Archives for February 2025

When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together — and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Juliana S. comments, “Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.”  IvyJoy C. adds, “I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.”  IvyJoy C. adds, “I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.” See their full reviews and Chase L.’s interview with the creator and star below.

Dog Man

By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.

The storyline is about a highly ranked officer (Peter Hastings) and his dog, who have an unfortunate accident while trying to detain a very evil cat (Pete Davidson) and must be combined into one being. Newly formed Dog Man has to learn how to live a life meant for both humans and animals, while also trying to impress the police chief (Lil Rel Howery). As time goes on, Petey, the evil cat, creates a clone of itself, Lil Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), who ends up playing a crucial part in showing how love is important, no matter who it’s for.

The animation in this film immediately stands out – it looks like a 3-D comic book, but moves. These images are created by an entire team of people, including Paul Phippen and Aymeric Arnaud, the lead DMP artists. What makes this animation so amazing is that it includes certain features that would normally be seen in print comic books such as a pencil-like stroke, or words coming out of a person’s mouth. These features truly strike the movie as an adaptation of an incredible comic book franchise. Of course, the animation is perfectly paired with the music, which is another thing that is noticeable to the audience. The orchestra, led by Jill Streater, is wonderful at conveying emotional scenes and leads the audience to feel deeply for the characters. The music was created by Tom Howe, and he nailed it. When a scene is sad, the orchestra is quiet and somber; when the characters are happy or excited, the music is upbeat and fast. These carefully thought out music choices make Dog Man all the more better.

The film’s message is that no matter how evil one can be, a little bit of love goes a long way. Dog Man is very successful in leading others to be more empathetic to those who might need extra care.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Dog Man can be found in theatres beginning January 31, 2025.

Dog Man
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life. 

Dog Man starts with a police dog named Greg and his human partner, Officer Knight (Peter Hastings) who are dedicated to keeping their community safe. All is normal until an accident occurs where the two must go through a wacky surgery, which fuses them together to create the amazing Dog Man! While showing off his classic dog skills, such as playing fetch, Dog Man must also protect the city from Petey the Cat (Pete Davison), who hatches a sneaky cloning scheme. With all the craziness, we meet the lovable and adorable Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) who forms a surprisingly amazing friendship with Dog Man. Eventually, a new common enemy makes Dog Man and Petey realize they must team up, setting aside their differences to tackle the challenges ahead. 

Loving the Dav Pilkey books the way I do, I adore how the art style and the script of this film – they capture the wackiness of the books. I commend the director, Peter Hastings, for his outstanding work and also for Dog Man himself. The film truly is designed in such a way to appeal to the target audience, fans of the original books. It really holds true to the comic book series and its goofy nature. My favorite part is when Li’l Petey is taken hostage by the surprise villain known as Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais), which leads to Petey the Cat unlocking his inner good and teaming up with Dog Man. I also like when Petey buys a cloning machine off the internet and has a bunch of silly problems that lead to the creation of Li’l Petey.

The film’s message is that everyone has good in them; it just needs the right person, or kitten, to be unlocked. This film contains very slight profanity, but is otherwise okay.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find it in theaters on January 31, 2025.

From the beloved author-illustrator of the My Little Animal Friend picture book series, comes a new adorable story about Valentine’s Day and puppy love. THE LITTLE PUPPYis a tenderly told, gorgeously illustrated story about when Grandma comes for a special Valentine’s visit with her puppy Milo (Paula Wiseman | Available since Dec. 2024).

Nicola’s characteristic “understated charm” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review for The Little Reindeer) shines with this heart-warming bedtime story’s limited color illustrations accented with lovely red foil and interactive die cut pages. The Little Puppy is a cozy picture book sure to be an instant classic and perfect to share with your loved ones on Valentine’s.

With a delightful new holiday spin, the Peas series is back with 4 new books: Hap-Pea Valentine’s Day, Hap-Pea Easter, Hap-Pea Halloween, and Hap-Pea Holidays.  HAP-PEA VALENTINE’S DAY goes on sale December 3^rd and is the perfect addition to show off the love and cheer of the holiday (Beach Lane Books).

It’s Valentine’s Day, and there are lots of hap-pea hearts for the peas to give away. From frilly hearts and silly hearts to growing hearts and glowing hearts, there’s plenty of love to go around. Will you join the peas in giving away some valentines? Any kind will do… Every hap-pea heart says, “I Love You!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith Baker has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books for young children, including the New York Times bestselling LMNO Peas, 1-2-3 Peas, Little Green Peas, Hap-pea All Year, LMNO Pea-quel, My Octopus Arms, and No Two Alike. He lives in Seattle.

Sharing is Caring Dragon (the BRAND NEW Dragon story) –

 Dragon is on her way to the library to return the books she borrowed and check out her favorite book. But when she gets to the bookshelf, she realizes that the book she wants isn’t there! Sir Fiero has checked it out and is starting to read it when Dragon grabs it out of his hands. Will Dragon learn to be patient and wait her turn to read the book?Who Loves the Dragon (board book edition!)

– In this adventure, Dragon is wide awake and getting ready to celebrate one of the kingdom’s most important events of the year: the Friendship Festival!

Dragon Love Cards – These 25 Valentine’s Day cards, which come with envelopes, are the perfect way to say I love you! Each card features adorable illustrations of Dragon and her friends, as well as room for children to personalize with a drawing or heartfelt message.

• How to Catch a Loveosaurus by Alice Walstead, illustrated by Andy Elkerton (hardcover; $10.99; ages 4 to 8) —A group of kids tries to catch the elusive and adorable Loveosaurus, who always spreads love and kindness.
• Why We Celebrate Valentine’s Day by Shannon Anderson, Med, illustrated by Alyssa De Asis (hardcover/paperback; $15.99/$9.99; ages 6 to 9) — Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun of Valentine’s Day.
• Don’t Push the Button: Tons of Love by Bill Cotter (board book; $8.99; ages 0 to 3) — Larry the monster has spotted a heart-shaped button. You probably shouldn’t push it.
• I Love to Watch You Grow! by Sesame Workshop and Erin Guendelsberger, illustrated by Marybeth Nelson (hardcover; $12.99; ages 3 to 7) — Love is blooming on Sesame Street! Celebrate your little one as they grow more and more each day while introducing them to themes of sustainability!

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

Diane Clarcq & Landon Gaboury – Winston Travels to America

Embark on an adventure with Winston as he leaves his childhood home to seek excitement on the high seas and thrills in the New World. Unexpected new friends await him as Winston travels to America. Filled with inquisitive adventures and the power of companionship, this tale will show children that sometimes we can find friendship with someone completely different from ourselves.

When I Can’t See You by Dr. Haley T. Arias

A poignant take on where to look when grief seems too big for our little ones, When I Can’t See You sparks conversations about navigating loss. Dr. Haley T. Arias hopes to foster a sense of imagination in children as they search for their own answers throughout the confusion of their loss

People Have Pets by Dave Schwartz

Pets are special friends who come in all shapes and sizes. People Have Pets takes readers on a global journey of understanding about the invaluable members of our families who provide undying love and affection. Along the way, you will find that the friends who share their lives with us come in all shapes and sizes, just like the people who love them.

And The Trees Talked Back by Frederick J. Burns

Meet Amanda, an extraordinary child with a unique gift — she can talk to trees. As Amanda encounters ancient trees, she uncovers a world she never knew existed, where wisdom and acceptance coexist with fear and hatred. Amidst the rustling leaves and haunting shadows, she confronts the duality of nature, discovering the true meaning of good and evil. And The Trees Talked Back is a heartwarming tale of wonder, friendship, and self-discover that will captivate readers of all ages.

Fans of the groundbreaking 90s sitcom The Wayans Bros. can now relive the laughs and unforgettable moments when Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment brings The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series to DVD for the first time ever on February 4, 2025. The DVD set includes 101 episodes from all five seasons. 

Premiering in 1995, The Wayans Bros. quickly became a fan favorite with its hilarious mix of family dynamics, quirky characters, and memorable one-liners. Following the misadventures of two distinctly different brothers sharing an apartment in New York City, the series was a cultural touchstone for ’90s television blending physical humor, clever wit, and heartfelt moments.

The Wayans Bros. was created by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Leslie Ray, and David Steven Simon. The production companies involved were BabyWay Productions, Next to Last Productions, and Warner Bros. Television. The executive producers varied by season, including Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore in the first season, Rick Hawkins in the second season, and Phil Kellard & Tom Moore from the third to the fifth season.

SYNOPSIS:

Shawn Wayans (In Living Color, Scary Movie, White Chicks) and Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie, In Living Color, White Chicks, The Ladykillers) — real-life brothers and members of the prolific Wayans family —star in this hilarious and physical comedy series as Shawn and Marlon Williams, two very different brothers who live together in New York City while searching for success. As the series begins, Shawn wants to be promoted from delivery man to dispatcher to impress his girlfriend, Lisa (Lela Rochon – Waiting to Exhale, Any Given Sunday). Marlon works in the diner operated by his and Shawn’s father, Pops (John Witherspoon – Friday, The Tracy Morgan Show, Boomerang, The Boondocks). The two brothers often get into trouble with their moneymaking schemes — but it’s always entertaining to watch! The series also features numerous notable guest stars.

PRODUCT                           

DVD                          

Audio: English

Subtitles: English

Running Time: 50 hours, 50 mins

Rated: TV-PG

Credit:

About Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales and digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels.  WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.

Full of Paddington’s signature blend of wit, charm, and laugh-out-loud humor, Paddington in Peru finds the beloved, marmalade-loving bear on an exciting, high-stakes adventure. When Paddington discovers his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the wilds of Peru to look for her, the only clue to her whereabouts a spot marked on an enigmatic map. Determined to solve the mystery, Paddington embarks on a thrilling quest through the rainforests of the Amazon to find his aunt…and may also uncover one of the world’s most legendary treasures.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “While sequels are often a letdown, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline – making it the best of the Paddington series to date!” Kyla C. adds, “This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.” Tiana S. adds, “Paddington in Peru is a bear-y new and interesting film to the Paddington Franchise. It is full of action, adventure, and the sights of Peru. This film gives a sense of family, trust, and finding your tribe.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages.” See their full reviews below.

Paddington in Peru

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Paddington in Peru is the third Paddington movie based on the classic children’s books written by Michael Bond. While sequels are often a letdown, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline – making it the best of the Paddington series to date!

Paddington in Peru is a story about Paddington (Ben Whishaw) going back to his homeland of Peru to see with his Aunt Lucy. Once he arrives, he finds out that she has disappeared. From there, Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, go into the Amazonian jungle to save her. They encounter many interesting animals and people along the way.

Along with the Aunt Lucy adventure, this movie also shows us Paddington’s origin story – taking us back to when he was a cute baby bear who first finds Aunt Lucy. The animation used for the bears is so adorable and fun, especially when they mix it with the live action aspects. It blends in seamlessly and makes the movie fun for kids and adults. I enjoyed the various animation and filming effects, like early in the movie when Mrs. Brown makes a painting that comes to life to help tell the story of how the Brown family is changing as the kids become teenagers. Paddington in Peru has some beautiful scenes of the Peruvian landscape and cool scenes in London that made me want to book trips to both places! Paddington in Peru has great characters who are expertly acted, including some new faces like Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) and favorites from the movies series Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) and Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville). The amazing star power makes Paddington in Peru a surefire hit.

The main themes of Paddington in Peru are to embrace who you are and that it’s okay to have many places you call home and many people you call family. This movie includes positive messages around the dangers of greed and the importance of teamwork and putting family first. Parents should note that this movie includes some scenes of peril for Paddington and his family and some mildly scary scenes in the forest.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.

Paddington in Peru

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the brand new Paddington in Peru! This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.

This film picks up where the second one left off, with Paddington (Ben Whishaw) living with his adoptive family in London. However, an opportunity for adventure strikes when Paddington receives a letter saying that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), from Peru, is missing him. The family decides to take a trip to visit, but are surprised to find Aunt Lucy gone when they arrive at her house. One thing leads to another, and Paddington is soon meeting many new characters whilst experiencing one of the wonders of the world firsthand, all in an attempt to find his aunt and reunite with her.

First off, Paddington in Peru has a very engaging storyline. I constantly wondered what would happen next and was excited to discover answers to the many mysteries. There are many newly introduced characters that add even more mystery and curiosity. It’s unclear who could be working for the other side, which keeps intensity and suspense throughout the film. It’s very exciting to use details and clues to determine which characters are suspicious. Similar to Paddington’s first movies, this one has plenty of humor to keep up laughs and smiles in the midst of the adventure. The Brown family’s banter, random jokes and sarcasm add a comical side to the film, which captivated me even further. The characters are relatable and entertaining, making this movie an even more pleasurable experience. This aspect of authenticity allowed me to connect with the characters and care about what happens to them. Paddington in Peru has a beautiful appearance as a film. Taking place primarily in the jungle of Peru, the camera shots are magnificent and add so much to the viewing experience. Paddington visits Machu Picchu, which is a stunning location. The combination of Paddington’s animation along with the live action actors and scenery is seamless. They appear to clearly be there together and living in the same world, making the film even funnier and more engaging.

The theme of Paddington in Peru is that putting family and those you care about should always come first. Paddington drops everything to help Aunt Lucy in a time of need, showing true dedication and loyalty for someone he cares about. The film also highlights the importance of kindness and having a home. Be aware that there is some mild violence, including use of a gun. There is also a frightening large spider that appears on screen briefly.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can view Paddington in Peru in theaters beginning February 14, 2025. Be sure to stay for the credits – there’s a fun surprise at the end!

Paddington in Peru

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

Paddington in Peru is a bear-y new and interesting film to the Paddington Franchise. It is full of action, adventure, and the sights of Peru. This film gives a sense of family, trust, and finding your tribe.

Paddington in Peru follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the Browns on their journey to Peru. Paddington receives a letter that says Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the retired Bears’ home. So, he and the Browns travel to Peru trying to find her. After figuring out their travels, they go to El Dorado where they are faced with the gold-hungry Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) who is also looking for the rich city. It’s up to Paddington to reach El Dorado and save Aunt Lucy before anyone can stop him.

The main characters are Paddington, the Browns, Hunter Cabot, and Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman). I like all the references to the past two films such as, Paddington doing the hard stare or referencing the Prison scene of Paddington 2. This movie is certainly different from the other Paddington films. Besides the film taking place in Peru, they definitely made this more of a grown hero film for Paddington. Paddington’s character has changed to where he is more mature and adventurous than in the past. With that in mine, it is lacking in action and has mostly soft or filler moments. I like that we get to explore Peru and see where Paddington lived before going to London, but action movies need action. Still, this is a cute film that sheds new light on Paddington and builds his character. Plus, it answers some questions fans have been curious about since the first two movies.

The message of this movie is about family. Paddington is looking to find Aunt Lucy and more about the place where he grew up and came from. But along the journey with the Browns, Paddington looks back and realizes that, while Peru is part of his roots and who he is, the Browns are now his home and family.

I give Paddington in Peru 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Paddington in Peru in theaters on February 14, 2025.

Paddington in Peru
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Paddington in Peru is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that delivers all the charm, humor, and warmth that fans of the franchise have come to love. This delightful sequel takes audiences on an exciting journey filled with mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic, all wrapped in stunning visuals and engaging storytelling.

The story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he sets off on a thrilling adventure to the jungles of Peru after discovering that his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family by his side, Paddington embarks on a journey through the Amazon rainforest, uncovering hidden secrets and stumbling upon a legendary treasure along the way.

As the Paddington and his entourage navigate the lush landscapes and face unexpected challenges, Paddington’s signature kindness and optimism shine through. Ben Whishaw once again brings Paddington to life with his endearing voice performance, capturing the bear’s innocence and unwavering spirit. The Brown family, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, Samuel Joslin, Emily Mortimer, and Madeleine Harris and the rest of the talented cast add warmth and humor to the story. The breathtaking cinematography showcases the vibrant and lush beauty of Peru, making the film visually captivating. The use of practical effects and CGI seamlessly blend to create a world that feels both whimsical and immersive. My favorite part of the film is Paddington’s heartfelt reunion with Aunt Lucy. The emotional depth in this moment is beautifully handled, reinforcing the film’s central themes of love and family. The adventure sequences, infused with humor and thrilling moments, kept me engaged, while the touching relationships make the story deeply resonant.

At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages. There is no inappropriate language or concerning behavior, making it a perfect choice for young audiences.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults sure to enjoy it as well. This film will be out in theaters on Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2025.