Archives for 2022

A young girl learns she may have to sell her beloved pet pig Elvis to a local farmer to save the family farm. Unbeknownst to her, the farmer is planning a pig roast and not a forever home. The whole family bands together to save Elvis, uniting to reclaim their farm, proving that love is worth more than money.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “How far would you go to save something you love? Many people have been faced with a dilemma such as this and, no matter how old you are, your love for something can run so deep that your heart involuntarily leads the way. Elvis the Pig is a film that allows viewers to appreciate the concept of deep love for family, even if that member is not human.” Eunette C. adds, “Elvis The Pig is such an exciting film; it keeps you on your toes and puts you in a good mood as you watch the show. Elvis’ constant remarks lighten the mood of the film.” Anna Clara B. wraps it up with, “Elvis The Pig is an incredible film, full of life lessons that will influence audiences. I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end.” See their full reviews below.

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

How far would you go to save something you love? Many people have been faced with a dilemma such as this and, no matter how old you are, your love for something can run so deep that your heart involuntarily leads the way. Elvis the Pig is a film that allows viewers to appreciate the concept of deep love for family, even if that member is not human.

This drama film is about a young girl named Riley (Aggie Bell) and her beloved pet pig, Elvis, who live a great life on the farm they love until the family is forced to sell their home due to financial hardship. Riley’s life is soon turned upside down when she learns that her best friend Elvis will not be moving to the city with their family.  A local farmer makes a deal with the family to give Elvis a good home but his intentions are deceitful as his real plan for Elvis is to host a pig roast with Riley’s best friend as the main course. Riley and her older sister, Nylee (Camryn Macdonald) make it their mission to find their missing family member and reunite him at the farm.

What I really like most about this film is the dedication the family has for one another and their willingness to bond together when they need each other the most. Riley and Nylee don’t appear to have a close sister bond, but when Elvis’s life is in danger, Nylee is not going to let her sister’s best friend fall victim to a horrible fate. The film is very relatable as many families have pets which seem to be the glue holding families together. Elvis the Pig is a bit slow to get going and some of the scenes tend to be drawn out, but overall the storyline is enjoyable and it is a wonderful family movie. The set location of the family farm with its variety of animals is a dream come true for many kids and the talking animals give the film a special touch.  

You don’t have to be a big animal lover to connect to this film’s message. Elvis the Pig is about love, friendship and special bonds. Love runs deep, no matter if that love is between family, friends, or pets; many people will go to great lengths to protect those bonds. Elvis isn’t your “usual” pet, but one thing is for certain, he has won the hearts of his family and their lives would not be the same without him in it.

I give Elvis the Pig 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Elvis the Pig releases on December 6, 2022 on DVD and video on demand.

Elvis The Pig

By Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST!

Elvis The Pig is such an exciting film; it keeps you on your toes and puts you in a good mood as you watch the show. Elvis’ constant remarks lighten the mood of the film.

The film is about Elvis, a funny character with a good sense of humor that he portrays even in difficult moments. We witness quite a bizarre relationship between a young girl named Riley and Elvis the pig who are best friends. However, Riley’s family struggles financially and has to sell their family farm and leave Elvis behind.  Little does the family know that the new owner has plans to roasting a pig (Elvis), but this leads to new adventures and a better understanding between all the family members.

The theme of the film revolves around family and friendship. I enjoyed seeing the quality time that the family spends together and how they are able to put aside their differences and come together solve the issue at hand. The story is really beautiful and demonstrates how unity can help overcome our difficult moments. Elvis captured my attention from the start, especially with his humorous comments. He motivated me to continue watching the film. What really stands out in this film is how involved the animals are and how they are personified they are in communicating their thoughts. It gives you an insight of how you will imagine animals talking. I particularly enjoyed the voice of Elvis, by Ryan Coates, which is brilliantly done. From the beginning of the film, through the end, you are drawn to Elvis’ comments.

The message assures kids that things always work out regardless of the situation you find yourself in. It also showcases the importance of family relationship. Lastly, it reminds you that “a man’s best friend” doesn’t only apply to dogs, but can be any pet.

I give Elvis The Pig 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases December 6, 2022 on DVD and VOD.

Elvis the Pig

By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Elvis The Pig is an incredible film, full of life lessons that will influence audiences. I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end.

The storyline follows a little girl named Riley (Aggie Bell) who is unsatisfied with moving to another city and being away from her best friend, little Elvis, a pig. Something wrong happen and she and her sister help to rescue the pig from the hands of two silly bad guys.

The story is well written. I especially enjoyed the characters and their development during the film. They are special. My favorite parts are when the bad guys appear. Their scenes are so funny, because every time they plan to do something bad, they fail in a funny way. I also like the part when the parents are watching old family videos and they are emotional. I was emotional too during those scenes. The scene transitions are good and everything happens naturally. I love everything in this film. Congratulations to the production team!

The film’s message is that love is above everything and, with teamwork, we can do things easier.

I give Elvis The Pig 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This film releases on DVD and VOD December 6, 2022.

Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) turns the tables on his ghostly host until Present finds himself reexamining his own past, present and future. For the first time, “A Christmas Carol” is told from the perspective of the ghosts in this hilarious musical twist on the classic Dickens tale. From Director Sean Anders (“Daddy’s Home,” “Instant Family”), written by Sean Anders and John Morris, with original songs by Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”) and production numbers choreographed by Chloe Arnold (“The Late Late Show with James Corden”), this modern retelling is a sweet and spicy holiday treat.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Emma D. comments, “Spirited is a fresh new take on Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, paired with beautiful visuals and comedy.  The film is incredibly entertaining, but misses the mark a bit with the music and storyline.” See her full review below.

Spirited 

By Emma D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Spirited is a fresh new take on Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, paired with beautiful visuals and comedy.  The film is incredibly entertaining, but misses the mark a bit in regards to the music and storyline.

Spirited follows the story of the Spirit of Christmas Present (Will Ferrel), on his mission to reform Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) and his heartless ways. With the help of Past (Sunita Mani) and Future (Tracy Morgan), the spirits hatch a plan to teach Briggs about the error of his ways. Through a series of events, Briggs turns the tables on the Spirit of Christmas Present and together they re-examine their past in order to live the lives they always dreamed of.  

Spirited is a fun and upbeat film, but the music leaves much to be desired. Ferrel and Reynolds are excellent comedic actors and every scene that they are in together is super entertaining and funny. Although they are great actors, neither of them is particularly musically inclined, so unfortunately, many of their songs and musical numbers fall flat. However, one musical number that I really enjoyed was the “Good Afternoon” scene as it is filled with great choreography and energy, which makes it really fun to watch.  The concept of the film is so clever and refreshing, but its downfall is that the plot has a lot of holes in it. There are a lot of plot-lines that are introduced, but never followed up on, which leaves the audience hanging with questions regarding the storyline. Plus, the consequences that Clint Briggs has to his “cancel culture” concept lack impact. Spirited has a lot of jokes relating to current pop culture and news, which makes it lose its timeless quality, as many of the jokes may be funny today but will not make sense for future viewers. It also has a lot of curse words and adult jokes, which makes it a little less family-friendly. The visuals in the film are all beautiful, especially in the scenes with the Spirits and their office and also in the “transitions.”  

Spirited addresses the negative impacts of social media and finding yourself. The scenes regarding social media and cyberbullying are very impactful, especially for teenagers and younger audiences. Parents should be aware that the film has a lot of curse words and adult jokes, which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

I give Spirited 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available now in select theaters and will be available on Apple TV+ beginning November 18, 2022.

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Looking for ideas for gift-giving this holiday? Books are always a favorite of mine!

Here are a few of my favorites for the kids!

These first two are perfect for babies and toddlers!

New to the bestselling INDESTRUCTIBLES series: The Wheels on the Bus and Old MacDonald Had a Farm! Following in the footsteps of previous nursery rhyme books, the brand is welcoming new titles based on two of the most popular songs that little ones love to sing along to – and as always, they are indestructible!

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS sends parents and their kids on an adventure that everyone loves to act out, from the wipers that go swish swish swish and the horn that goes beep beep beep to the people that go shh shh shh to the babies who cry wah wah wah.

OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM is the E-I-E-I-Oh! classic that introduces baby to the world of farm animals and the different ways each has of talking—the pig with his oink-oink, the cow with her moo-moo, and the baa-baas, cluck-clucks and quack-quacks that fill the farmyard.

Babies will love these beautiful, bright, and interactive new installments in the bestselling series – and caregivers will love reading along with books built for the way babies “read”: with their hands and mouths. Printed on a unique paperlike material that is nontoxic, washable, and rip proof, they hold up against anything little ones can throw at them, spill on them, or drag them through. Find out more here.

This next one is also a great one for young children!

Author Charles Ghigna—Father Goose®—masterfully encourages young children to build reading comprehension skills and to gain confidence, in this comical look at a special bond between a girl and her beloved cat. Through simple language and short sentences, he captures the laughter and joy of watching a sweet, patient child trying to teach her cat to do tricks. The illustrations, on the other hand, depict the lovable, stubborn, lazy pet cat who just wants to nap all day, refusing her attempts to play fetch, or to sit, shake, roll over, or do any other tricks that a dog would do. Subtle humor, sight words, and lots of repetition make this a unique and fun first independent-reading book, and just when the reader thinks the cat will finally get his nap, a clever twist of irony will have children laughing hysterically. The girl finally gives up and asks the cat to stay, and that’s when he finally gets up—and runs away! You can find the book at https://www.schiffer-kids.com/

With Design Your Own Anime and Manga Characters, you’ll learn character design for these popular entertainment genres from renowned concept artist and teacher TB Choi. I love all the things you learn with this book! Below is a list:

• Constructing a Character. Build a character right from the start with the basics of human anatomy and proportion.
• Simplifying Forms for Poses and Gestures. Streamline form to develop effective poses and gestures from a variety of angles.
• Drawing Hair, Clothing, and Accessories. Render authentic details that support your characters and enrich your stories.
• Conveying Dimension, Emotion, and Character. Refine your use of line, shadow, and form to create visual variety, depth, and emotion.
• Pets, Chibis, and Sidekicks. Create pets, chibis, anthros, and kemonomimi with personality.
• Exercise: Design and Draw a Character. Learn a simple method for developing an original character, from mind map to finished drawing.

This book can be found at https://quarto.com/

I love these next two for kids!

Holly Jolly Christmas piles on even more holiday fun with all-new images chock-full of holiday cheer. Paint By Sticker is all the fun of arts and crafts without the mess. No paints or sticky glue to spill makes cleanup nonexistent. Rainbows Everywhere allows little ones to visit a mystical unicorn, fly a kite high in the sky, and pet the sweetest rainbow kitten, all through rainbow-tinted glasses. These books really are so much fun!

You can find them at https://www.workman.com/books

This next one is great for older kids! Remember making friendship bracelets?

Celebrate your relationships and express your style with the ultimate guide to creating friendship bracelets!

From popular YouTube Creator Masha Knots comes The Beginner’s Guide to Friendship Bracelets: Essential Lessons for Creating Stylish Designs to Wear and Give [978-1681988610; $24.95; Rocky Nook; August 2022], a new step-by-step guidebook with easy-to-follow instructions detailing everything from how to get started and the best materials to use to knotting techniques and easy embellishments and customization tricks for adding your own flair.

Friendship bracelets aren’t just for summer camp anymore–they’ve exploded in popularity as a creative and thoughtful way to share a connection with loved ones, even from far away.

Author Masha Knots (aka Maria Makarova) is the go-to friendship bracelet expert who has amassed a following on YouTube and Instagram for her colorful, creative designs and her approachable techniques. Now, with this book she is sharing all her bracelet tips and tricks as well as her favorite designs, including patterns from simple to more advanced.

You can find it at https://rockynook.com/shop/print/friendship-bracelet-guidebook/

Are you baking cookies this upcoming holiday? I know I am! This book is just perfect!

FABULOUS MODERN COOKIES: Lessons in Better Baking for Next Generation Treats

By Chris Taylor and Paul Arguin

Countryman Press/April 2022

$25.00/Softcover

ISBN: 978-1-68268-659-1

We all have fond, cookie-shaped memories—whether it be the smell of chocolate chip cookies in the oven, lunchtime oatmeal raisins, holiday gingerbread, or tangy summer lemon bars.  Authors Chris Taylor and Paul Arguin pay homage to the cookie in all its forms in their tasty new book, Fabulous Modern Cookies: Lessons in Better Baking for Next Generation Treats.  Their recipes introduce creative taste sensations, textures, and designs that will be the hit of any party or gathering.  Their previous best-selling book, The New Pie: Modern Techniques for the Classic American Dessert, showcased their inventive recipes and techniques.

With bold and fearless suggestions, Taylor and Arguin, scientists turned bakers, explore the deep-in-our-heart love of cookies as well as the philosophy behind them.  Does a cookie always have to be round, sweet, or soft?  Breaking down the essential rules, ingredients, and equipment needed, Fabulous Modern Cookies demystifies the cookie and provides home bakers with fun and unique cookie recipes.

Filled with 100 recipes, Chris and Paul also provide “Cookie Bytes” – short tips, tricks, helpful techniques, and explanations to demystify the science of baking.  The recipes are grouped in chapters like Bar Cookies; Drop Cookies; Rolled Cookies; Filled, Stuffed, and Sandwiched Cookies; Savory Cookies, and Slice-and-Bake Cookies. One of my favorites is the Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies! I’m going to try the Escapes (The Pina Colada Oatmeal Cookies) soon! You can find this at Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart.

This next one is great for the older kids too!

Author Brooke Barker is the creator of the successful Instagram account, Sad Animal Facts, and her new book for middle graders, HOW DO MEERKATS ORDER PIZZA, is a hilarious nonfiction read for kids about incredible animals and all the odd things scientists do to understand them. Animal fact books are always a hit with kids and the charming illustrations and funny facts in this new title are sure to have kids howling. I really do recommend this one for middle graders! It is fun to read and has so many interesting facts about animals! I learned a great deal from this book!

Did you know that crows never forget a face? Or that jaguars have a favorite cologne? Have you ever wondered how to pet a yeti crab? Or whether dogs can tell if you’re smiling? And just what is a burrowing bettong?

Meet these weird, wonderful animals and the equally weird and wonderful scientists who study them. From crafting fake poop to slurping up bugs with a straw, there’s nothing these amazing humans won’t do to help us learn more about the animals around us. Packed with fascinating facts, this hilarious book from the bestselling creator of Sad Animal Facts reveals secrets like why roosters crow and how meerkats make decisions as a group—and how humans can better understand the wild creatures we share the planet with.

Brooke Barker is a writer and illustrator who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her successful Instagram account became the basis for her book, Sad Animal Facts. Brooke is also the author of How Do Meerkats Order Pizza?. Her favorite animal is the Malayan tapir. Follow her on Instagram @SadAnimalFacts.

You can find this one on Amazon.com and it should arrive in time for the holidays! (Last I checked..it could arrive in a day or two!)

Do you know a Harry Potter fan (over the age of 18?) This next one is sure to be a hit!

Shake up some magical libations, creative cocktails, and spellbinding drinks inspired by the wonderful world of Harry Potter!

What better way to celebrate your love of Hogwarts and its host of beloved characters than by bringing out your potions cauldron (or cocktail shaker) and mixing up a host of spectacular cocktails? This one had me at Magical Margaritas! But, the Butterscotch Beer is a must-try! This book is full of 50 recipes with great illustrations! Chapter 6 even includes recipes for Mocktails! I love that there are some great seasonal recipes such as Chocolate-Peppermint Wand Hot Chocolate and Eggnog! The book retails for $19.99 and it can also quickly be found on Amazon.com. The recipes truly are enchanting!

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

Devotion, an aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots who helped turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War: Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in Navy history and his fellow fighter pilot and friend, Tom Hudner. Their heroic sacrifices and enduring friendship would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S., comments, “Devotion is an epically inspirational, heartbreaking and high stakes, action-packed war movie based on actual events. It’s an emotional roller coaster that will fly you high into the sky and then crash you down into the ground.” See her full review below.

Devotion

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

Devotion is an epically inspirational, heartbreaking and high stakes, action-packed war movie based on actual events. It’s an emotional roller coaster that will fly you high into the sky and then crash you down into the ground.

Devotion is based on the inspiring true story of the first African American aviator in the U.S. Navy, Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and his friendship with another aviator, Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). It follows them as they help change the course of the Korean War.

This movie is based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name, written by Adam Makos. The cinematography is profoundly marvelous. The scenes of the pilots flying are intense as you feel the pilots’ bravery and the dangerous situations they find themselves in. I highly recommend watching this movie on the biggest screen possible to appreciate the film’s full effects. This movie takes place in the 1950s and the sets, locations, props and costumes perfectly capture the era, making you feel as if you are transported back in time. Jonathan Majors (Jesse), Glen Powell (Tom) and Christina Jackson (Daisy) have the best performances. Jonathan Majors’ embodiment of Jesse is truly so realistic and believable. Glen Powell seems to have a knack for playing airmen, and once again executes his role wonderfully. Christina Jackson is such a strong mother and wife in this movie, and she and Jonathan Majors have so much chemistry that they really create a real family dynamic.

The message of Devotion is to never give up, even when the odds are against you. This movie has violence, war and death, as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption. It also has profanity.

I give Devotion 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters November 23, 2022.

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The Fabelmans is a 2022 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written and produced by Tony Kushner and Spielberg. It is a semi-autobiographical story loosely based on Spielberg’s adolescence and first years as a director, told through an original story of the fictional Sammy Fabelman, a young aspiring filmmaker who explores how the power of films can help him see the truth about his dysfunctional family and those around him. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy, with Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Judd Hirsch in supporting roles. It is dedicated to the memories of Spielberg’s real-life parents Arnold Spielberg and Leah Adler.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “The Fabelmans is a touching and mesmerizing film that celebrates the acclaimed director Steven Spielberg while recounting his origins as a filmmaker. The film is absolutely emotional; it’s mainly about family and deals with the vicissitudes of family interaction while paying homage to cinema.” See her full review below.

The Fabelmans

By Zoë C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Fabelmans is a touching and mesmerizing film that celebrates the acclaimed director Steven Spielberg while recounting his origins as a filmmaker. The film is absolutely emotional; it’s mainly about family and deals with the vicissitudes of family interaction while paying homage to cinema.

As a kid, Sam Fabelman learns an important lesson from his father, one of the basic principles of filmmaking: retinal persistence. Like magic, films are a simple succession of still images which gives the illusion of movement. When Sammy attends his first movie projection the event turns into a life changing experience. The story follows his life while he discovers his passion for movie making supported by his family: his dad Burt (Paul Dano), his mother Mitzi (Michelle Williams), his 3 sisters, and his uncle Ben (Seth Rogen). His father is an electrical engineer, his mother a concept piano player and the fusion of technicality with art certainly shaped his craft. The family’s dynamic was beautiful yet cloudy at times; a source material turned in melodrama, perfect for great storytelling.

I love the humanity that The Fabelmans displays.  And I loved the way the film showed and captured Sam’s life overall, in the sense that it didn’t just feel like you were watching a story. As the audience I could really understand and feel the emotions Sam was feeling. The core of the storyline are the characters and the relationships between them. Despite the Fabelmans are not a perfect family, they stand out in their unity and the bond between them. The relationship between Sam and his mom, masterfully performed by Michelle Williams, is mesmerizing to watch. There’s complicity that it is put to the test, generating wonderful conflict. Williams scenes are like study material for an actor. But every cast member is great at its craft in this film. The camera moves fluidly from the family dinners, to the action scenes contained in Sam’s early films through the corners of the houses where the family moved and the places that hide the deepest family secrets. Janusz Kaminski’s photography resembles the era and has the perfect warmth, and the score of John Williams stays in our hearts. The Fabelmans deserves a nomination on each major category in the upcoming Academy Awards: Best Film, Best Original Script, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Score and Williams and Dana most probably will nod Best Actress and Best supporting actor respectively.

My favorite scenes are Sam experimenting and reproducing the train crash he watched in his first movie experience and Mitzi watching herself in his son family movie. My favorite quote: “Guilt is a waste of an emotion” which I consider profoundly meaningful of what this movie is telling its audience. The message of the film is to be able to find balance in adversity. Families are not perfect, but true bond should prevail.

The Fabelmans is PG 13 due to mature thematic elements and brief violence and drug use.

I give The Fabelmans 5 out of 5 starts and recommended for audiences 12 to 18 and adults. The Fabelmans opens in theaters November 23, 2022.

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