mutants at war as well. Scott Summers (Cyclops) is a leader amongst a mutant organization and helping restore peace for all. This chronicles the backstory of Scott Summers from an early age to his mid adulthood years. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers, a new episodic series, is the perfect show for X-Men fans and the “unordained” who are new to X-men as well; its beautiful cinematography, compelling and sonorous soundtrack, plus great acting make this a must-watch series.” See his full review below.

Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers

By Eshaan M, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers, a new episodic series, is the perfect show for X-Men fans and the “unordained” who are new to X-men as well; its beautiful cinematography, compelling and sonorous soundtrack, plus great acting make this a must-watch series.

A fan-made production, Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers follows the story of Scott Summers (Keith Sutcliff) from his upbringing to how he became Cyclops, one of the most well-regarded and fierce leaders, and my personal favorite X-Men character. On the way, he faces several trials and must confront his enemies.

Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers has some incredible camera work, music and acting! Sutcliff’s dialogue delivery perfectly fits the dark Cyclops; even a four-minute episode reveals his acting talent. For a fan-made, unofficial production, the camera work looks super professional. The shots of Cyclops driving down a dusty road and looking pensively ahead are my favorites in the pilot episode. Now, the music — it sounds like something out of older Batman films, adding enough suspense and tension to the episode to keep viewers enthralled. It’s one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard in a while. The production truly takes Cyclops Chronicles to another level.

Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers is all about the hero’s journey: courage to face adversity and gumption! And this film contains some references to drugs.

I give Cyclops Chronicles: The Story of Scott Summers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Cyclops Chronicles is available now on digital and DVD.

Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood tells the story of the first moon landing in the summer of 1969 from two interwoven perspectives – the astronaut and mission control view of the triumphant moment, and through the eyes of a kid growing up in Houston, Texas who has intergalactic dreams of his own. Taking inspiration from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater’s own life, Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood is a snapshot of American life in the 1960s that is part coming of age, part societal commentary, and part out-of-this-world adventure.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood tells a creative twist on a story we all know well, NASA’s moon mission, and makes us think that history is not always as it seems.  Based on the childhood fantasies of director Richard Linklater, this animated dramedy perfectly weaves together classic childhood coming-of-age memories, late 1960’s pop music and NASA’s historic race to moon.” See her full review and interview with the director below.

Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood

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

Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood tells a creative twist on a story we all know well, NASA’s moon mission, and makes us think that history is not always as it seems.  Based on the childhood fantasies of director Richard Linklater, this animated dramedy perfectly weaves together classic childhood coming-of-age memories, late 1960’s pop music and NASA’s historic race to moon.

This nostalgic movie, set in suburbs of Houston in 1969, follows the childhood of Stan, who is voiced by Milo Coy as a child and Jack Black as an adult. The pressure to get to the moon is ever growing, but NASA builds the lunar module too small, so they turn to Stan to do the job before astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins suit up for their famous Apollo mission. Unfortunately, Stan cannot tell anyone, not even his family.

The animation is one of the coolest things about this movie and really sets it apart from other animated films I’ve seen. It is a mix of live action with hand drawn and computer animation. I also enjoy how accurate it is to the era, so that as a period piece it does not feel artificial. All the clothes, houses, dialogue, objects and even actions reflect that of the time. I always hear my parents talk about their childhood during this era, but I could never really imagine it until I saw this movie. Jack Black is the perfect choice to play adult Stan as his accent is so subtle and his tone is perfect to play an older Stan. And Milo Coy wonderfully captures the personality of a 10 and ½ year old.

The message of Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood is that mistakes are okay and that not everything is always as it seems. This movie shows some unhealthy and unsafe practices, which were more common in the 1960’s, like smoking, riding in the back of a pickup truck or in cars without seatbelts, and playing with fireworks in the middle of a street. However, the narrator, the adult version of Stan, explains how dangerous these behaviors are. There are also a couple of graphic injury scenes and slight profanity.

I give Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Anyone who loves space and maybe even remembers the actual lunar landing will definitely enjoy it also. This movie premiered at South by Southwest on March 13, 2022 and will be on Netflix on April 1, 2022.

The floating paradise of Goola is in trouble when the island begins to sink! An unlikely team of rival monkeys, a scientist bunny, and a jolly pig put aside their differences, learn about friendship, bravery, and save the day.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “This new film is so chock-full of incredible animation and interesting adventure that viewers of all ages can certainly appreciate its creativity.  The Adventures of Peanut and Pig has a high level of energy and its brightly-colored scenes will surely hold a child’s interest.” Kyla C. adds, “If you’re looking for a fun and animated film for young kids, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is a perfect fit. Bright and colorful animation combines with a unique story to deliver a film packed with excitement. A variety of creatures truly emphasizes the theme of diversity.” See their full reviews below.

The Adventures of Peanut and Pig (2022)

By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

If you are looking for a fun film to sit back and watch with younger children, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is a great choice. This new film is so chock-full of incredible animation and interesting adventure that viewers of all ages can certainly appreciate its creativity.  The Adventures of Peanut and Pig has a high level of energy and its brightly-colored scenes will surely hold a child’s interest.

The Adventures of Peanut and Pig follows a diverse team of interesting characters living on the Island of Goola, as they desperately try to save their floating island from sinking. Something is causing this paradise island, held afloat by the Goola Juice Bubble Maker, to gradually sink beneath the waves—it’s up to two rival monkeys, a scientist bunny, and a comical pig to figure it out. Although these characters are unwillingly thrown together to save Goola, each brings a different strength with them, which helps with their quest.

Scenes in The Adventures of Peanut and Pig move a bit fast, making it difficult at times to follow; however, the animation is so captivating that it doesn’t seem to matter. Those cast for the voiceover roles fit each character perfectly and help to bring the characters to life. Some of the humor may be outside of the film’s target age group, but those funny one-liners and gags can easily hook young adults into loving the movie as well. Overall, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is full of so much energy that it makes loving the film easy.

The main message of The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is about the benefits of working together despite your differences. Working together can even strengthen relationships resulting in close friendships. The film also demonstrates perseverance and courage. The misfit team doesn’t give up on their mission to save Goola, but, rather, they work together with their differences to help solve the problem. 

I give The Adventures of Peanut and Pig 3.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to ages 5 to 13.  The Adventures of Peanut and Pig releases April 5, 2022 and can be viewed on streaming and cable platforms.

The Adventures of Peanut and Pig

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

If you’re looking for a fun and animated film for young kids, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is a perfect fit. Bright and colorful animation combines with a unique story to deliver a film packed with excitement. A variety of creatures truly emphasizes the theme of diversity.

In The Adventures of Peanut and Pig, Goola, an island of paradise, is in danger of sinking, as it did before, and panic is spreading. Unlike last time, Peanut (Louis Ferreira) has no genius inventions that can keep the island afloat. Peanut and Pig (Peter New) team up to adventure across the island and try to save the day. In order to save Goola, Peanut and Pig must navigate the ups and downs of their unlikely friendship. This sets in motion a fantastic storyline for this kid-friendly movie.

While slow at times, The Adventures of Peanut and Pig has an excellent plot. It incorporates a couple of important themes by displaying how to have a healthy friendship and how to properly disagree. Throughout the intriguing primary storyline, sprinkles of side plots and surprises make the film extra interesting—although the story can sometimes be a bit too complicated. Both action and dialogue scenes can range from slow to very fast-paced, and when they’re on the speedy side, it can be difficult to follow the action. This is especially noticeable when the world of Goola is being explained, and it’s hard to grasp the important elements. Subtle comedy enters exactly when the audience needs it to, with short breaks in the intensity allowing for laughs in the midst of action. This humor is specifically aimed at kids, as it grabs their concentration when it might be slipping. The tone of the comedy is also very much geared towards a younger age group.

The message of The Adventures of Peanut and Pig is to value friendship even when faced with a crisis. Peanut and Pig don’t have a perfect relationship, but they still manage to work together during a scary time.

I give The Adventures of Peanut and Pig 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 8. The Adventures of Peanut and Pig releases on streaming and cable platforms April 5, 2022 and on DVD April 19, 2022.

Thirteen-year-old Nate Foster is an unpopular Midwestern kid who entertains vivid fantasies of becoming a big Broadway musical star. In the meantime, however, Nate can’t even get a decent role in his middle school’s drama productions, getting cast as a tree in the chorus instead of the lead role he craves. However, when he and his best friend Litty mastermind a daring trip to New York City, without their parents’ knowledge, to audition for Lilo and Stitch: The Musical, Nate may be on the verge of fulfilling his lifelong dream. But first, he has to overcome a series of comical obstacles that threaten his Broadway adventure with disaster at every farcical turn.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Better Nate Than Ever is a lighthearted and playful musical comedy, filled with showy sets, catchy songs and dreams of being on Broadway. Director and writer Tim Federle is also the author of the semi-autobiographical book, which helps it stay true to the spirit of the story.” Sydney S. adds, “It captured me from the first few minutes. If you’re into Broadway and performing arts, Better Nate Than Ever is for you. If you’re not, this movie has a lot of comedy, and I’m sure you won’t regret watching it.” See their full review and cast interviews below.

Better Nate Than Ever

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

Based on the book with the same name, Better Nate Than Ever is a lighthearted and playful musical comedy, filled with showy sets, catchy songs and dreams of being on Broadway. Director and writer Tim Federle is also the author of the semi-autobiographical book, which helps it stay true to the spirit of the story.

Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) is a quirky 13-year-old thespian who loves the theater, but his small town in Pennsylvania doesn’t satisfy his dreams of the stage. When his parents go on a weekend trip out of town, he and his friend, Libby (Aria Brooks), run away to New York City to audition for Lilo and Stitch: The Musical on Broadway. Will Nate get the part, or will he be a bust and never see his dreams again?

This movie is very personal to Tim Federle, the director and writer of both the book and movie, as it is an introspective love letter to himself and his childhood. He wants to show the world a glimpse into what it’s like to be in the theater. And as a bit of a theater kid myself, I love how it feels so accurate in how it shows the processes the characters go through, like auditions. Rueby Wood, the star of the movie, really shines because of his bubbly personality and beautiful voice. I also love the performances of supporting actors Aria Brooks (Libby) and Lisa Kudrow (Aunt Heidi). Aria seems to care so much about Nate while also finding her true passions. Libby and Nate have such a strong and genuine bond in this movie. Aunt Heidi, the outcast of the family, flawlessly portrays Nate’s supportive aunt and secret idol. The sets have a perfect and distinctive contrast between that of the boring too-small-of-a-town in Pennsylvania, the big skyscrapers and bustling activity of New York City and the colorful destinations of Nate’s dreams in his songs. The New York and Pennsylvania venues are very realistic and tangible, while the sets of the songs are bright and colorful and straight out of a play.  

The messages of Better Nate Than Ever are to follow your dreams, as long as you are being rational, and never give up because it produces great fruit. The importance of friendship is also a key theme. This movie does depict some risky behaviors such as teens running away from home and teens having a house party while parents are away.  The film also has some bullying and adult references.

I give Better Nate Than Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases exclusively on Disney+ on April 1, 2022.

Better Nate Than Ever

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Better Nate Than Ever is a remarkable film that, at some points, is quite the musical. It captured me from the first few minutes. If you’re into Broadway and performing arts, Better Nate Than Ever is for you. If you’re not, this movie has a lot of comedy, and I’m sure you won’t regret watching it.

The film takes us on a journey from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to the bustling streets of New York City. After being disappointed in the school’s musical’s cast list, Nate (Rueby Wood) turns toward his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) who announces the auditions of Lilo and Stitch: The Musical, on Broadway. Without hesitation, Libby decides to sneak away with Nate to New York City in order to audition. Nate is revived with hope, and agrees. With the help of the people around him, what new adventures will Nate experience?

The lead characters are Nate, Libby, Anthony (Joshua Bassett) and Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow). Nate and Libby make an irresistible team—I can’t think of a better best friend duo. Furthermore, Tim Federle’s work as both the director and writer (he adapted his own novel) is phenomenal, as is the work of the other producers and crew—they made a masterpiece. The casting is well done and the actors absolutely live up to their characters. My favorite part is when Nate calms his nerves in his audition. It was truly inspiring, and I got teary-eyed. This movie’s music is extraordinary. After watching it, the songs were stuck in my head the entire day. The highly talented Rueby Wood and Aria Brooks have angelic voices.

One message of Better Nate Than Ever is to pursue your dreams and never give up, especially when people try to shoot you down. Another lesson is to learn to, as Aunt Heidi proclaimed, “find your light.”  There is some bullying in the beginning, though there isn’t any bad language.. Kids could possibly imitate running away from their households, like Libby and Nate do.

I give Better Nate Than Ever 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Better Nate Than Ever begins streaming exclusively April 1, 2022 on Disney+.