Archives for November 29, 2024

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious princess who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents, the King and Queen of Lumbria, into monsters.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “Spellbound is a heartfelt, fantasy-adventure movie about family and what family means.  Created with beautiful animation and fantastic songs, there is a lot to love here! I like that Spellbound shows unhealthy family dynamics, and the idea that many children view their parents as monsters. Yet for Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), a spell really did transform her royal parents (Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem) into monsters.  In making this dark fantasy come true, this transformation makes for a good analogy with tweens and parents.” See her full review below.

Spellbound
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Spellbound is a heartfelt, fantasy-adventure movie about family and what family means.  Created with beautiful animation and fantastic songs, there is a lot to love here!

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian (Rachel Zegler), the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria, who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents.  The movie is a modern take on a fairytale that uses familiar elements like a kingdom, princess, king, queen, and a spell to express the story of a family.

I like that Spellbound shows unhealthy family dynamics, and the idea that many children view their parents as monsters. Yet for Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), a spell really did transform her royal parents (Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem) into monsters.  In making this dark fantasy come true, this transformation makes for a good analogy with tweens and parents. The movie is full of heart, laughter, and family — all created with vibrant, colorful animation.  Every scene is so beautiful that I could not take my eyes off the screen. The characters are all adorable.  Spellbound features an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler as Ellian — the perfect princess with a beautiful voice who is independent and optimistic. I like that in a princess. Nathan Lane voices Sunny the Oracle of the Sun and Tituss Burgess is the voice of Ludo the Oracle of the Moon – they are perfect together.  Other excellent cast members are John Lithgow and Jenifer Lewis.

Spellbound addresses what it is that really makes a family — it is a modern fairytale that combines magical elements with a relatable story about family dynamics and overcoming alienation. I definitely related to this movie and think brings up good healthy conversations. It does tackle tough themes like parents’ separation seen through Ellian’s eyes and shows a child that blames themself and tries to ‘fix’ their parents’ relationship, but can’t. 

I give Spellbound 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.  It is available on Netflix starting November 22, 2024.

Melody Brooks is navigating sixth grade as a nonverbal wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy. With the help of some assistive technology and her devoted allies, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “I love Out of My Mind, based on the novel of the same name by Sharon Draper… I love the book and was so excited to learn that they were adapting the book into a movie.  The film explores the concept that a person’s intelligence and worth are not defined by how they communicate, and that everyone deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their physical limitations.” Ayra B. adds, “One of my favorite parts is when Rose takes Melody to the mall — they laugh and have so much fun together that Rose forgets Melody has a disability.  My favorite character is Melody because she is confident and strong in the face of adversity.  The cinematography is great and some scenes are shot in an interesting way, such as through a mirror. I also love the upbeat and positive music.” See their full reviews below.

Out Of My Mind
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I love Out of My Mind, based on the novel of the same name by Sharon Draper that is about family and friendship.  I love the book and was so excited to learn that they were adapting the book into a movie.  The film explores the concept that a person’s intelligence and worth are not defined by how they communicate, and that everyone deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their physical limitations.

Born with cerebral palsy, Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) is nonverbal, and she is placed in a preschool level remedial academic program where her greatest source of stimulation comes from listening to Judy Blume audiobooks. When Dr. Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) recognizes that Melody’s cognitive abilities exceed what the class offers, she advocates for Melody to join Mr. Dimming’s (Michael Chernus) class, which puts Melody on track for the life she has always dreamed of. Best of all, it puts her on a path to receive an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device so she can finally have the opportunity to make friends. But, like her journey thus far, nothing comes easy.

I really like how the film is told through Melody’s first-person narrative, with Jennifer Aniston as Melody’s voice, since Melody’s favorite TV show is Friends. Jennifer Aniston delivers a lot of heart, love, and laughter in the role, which is paired perfectly with Phoebe-Rae Taylor’s emotional performance as Melody. I was so invested in watching Melody’s dreams come true, but also feeling for her parents Chuck and Diane (Luke Kirby, Rosemarie DeWitt).  You can feel the struggle they have been fighting for their daughter’s future and wanting what is best for her.  I also love the next door neighbor, Mrs. V (Judith Light), who often helps Melody and her family.  You can feel the love Mrs. V has for Melody through the screen.  Mrs. V has some great moments and she always makes me smile. If you enjoy reading, I recommend reading the book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.  Also available is the sequel, Out of My Heart, where Melody goes to camp for the first time and Out of My Dreams where Melody travels on an airplane for the first time and visits London.

Out of My Mind highlights the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to see the vibrant inner world of people with disabilities, particularly those who are non-verbal like Melody, who struggles with cerebral palsy but possesses a brilliant mind.

I give Out of My Mind 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.  You can watch Out of My Mind on Disney beginning November 22, 2024.

Out of My Mind
By Arya B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Out of My Mind is a coming-of-age film about a 12-year-old non-verbal girl with cerebral palsy – she must stand up for herself in order to have the same rights as other kids her age.

The storyline follows Melody (Phoebe-rae Taylor) who is born with cerebral palsy and can’t walk or speak. Although she is extremely bright and understands complex topics similar to those her age, she has limited opportunities to learn more advanced things. All her life, she attended school in the same special education classroom since kindergarten because of her disability. Melody desperately wants the chance to be able to go to school in a regular classroom with other sixth graders. Although her mom Diane (Rosemarie Dewitt) and her dad Chuck (Luke Kirby) are both caring and dedicated parents, they disagree about her ability to learn and survive in a regular sixth grade classroom.  

Early in the film, Melody is given the chance to attend a regular sixth grade classroom with a visiting doctor Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) at her side. Melody falls in love with the classroom experience because she can understand what is being taught and also makes a new friend Rose (Maria Nash). However, Melody cannot raise her hand to answer questions because she communicates by pointing to letters or to her surroundings. The classroom teacher, Mr. Dimming (Michael Chernus), becomes frustrated and does not want Melody there. The main plot of the film involves a Whiz Kids competition in which the four smartest kids in the class compete on a national level. However, Mr. Dimming refuses to grade Melody’s exam because he does not think she can compete.

The movie shows the various obstacles in Melody’s way: fighting to stay in the sixth-grade classroom, fighting to be on the Whiz Kids team, and fighting to make friends with other sixth graders and show them she is just as capable and interesting.  One of my favorite parts is when Rose takes Melody to the mall — they laugh and have so much fun together that Rose forgets Melody has a disability.  My favorite character is Melody because she is confident and strong in the face of adversity.  The cinematography is great and some scenes are shot in an interesting way, such as through a mirror. I also love the upbeat and positive music.  

 The film’s message is that people won’t know what you are capable of unless you show them. Melody is brave enough to advocate for herself being in a regular sixth grade classroom, which allows others to see she belongs there.  A few scenes demonstrate inappropriate behavior that may not be suitable for young children. 

I give Out of My Mind 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Out of My Mind when it releases on Disney+ on November 22, 2024. 

Trailer:

St. Nick (Gerard Butler) receives a delayed letter on Christmas Eve from the Princess of Hearts. He and his dedicated team of reindeer set off to Wonderland where they’re greeted by the mean and miserable Queen of Hearts (Emilia Clarke) who hates all things Christmas… especially presents! Can St Nick, aided by Alice (Simone Ashley), the Mad Hatter and March Hare, show the Queen the true meaning of Christmas and save the day before it’s too late?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comment, “The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland is a mashup of upbeat music, the twists and turns of Wonderland, and the holiday spirit! It’s perfect for families and it definitely brought up some Christmas memories for me.” See her full review below.

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland is a mashup of upbeat music, the twists and turns of Wonderland, and the holiday spirit! It’s perfect for families and it definitely brought up some Christmas memories for me.

The film follows the story of St. Nick (Gerard Butler) on Christmas day as he gets ready to deliver presents. He receives a last-minute letter from the Princess of Hearts (Eliza Riley) who requests a special present, her own special pet. Despite being warned of the twisted Wonderland by his reindeer, St. Nick goes on a musical journey to fulfill the princess’s wish. But on arrival, he has to face the Christmas hating, Queen of Hearts (Emilie Clark) and try to teach her what Christmas is all about.

The main characters are St. Nick, Alice (Simone Ashley), Prancer (Mae Muller) and the Queen of Hearts! I love how the music is super catchy and fits the holiday theme, but it also gives you a little something to dance to. I love the fun combination of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The story is well-developed. The animation is unique, especially since it is not a style you see much today; it’s a line-drawn style that is reminiscent of older-style holiday films. I got to speak with Gerard Butler who plays St. Nick, and he told me about how special this movie is for him. It can definitely impact people who may have lost the Christmas spirit and remind them what Christmas is all about — having a great time during the holidays with their families. Just like the Queen of Hearts who has lost her faith in the holidays and developed a large hatred for them is helped by St. Nick who allows her to feel better and lose her bitterness.

This film reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and allows viewers to become immersed in the happiness and fun of Christmas.

I give The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It is streaming on Hulu beginning November 15, 2024.