Archives for April 12, 2024

Food, Inc. 2 is a timely and urgent follow-up to the Oscar®-nominated documentary from directors Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo. In the sequel, Kenner and Robledo reunite with investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to take a fresh look at our vulnerable food system. The groundbreaking Food, Inc. ignited a cultural conversation about the multinational corporations that control our food system at enormous cost to our planet, workforce, and health. FOOD, INC. 2 comes “back for seconds” to reveal how corporate consolidation has gone unchecked by our government, leaving us with a highly efficient yet shockingly vulnerable food system dedicated only towards increasing profits. Seeking solutions, the film introduces innovative farmers, food producers, workers’ rights activists, and prominent legislators such as U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester, who are facing these companies head-on and fighting to create a more sustainable future.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene W. comments, “Our lives depend on healthy food. I believe it’s imperative to watch the new documentary Food, Inc. 2 to learn about our food supply system one bite at a time by watching this informative and thought-provoking film.” Sydney S. adds, “Food, Inc. 2 expands on the original Food, Inc. ideas of encouraging consumers to change the food system. Its interesting facts opened my eyes to the corrupt system that exists currently. I like that the film inspires people to solve these problems.” See their full reviews below.

Food, Inc. 2
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Our lives depend on healthy food. I believe it’s imperative to watch the new documentary Food, Inc. 2 to learn about our food supply system one bite at a time by watching this informative and thought provoking film.  You and your family can move forward by making choices to work toward a healthier future which is certainly my goal.      

Food, Inc. 2 is an update to 2008’s Food, Inc. which was a groundbreaking Oscar®-nominated expose on the multinational corporations that control our food supply.  There has been more consolidation in the food industry since 2008 and Food, Inc. 2 explores how our values should impact our food choices.  This documentary emphasizes the anti-trust and monopoly issues encountered in our agricultural system.  It highlights the profits of capitalism versus the sustainability of nature and how this directly affects the quality and nutrition of our food.  In addition, the movie makes the point that the agricultural labor force is essential, but is often treated as disposable.

Corporate profits have risen at the expense of both consumers and rural America’s farming communities.  There are definitely concerns for future soil and water quality which impact our food’s nutritional value as well as the effect they have on individuals and our communities.    I value the information shared by Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester as they work to improve access to healthy food and to support our farmers.  The documentary is also interesting when it chronicles the food additives which affect our taste and metabolism.  Most other countries don’t have so many highly processed foods and the multinational corporations are looking to change that in their zeal to increase corporate profits. Perhaps there will be added cooperation with international partners on finding ways to improve nutrition and agriculture globally in the future.  I really enjoyed learning about the innovative farmers working to improve our food supply from the ground up or, in the case of a kelp farmer, by charting a new course in food supply.  I learned a great deal from all of the interviews and contributors to this project and hope that, in the future, there will be more information available to us concerning the impact on health and our healthcare system tied to nutritional and environmental concerns.

Food, Inc. was released the year I was born and this new documentary, Food, Inc. 2 will hopefully provide further food for thought for a new generation or for those who missed the original film.  There may be some viewers who feel that there is not enough differentiation between the original documentary and the new update but this makes it palatable for those of us who haven’t watched the original to understand the overview of the food industry and to inspire us so that hopefully our food supply can improve by replicating better standards and not from further consolidation. 

Food, Inc. 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  This documentary releases in theaters for special screenings on April 9, 2024 and will then be available on digital April 12, 2024. 

Food, Inc. 2

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

Food, Inc. 2 expands on the original Food, Inc. ideas of encouraging consumers to change the food system. Its interesting facts opened my eyes to the corrupt system that exists currently. I like that the film inspires people to solve these problems. It doesn’t scare the viewer but provides hope for alternative solutions. It’s a topic that I resonate with.

The film follows Michael Pollan, who is known for his books that explore the socio-cultural impact of food such as The Botany of Desire and The Omnivore’s Dilemma, This documentary investigates the food industry and shows the not-so-pretty parts. Pollan interviews experts as well as people who are involved with food production and distribution personally including farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Michael Pollan narrates the film. As an author and an investigative journalist he shows people and places that demonstrate how corporate food companies are hurting small businesses and the environment. Another claim he makes is that animals are not being treated humanely in food production. He brings in various people to speak about their personal experiences in the food business including Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, US Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester and Pat Brown, a former Stanford professor who is the founder of Impossible Foods. He states that, if we replaced cows, it could give us 30 more years before greenhouse gases rise further. At times, there is some creative animation that demonstrates what he is discussing, but most of the film is shot in typical documentary style with lots of voice-overs and interviews. The film’s directors, Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo, are wonderful at displaying various aspects of the food industry, including beautiful shots of sustainable farms and labs. On the other hand, farm workers are shown with less pleasing shots. My favorite part of the film is a new invention that allows goats and pigs to eat plants in a small space. I was truly shocked by the alarming facts about the food industry that are presented here. For example, a third of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world come from the food industry. That’s a lot! This is just one of many startling facts in this film.

The film’s message is that we can work together to transform the food system. The film encourages viewers to abolish factory farms, prioritize healthy foods and sustainable farms, and end cruelty to the environment. 

Food, Inc. 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Food, Inc. 2 releases in select cities April 9, 2024, and will be available on digital platforms beginning April 12, 2024.

Trailer:

Soleil Le Claire, a girl who lives for horror, accidentally breaks a spell on the Tree of Life and unleashes an ancient evil. The spirit of Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen of New Orleans, puts her and four other kids in charge of saving the city from Belial, an ancient demon who feeds on fear. Luckily, they’re not alone, as each kid gets a special gift from the voodoo spirits called Loa. Eventually they learn their town’s biggest secret: Vampires, rougarous, ghosts, monsters and demons are real and have secretly lived among humans for decades. The Krewe will have to hone their powers, figure out what Belial’s up to and keep the peace between creatures as they go head-to-head with local legends from the underworld.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A. comments, “This suspenseful series depicts the beautifully animated journey of a group of teens fighting monsters and just being teenagers. The crafting of the monsters and the music work together harmoniously to frighten not only the characters but the viewers as well.” See her full review and Ari S.’s cast interview below.

Fright Krewe Season 2

By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The suspenseful 10 episode series Fright Krewe Season 2 depicts the beautifully animated journey of a group of teens fighting monsters and just being teenagers. Their passionate acting combined with the evocative animation brings the characters to life. The crafting of the monsters and the music work together in harmony to frighten not only the characters but the viewers as well.

The story follows a group of misfit teenage friends, named the Krewe, who secretly fight the evil that threatens their world. Soleil (Sydney Mikayla), the protagonist and leader of the Krewe, is at the center of the nightmare that threatens the city of New Orleans. Belial (Jacques Colimon), the antagonist, summons monster after monster to combat the Krewe. Each Krewe member has special power that they must hone in order to save themselves, their city, and all those who are possessed by the evil spirits that threaten them. Will Soleil and her friends successfully ward off the demons, or will they fall into the possession of wickedness?

Sydney Mikayla’s portrayal of Soleil’s courage is beautifully balanced with her portrayal of Soleil’s love of all things horror.  Another key member of the Krewe, Missy, is played by Grace Lu whose vocal style conveys power and empathy at the same time. Terrance Little Gardenheigh, who plays Pat, and his co-stars create a wonderful ensemble to bring life to the rest of the Krewe. They speak just as teenagers would, making the Krewe easy to root for. The film mixes a modern realistic character animation style with a more classical animated background style, resulting in a unique look that viewers are drawn to. The monsters are otherworldly and inhuman, making them creepy enough for the audience to feel the fear behind the screen. The classical music and sound effects add an element of suspense during the climax of each episode when the Krewe fights the evil monsters.

This film’s message centers around community and friendship, emphasizing the need to maintain our relationships through the hardships of life. There are consequences to our actions, and we must put friendship and love before all else that may tempt us. Note there is some graphic violence in the film and scary creatures.

Fright Krewe Season 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Hulu and Peacock March 29, 2024.