Archives for November 2023

AUTUMN PELTIER, WATER WARRIOR by Carole Lindstrom; illustrations by Bridget George (Roaring Brook Press, September 19, 2023, Ages 4-8): Carole Lindstrom expands on the important lessons of climate change of We Are Water Protectors, touching on the Annishinabe principle of acting with the next seven generations in mind. Caring for the planet and the people that inhabit it is a massive undertaking that requires bravery and mindfulness from every person. This is an entertaining and educational book and I highly recommend it!

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate this post. A cover image was also provided.

A troubled security guard begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. During his first night on the job, he realizes that the night shift won’t be so easy to get through. Pretty soon he will unveil what actually happened at Freddy’s.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Five Nights at Freddy’s is a comedic horror film, filled with intensity and suspense. It brought me to the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more… The message of Five Nights at Freddy’s is to listen to your heart and never give up on what you believe in.” See her full review below.

Five Nights at Freddy’s

By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Five Nights at Freddy’s is a comedic horror film, filled with intensity and suspense. It brought me to the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more. 

Based on the popular and highly-engaging video game, the storyline follows Mike (Josh Hutcherson), who is struggling to make it financially while having to care for his younger sister. He gets offered a security job night shift for the abandoned “Freddy’s Pizzeria” and, at first, is hesitant, but eventually realizes that he has no choice. Mike struggles with past family trauma and has very vivid dreams at night. When he starts to fall asleep at work his dreams get longer and clearer. He soon learns that the job he has taken can be the answer to more things than he could have ever imagined.

A huge standout in this film is the cinematography. Every camera angle holds so much purpose, and is made with such intention. Moods are created from a singular camera angle and set the tone for the entire film. For example, the flashbacks scenes that accompany Mike’s dreams focus on specific moments to highlight their importance. The director, Chris Columbus, creates this uncomfortable feeling through his work, and delivers an outstanding film. Additionally, I really enjoyed the suspense throughout the entire movie. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I was riveted to the screen. I wanted to cover my eyes, but didn’t want to look away at the same time! There is the perfect amount of scariness, laughter and surprise. Lastly, the message of this film is both heartwarming and intriguing. The importance of never giving up is highlighted in such an interesting way and can almost be hard to spot. However, at the end, even though we are left wanting more, it is clear that hope is one of the only ways to get through life. Joy and happiness is a must in order to continue successfully, and that is the underlying meaning of this movie.

The message of Five Nights at Freddy’s is to listen to your heart and never give up on what you believe in. Be forewarned that this film does include gruesome content.

I give Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Five Nights at Freddy’s in theaters and on Peacock October 27, 2023.

Trailer:

Loki: Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius, Hunter B-15 and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Loki: Season 2, Episode 3, 1893 is the climax episode that will keep viewers entertained. Filled with action, time travel, plot twists and dramatic irony, this is one of the most engaging episodes. Gavin S. adds, “I really enjoyed the new season of Loki because of the CGI, the acting, the time manipulation in the show and the messages in the show. This series is kid-friendly with some moderate violence and could also be of interest to adults as well.” See his full review below.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3, 1893

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3, 1893 is the climax episode that will keep viewers entertained. Filled with action, time travel, plot twists and dramatic irony, this is one of the most engaging episodes.

This episode continues Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) journey at the TVA with Mobius (Owen Wilson), but it travels back in time to visit another variant of “He Who Remains,” named Victor Timely (Jonathan Majors) in 1893, who, after being given a TVA notebook by Ravonna (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and the rouge cartoon clock, Miss Minutes (Tara Strong), proceeds to work on various invention prototypes. This leads to a feud between the many teams in a battle of their wants and needs from this new “He Who Remains” variant. You’ll have to watch to see how the story unfolds.

I love seeing Jonathan Majors as the “He Who Remains” variant. His character’s stutter is realistic, adds depth to his role while he gives an incredible performance. It is hard for me to even believe it’s him. The costumes are also amazing. When the present-day characters travel to 1893 their outfits change to reflect the new era. The special effects of characters like Miss Minutes’ and Loki’s powers are mind-blowing. Keep in mind this episode is pretty lengthy, but it doesn’t feel like it, at all. It’s incredible how the writers can stray from a typical Loki storyline and still make it engaging and entertaining. Music also plays a big part in this show, especially in relation to the different time periods and the action scenes. And keeping with the time travel, even the regular Marvel intro is updated with the sounds of classic piano tunes, which is really creative!

This episode touches on believing in yourself, finding where you belong, and trusting in others. This episode shows many examples of these messages from Victor Timely presenting all his new ideas to the times when evil strikes and betrayal occurs. The only scene that is somewhat inappropriate is one where Miss Minutes tries to flirt with Mr. Timely.

Loki: Season 2, Episode 3,1893 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. You can watch it on Disney+ now and new episodes release every Thursday.

Loki Season 2, Episode 4

By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Loki Season 2, Episode 4 is a new fun, adventurous and action-packed experience for those who have already seen the first season as well as those who are just beginning to watch the show. I really enjoyed the new season of Loki because of the CGI, the acting, the time manipulation in the show and the messages in the show. This series is kid-friendly with some moderate violence and could also be of interest to adults as well.

The storyline follows the mercurial villain, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Along with Mobius (Owen Wilson), Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) and a team of new and returning characters, Loki tries to stop the temporal loom from exploding and destroying not only the TVA (Time Variance Authority), but also a big fraction of the quantum realm with it. Throughout his journey he makes new friends and meets new enemies. Once he and his team begin their mission to prevent the explosion of the temporal loom, something horrible happens, something so horrible that it would change their lives forever.

This new episode is phenomenal, and I enjoyed it a lot, primarily because of the CGI. The CGI makes everything like space debris and the particles flying around in the quantum realm look so realistic. Another thing I really enjoyed about this episode is the acting. The cast play their roles so well and put on terrific performances. Additionally, the time manipulation is absolutely mind blowing. In one scene we see Loki talking to Sylvie, and when Sylvie goes to the next floor, she sees present day Loki zapping another Loki from a different timeframe. This scene is the icing on the cake for me. I like how this show is kid-friendly but can easily interest some adults as well. 

Although there are many messages this series portrays, the one that I really like and rings very true to life is that the most valuable thing a person can spend is time, whether it’s time with family, time at work, or time alone. Be forewarned that it does contain moderate violence, some cursing, and some alcohol use.

Loki Season 2, Episode 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available now on Disney+ so be sure to check it out. See ya!

Ammu’s Treasures is a gift of intergenerational love and wisdom, with profound messages for everyday living. A three-volume omnibus of 35 songs and 21 chants, Chandrika invites its listeners to reminisce or make new memories with traditional folk tunes and familiar popular songs and poems. This music collection also includes ancient Vedic chants set to Indian scales, aimed to soothe and relax. Ammu’s Treasures features many maestros including Cyro Baptista, Martin Bejerano, Peter Calo, Purbayan Chatterjee, Rakesh Chaurasia, Béla Fleck, Eugene Friesen, Maeve Gilchrist, Jamey Haddad, Bobby Keyes, Kevin Kliesch, Howard Levy, Romero Lubambo, Marcus Rojas, Dave Schroeder, Michael Ward-Bergeman, Kenny Werner, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Scott Cannizzaro, Teese Gohl, John Kiehl, Kevin Killen, Mirek Vana, and more. Marc Lumer and Bob Spang contributed their talents to beautiful accompanying lyric videos.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Ammu’s Treasures is great for young kids looking for auditory entertainment; with pop songs, poems, Vedic chants, and more, listeners will have more than enough to be transported to a whole new musical world.” Ella S. adds, “The children’s album Ammu’s Treasures is very well sang by Chandrika Tandon. The vocals are strong and lyrical. It brings back memories of my early childhood and the songs I used to sing, and the happy, cartoonish music videos will appeal to young kids.” See their full reviews below. 

Ammu’s Treasures by Chandrika Tandon

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Ammu’s Treasures is great for young kids looking for auditory entertainment; with pop songs, poems, Vedic chants, and more, listeners will have more than enough to be transported to a whole new musical world.

Ammu’s Treasures is a three-volume omnibus of 35 songs and 21 chants compiled by renowned musician Chandrika Tandon. The album features many maestros including Cyro Baptista, Martin Bejerano, Rakesh Chaurasia, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and more.

Ammu’s Treasures is beautifully composed, with each piece clearly having hours of thought behind its instrumentals, vocals and mixing. Plus, the accompanying lyric videos by Marc Lumer and Bob Spang are vibrant and enjoyable. The album was conceptualized by Tandon as a gift to her grandchildren, and it’s evident that she painstakingly pieced together the motley array of songs in the album; I’ll admit that the mix of pop songs, nursery rhymes, chants and instrumental pieces took me by surprise at the beginning, but only those who actually listen to the songs will realize how they come together to form a beautiful lyrical panoply. My personal favorite pieces are “Chants – To the Light,” “Listen to the Pouring Rain,” and “Au Clair la Lune,” as much for their nostalgic value as for their elegance.

Ammu’s Treasures was created to spread intergenerational love through art (one of the purest kinds of love!). And you do truly feel it after listening to two or three numbers, a magical sensation that envelopes you with joy and warmth. It’s truly wonderful.

I give Ammu’s Treasures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 5 plus adults. Ammu’s Treasures released on all major audio vendors beginning September 7, 2023.

Ammu’s Treasures by Chandrika Tandon

By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

The children’s album Ammu’s Treasures is very well sang by Chandrika Tandon. The vocals are strong and lyrical. It brings back memories of my early childhood and the songs I used to sing, and the happy, cartoonish music videos will appeal to young kids. 

Ammu’s Treasures is a collection of 35 songs and 21 chants that range from traditional folk tunes to familiar and popular songs and nursery rhymes for multi-generations, sung by Grammy nominee Chandrika Tandon. It includes some music videos featuring an animated family of colorful bears — one of whom is dressed in traditional Indian clothing – along with other characters.

Ammu’s Treasures is appropriate for a multigenerational audience, particularly younger kids. For example, babies and toddlers will enjoy the nursery rhymes like “Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” “Hush Little Baby” and “Bye Bye Blackbird.” The colorfully animated music videos, such as “Miller of the Dee” will also attract younger viewers. Many of the songs will be familiar to both children and adults, such as “Edelweiss” and “Scarborough Fair.” Songs like “Au Clair de la Lune,” “Molly Malone,” “Vive Le Compagnie,” and “Que Sera Sera” might remind adults of their own childhoods. Ammu’s Treasures features many maestros including Cyro Baptista, Martin Bejerano, Peter Calo, Purbayan Chatterjee, Rakesh Chaurasia, Béla Fleck, Eugene Friesen, Maeve Gilchrist, Jamey Haddad, Bobby Keyes, Kevin Kliesch, Howard Levy, Romero Lubambo, Marcus Rojas, Dave Schroeder, Michael Ward-Bergeman, Kenny Werner, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Scott Cannizzaro, Teese Gohl, John Kiehl, Kevin Killen, Mirek Vana, and more. Marc Lumer and Bob Spang contributed their talents to the lyric videos. Chandrika Tandon also acknowledges her Indian heritage with songs such as “Surganani.” In the song “There’s a Hole in My Bucket” the name of the girl is changed from Liza to Kavi, which is an Indian girls’ name. I like that.

Ammu’s Treasures conveys an overall happy, cheerful message meant for the ears of younger audiences. There is no inappropriate language in any of the songs. 

I give Ammu’s Treasures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. Ammu’s Treasures released on all major audio vendors beginning September 7, 2023.

Trailer: