Archives for May 16, 2023

Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common … but they are also very different. Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common, but embracing the things that make you different. Since our differences are what makes us special, Frog and Toad celebrate what makes them unique! 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keila V. comments, “I love how this series constantly reminds me of how opposites really do complement each other. The animation is adorable, although some scenes are quite unrealistic. The storyline is terrific and the voice actors are fantastic. The voice actor for both Frog and Toad (Kevin Michael Richardson) is so enthusiastic.” See her full review below.

Frog and Toad

By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Frog and Toad is a new TV series based on the classic fictional children’s story. In every episode, Frog and Toad go on a new adventure and each adventure provides a valuable life lesson.

The story follows a very joyful Frog and a groggy Toad on unique journeys around their neighborhood. Frog and Toad are the best of friends and spend every day together. Toad loves to bake, relax and enjoy his life at a slow pace; while Frog, on the other hand, is an outgoing, upbeat and cheerful character. The main theme of the story in all the episodes is how Frog and Toad always help each other and never leave one another’s side.

I love how this series constantly reminds me of how opposites really do complement each other. The animation is adorable, although some scenes are quite unrealistic. The storyline is terrific and the voice actors are fantastic. The voice actor for both Frog and Toad (Kevin Michael Richardson) is so enthusiastic. Throughout the series we see the characters really being authentic to what they are trying to say and, in one particular scene, Frog is trying to convince Toad to wake up from hibernation on the first day of spring (even though toads hibernate until late spring).

My favorite scene of the series is in the episode called “The Letter” where Frog hears Toad say that he has never gotten mail before. Frog goes back home to write Toad his very own first letter and after he finishes it, he brings it to the town’s post office and tells the little postman (a snail) to take the letter as fast as he can to Toad’s house. As you know, snails are awfully slow, so when Frog goes back to see Toad he is lying in bed and feeling upset that he isn’t getting any mail and thinks he never will. Little does he know Snail is on his way, but definitely taking a while to bring his letter. Frog is a true friend to Toad because he waits two days with Toad waiting for Snail to come and bring his very first mail. You just have to see it!

The message of this series is to always enjoy our friends and appreciate our life; we only have a certain amount of time. Another message is to love the outdoors, just as we see Frog and Toad love spending their time going on walks and having a picnic. This teaches children not just to be on their electronics but to also savor the great outdoors!

I give Frog and Toad 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. It is released on Apple TV+ April 28, 2023.

Based on J. M. Barrie’s novel Peter and Wendy and inspired by the 1953 animated classic, Peter Pan and Wendy is the timeless tale of a young girl who, defying her parents’ wishes to attend boarding school, travels with her two younger brothers to the magical Neverland. There, she meets a boy who refuses to grow up, a tiny fairy and an evil pirate captain, and they soon find themselves on a thrilling and dangerous adventure far, far away from their family and the comforts of home.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avani M. comments, “I like Peter Pan & Wendybecause of the magical and mysterious place called Neverland. The cinematography is so beautiful and made me wish I could be there.” Carlee S. adds, “This Disney live action remake of the classic film creates a new and exciting experience.  The film takes viewers on an adventure that delivers the characters and story people have grown to love while adding some interesting new twists.” See their full reviews below.

Peter Pan & Wendy

By Avani M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

I like Peter Pan & Wendybecause of the magical and mysterious place called Neverland. The cinematography is so beautiful and made me wish I could be there.

In Peter Pan & Wendy, Wendy (Ever Anderson) doesn’t want to grow up and Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) doesn’t grow up in Neverland. Peter comes to take Wendy and her brothers John (Joshua Pickering) and Michael (Jacobi Jupe) to Neverland with his friend Tinkerbell (Yara Shahidi). When Wendy and her brothers go with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell they encounter Captain Hook (Jude Law) and he shoots Wendy out of the sky. Then we are introduced to the lost boys when they save Wendy. 

Peter Pan & Wendy definitely meets the KIDS FIRST! criteria and has great messages and awesome performances. Jude Law is great as Captain Hook because he portrays an angry and hurt character at the same time. Alexander Maloney is a convincing Peter Pan because of his youthful look. Ever Anderson shows a range of emotions from her defiance of growing up to wonder at the sight of Neverland and bravery as she faces the Pirates. I really like how Neverland is shown as a luscious green island with lots of trees and plants. It is a single mysterious island in the middle of the ocean with nothing surrounding it. The cinematography is beautiful and colorful, contrasting a luscious Neverland with the darker, more serious England. I also like how Peter and Wendy fly up into the sky and go through a portal to get to Neverland.

This film has a few themes, the biggest of which is that it is okay to grow up. Wendy refuses to grow up at first, but when she sees how she doesn’t grow up in Neverland she becomes happy that she actually can grow up and have a full path ahead of her. Another message is that you cannot accomplish everything by yourself. Peter Pan tries to defeat Captain Hook all by himself, but realizes that he needs the help of his friends.

I give Peter Pan & Wendy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Disney+ now.

Peter Pan & Wendy
By Carlee S., Kids First! Film Critic, Age 18

Peter Pan & Wendy brings to life the timeless story of children who escape to the childhood world of Neverland. This Disney live action remake of the classic film creates a new and exciting experience.  The film takes viewers on an adventure that delivers the characters and story people have grown to love while adding some interesting new twists.

As the film begins, Wendy (Ever Anderson) is playing around with her younger brothers John (Joshua Pickering) and Michael (Jacobi Jupe). Wendy is soon going to attend a boarding school; however, she dislikes the idea of having to grow up and move away. Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) sneaks in one night trying to capture his shadow and he decides it would be best to take Wendy and her brothers with him to Neverland to prolong Wendy’s childhood. When they reach Neverland they encounter an evil pirate, Captain Hook (Jude Law), lost boys (and girls), and others. Captain Hook has his sight sent on capturing and destroying Peter Pan and anyone else who is young.

The film brings the classic story to life in a commendable way. My favorite scene is when Captain Hook takes Wendy and the lost boys captive on his pirate ship. After a fight, Captain Hook forces Wendy to walk the plank. The scene is suspenseful and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. The detailed costumes fit well with each character and many closely resemble their clothing from the original animated movie.  Captain Hook has on his iconic red coat that has a lot of intricate details and he wears a black pirate hat to top off the outfit. Tiger Lily (Alyssa Wapanatahk) wears a seemingly authentic Native American outfit in this version. The CGI in this film is spectacular! It is especially notable in the scenes in Neverland, with Tinkerbell (Yara Shahidi), when they fly, when they encounter the crocodile, and with the pirate ship. Ever Anderson, as Wendy, and Alexander Molony, as Peter Pan, are enjoyable to watch as the main characters.  Alyssa Wapanathk speaks Native American in parts of the film which gives her character a realistic feel. I also enjoyed seeing the different sides of Captain Hook’s character.  We don’t see a lot of Neverland or places such as Mermaid Lagoon, which I would have loved.

The film’s message is to find the joy in growing up. Wendy is clearly scared at first because she is nervous about growing up and facing the unknown. Growing up means things change and that can be quite scary. However, it also means new adventures and experiences. Be forewarned that there is some mild violence such as the fighting on the pirate ship and with the crocodile.

I give Peter Pan & Wendy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  It releases April 28, 2023 on Disney+.

Trailer: