Archives for July 2023

This inspirational story features real-life rescue dog PT, who now resides in Fort Myers, Florida, and his journey as a shelter dog to facing further adversity by losing a leg to finding his “furever” home with a powerful message he now delivers – to Never Give Up. This is a good book for kids to read this summer!

This picture book, based on a true story, shares the uplifting tale of PT the rescue dog. PT faces many challenges in life, but never gives up! With the powers of positivity and determination, he overcomes a neglectful family, life as a shelter dog and even the loss of his leg! Find out how the incredible three-legged rescue regains his ability to run free, all while educating and inspiring children in schools and community centers along the way.

The real PT who was found injured on the side of a road in Miami, FL is now living the good life with his forever family in Fort Myers, FL. As a therapy dog, PT goes to work every day with his parents, Joe and Angie, the owners of Apex Physical Therapy. PT serves as the clinic’s mascot, spreading kindness, and inspiring those in pain or recovering from challenges of their own. On his days off, PT teaches children about empathy and the importance of adopting rescue dogs still waiting to find their forever homes.

In addition to losing a leg, PT has also just recovered from another obstacle as he had ACL surgery on his remaining back leg. More than 6 million companion animals end up in shelters each year. A meaningful way to help animals in need is to purchase “PT Runs Free” so that PT’s message of Never Give Up can continue to benefit animals in need. All proceeds from the book with always be donated to foster and adoption-based animal rescues. Now, how cool is that?! I loved the inspirational story and recommend it for kids of all ages!

Readers can purchase at:

Amazon: PT Runs Free: Kraus, Jason, DeHaan, Connor: 9798218046088: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes & Noble: PT Runs Free by Jason Kraus, Connor DeHaan, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

I love cats and dogs and I loved this one! It has more than 100+ hilarious animal comics in a colorfully illustrated book. It truly is a must for pet lovers! It made me laugh…a lot. I recommend this for older kids and also for adults. You can find it on Amazon.com.

Learn to live like a Lebowski with the ultimate guide to life from the founders of the Church of the Latter-Day Dude. This one was entertaining but I would recommend it for adults and older teens. I like that it has humor and seems to have an answer for nearly everything! It definitely is a fun summer read! You can find it on Amazon.com.

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

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history. Experience the return of legendary hero, Indiana Jones, in the fifth installment of this beloved swashbuckling series of films. Finding himself in a new era, approaching retirement, Indy wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of an old rival, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is another classic adventure with Harrison Ford’s intrepid archeologist, but the movie shifts into a better gear when it reinvents rather than repeats. That said, nothing beats seeing this character back in the saddle…”  David E. adds, “Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure that transported me to a world of ancient mysteries and daring exploits.” Madeleine H. exclaims, “I love Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It is fast paced, exciting and full of amazing actors. This action-packed film kept me on the edge of my seat while taking me on an adventure spanning centuries and the globe.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure film that captures the essence of the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. This action-packed movie, directed by James Mangold, delivers an exhilarating experience from start to finish. The captivating storyline, impressive visuals and talented cast make it a must-watch for fans of the series.” See their full reviews below.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyis another classic adventure with Harrison Ford’s intrepid archeologist, but the movie shifts into a better gear when it reinvents rather than repeats. That said, nothing beats seeing this character back in the saddle, riding off into the sunset in search of the next great artifact.

The movie opens in 1969 — we’ve landed on the moon, but Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) has landed a job as a professor at a sleepy university in New York. The adventure begins when his goddaughter, Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) offers him a chance to find a dial from ancient times that is rumored to have extraordinary capabilities. Indy soon discovers he’s not the only one in search of the dial. A foe from Indy’s past is on the trail with a posse of armed, dangerous associates and he wants to use the dial to rewind time and undo the events of World War II in the Nazi’s favor. Indy and Helena’s quest for a relic becomes a globe-trotting mission to stop the dial from being used for evil.

It’s a winning celebration of all things Indiana Jones, the character, Harrison Ford’s performance, the movies, and a reminder of why we love them. When the movie turns its focus away from honoring the past and instead tells a whole new Indy adventure, that’s where it gets really good. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny starts with a thud. We see a flashback featuring a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford as a younger Indy in his first brush with the titular Dial, aided by an anxious professor (Toby Jones). It sets up the fabric of the story ahead, but the de-aging effect doesn’t work like it needs to. It immediately creates a distance between us and the adventurer we’re here to see. It’s disquieting to see Indiana Jones not as we’ve known him for five movies now, but as a manipulated, augmented version of himself. A large portion of the rest of the movie suffers from the same flaws — in honoring the franchise’s past it feels like it keeps doing things we’ve seen before. In the final stretch, though, it does something I’ve never seen these movies do before, more specifically, somewhere Indy has never ventured.

There isn’t a lesson per se to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny but all stories that deal with time and its manipulation remind us that we have to try to be happy where we are, rather than live in the past. If you’ve seen an Indiana Jones movie, you know that faces can get melted off or hearts pulled out in the pursuit of treasure, be warned that there is frequent violence and some profanity.

I give Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny swings into theaters nationwide on June 30, 2023.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure that transported me to a world of ancient mysteries and daring exploits.

Starring the legendary Harrison Ford, this film takes us on a journey alongside the iconic archaeologist, Indiana Jones, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Dial of Destiny.

The film delivers an entertaining experience that will satisfy those seeking adrenaline-fueled escapades. From the moment the movie begins, I was immediately captivated by the action-packed scenes and breathtaking locations. The film seamlessly blends intense action sequences with moments of suspense and discovery, keeping me engaged and on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film. Harrison Ford delivers yet another stellar performance as Indiana Jones, effortlessly portraying the charismatic and resourceful character we all know and love. His performance adds depth and authenticity to the film, making me feel as if I was right there alongside him, facing danger and unraveling ancient puzzles. The plot of Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny is filled with twists and turns, taking the audience on a globetrotting adventure from ancient ruins to hidden temples. The quest to unlock the secrets of the Dial of Destiny is both thrilling and intriguing, with each new discovery bringing Indiana Jones closer to the truth. However, there are moments when the pace slows down, and the plot feels a bit convoluted, which can be a minor drawback. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The stunning cinematography showcases the exotic locations and beautifully crafted sets, immersing the audience in the world of Indiana Jones. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the special effects enhance the overall cinematic experience, adding to the excitement and grandeur of the film.

The film’s message is that some things shouldn’t be discovered. Be aware that there is some profanity.

I give Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny 4.5out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults, especially those who are devoted fans of adventure films. Mark your calendars for its release on June 30, 2023, and brace yourself for an action-packed adventure.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 19

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a thrilling adventure film that captures the essence of the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. This action-packed movie, directed by James Mangold, delivers an exhilarating experience from start to finish. The captivating storyline, impressive visuals and talented cast make it a must-watch for fans of the series.

In this installment, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a race against time to retrieve the legendary Dial of Destiny, a powerful artifact that holds the potential to alter the course of history. Accompanied by his courageous goddaughter, they face off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who now works for NASA. As the stakes rise, the characters find themselves in a thrilling pursuit that certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.

This film is an absolute treat for fans of the franchise and adventure enthusiasts of all ages. With its thrilling storyline, impressive performances, and breathtaking visuals, it captivated me from beginning to end. The protagonist, Indiana Jones is flawlessly portrayed by the talented Harrison Ford whose performance captures the charismatic and adventurous spirit that has made the character iconic. The film’s production design, by Adam Stockhausen, is exceptional, transporting viewers to stunning and immersive locations around the world. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and special effects truly brings the world of Indiana Jones to life. My favorite parts of this film are the incredible action sequences. The choreography and execution of these scenes are top-notch, providing exhilarating moments that showcase the daring nature of Indiana Jones. Additionally, John Williams’ musical score perfectly complements the on-screen action, adding to the overall excitement and immersion.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny delivers a powerful message about the importance of preserving history and the consequences of tampering with it. The film successfully conveys the idea that our actions in the present can have far-reaching effects on the future. It also highlights the significance of teamwork and courage in the face of adversity. Parents should be aware that the film contains some intense action scenes and mild language.

I give Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny a stellar 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Both young viewers and adults will enjoy the exhilarating ride that this film offers. Make sure to catch it in theaters starting June 30, 2023.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I love Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It is fast paced, exciting and full of amazing actors. This action-packed film kept me on the edge of my seat while taking me on an adventure spanning centuries and the globe.

Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a retiring professor, is convinced by Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), daughter of Indy’s longtime friend Basil Shaw (Toby Jones), to find the missing half of the Dial of Archimedes or the Antikythera, a priceless artifact that might have the ability to find “fissures in time” to make time-travel possible made by Greek mathematician Archimedes (Nasser Memarzia). But they’re not the only ones looking to find the other half and put the pieces together.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’s adventure starts in war-torn France where the Germans are loading the looted antiquities and artifacts, and the initial discovery of the Antikythera made by Dr. Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) who wants to use it for hateful reasons. Enter a young (CGI generated) Indiana Jones – captured, life hanging in balance, and a narrow lucky escape followed by a harrowing chase to catch up with Dr. Voller and a train full of treasures, soldiers and his friend Basil.  The battle to retrieve the Antikythera by Indy and Basil becomes a stunning race against all odds in and on top of a moving train.  Fast-forward to 1969 New York with a ticker tape parade for Apollo 11 and we see Dr. Jones under chase on horseback. The camera work is impressive, creating a feeling of being right there with the characters. The standout scene for me is the car chase in Morocco, with its extremely busy streets, narrow passageways and the longest set of stairs which Indy, Helena and Teddy (Ethan Isidore) go bumping down in a tuk-tuk.  The adventure and peril continue in the blue waters of Greece as Renaldo (Antonio Banderas) captains his boat for Indy and Helena to scuba dive for clues to the missing half of the Antikythera.  The costumes are realistic and very stylish, capturing military attire from Roman siege of Syracuse in 213/212 BC, German Nazi uniforms as World War II is coming to an end, the jubilant attire of the moon race era from the late 1960s, and of course, the classic Indiana Jones’ outfit – brown fedora, safari shirt, leather bomber jacket and bullwhip. The background music enhanced each scene, often introducing an imminent fight or chase scene and adding to the tension, while soothing and calming during the more joyful moments.

The film’s message is about time – time running out, time catching up and questioning whether time travel can change destiny. I find this message  thought provoking and a moving tribute to the Indiana Jones character and final film. There are some unsavory moments that include gun violence and sensitive topics.

I give Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters June 30, 2023.