Archives for March 2025

A Sloth Story * A Heartfelt Theme, Great Animation And Complex Characters Like A Sloth Who Wants To Move Fast!

After a terrifying storm destroys their home, a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusted old food truck hoping to make their business a success.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoey F. comments, “I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters. I especially like the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals.” Adele B. adds, “The movie has a terrific balance of comical and heartwarming moments. I constantly found myself entertained and laughing. I especially loved watching Luis’s character with his fun sense of humor despite his challenges.  Laura’s family always supports her and has her back.” Luna C. wraps it up with, “A Sloth Story is a delightful and unexpected film, brimming with real-life moments, valuable lessons, and a refreshing dose of hard work that kept me hooked from start to finish.” See their full reviews below.

A Sloth Story
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I really like A Sloth Story! It has a heartfelt theme, great animation and complex characters.

The plot follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth as she goes through the struggles of her life. Laura feels as though no one, especially her mother, Mama (Olivia Vasquez), takes her seriously. But after a horrible storm her family is forced to move to the city. Laura’s idol, Dotty Paste (Leslie Jones) is also in the city, motivating her to want to go. After business at Laura’s family’s café starts booming, Dotty gets jealous. She devises a plan to steal Mama’s recipe book. Now, the Romero-Flores’ family must try to find a way to get the precious recipe book back!

One aspect I especially like is the animation which is extremely unique and beautiful. I also find the idea of a sloth wanting to go fast humorous. Laura is constantly saying that everyone is too slow for her. This is a bit ironic considering sloths are slow-moving animals. I also enjoyed the complexity of Mama’s character. She is portrayed as Laura’s main enemy. Laura feels as though her mother is always getting in her way. But it turns out that Mama was exactly like Laura when she was young. Her age is a huge struggle for her, and she keeps forgetting things, but she keeps Lyra close in fear of forgetting Laura too. A Sloth Story explores the rich culture of Spanish culture and is incorporated in the food, language, and clothing in the film. This adds a lot to the movie.

The message of A Sloth Story is about the importance of family. This is shown when Laura sacrifices so much for her family. She is constantly reminded that her family is her ultimate team, which is an important theme to remember.

I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters February 28, 2025.

A Sloth Story
By Adele Rayna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

A Sloth Story is an exciting family friendly movie with heartwarming themes. The story takes you on a dynamic adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat with so many hilarious moments. Overall, the vibrant and crisp animation brings to life the engaging and unique character designs.

The story follows Laura (Teo Vergara), a young sloth whose family owns a restaurant. After an unexpected storm destroys their restaurant, they move to the city to start over, but business isn’t so good and Laura‘s Mom (Olivia Vasquez) and Dad (Ben Gorrono) start to think maybe the move to the big city wasn’t such a good idea. Laura comes up with the idea to bring in more business which works well, but the owner of a competing restaurant (Leslie Jones) is jealous .  Laura and her family embark on a mission fighting for their family legacy. You’ll have to watch to find out if it works.


The movie has a terrific balance of comical and heartwarming moments. I constantly found myself entertained and laughing. I especially loved watching Luis’s character with his fun sense of humor despite his challenges.  Laura’s family always supports her and has her back. I like Laura and her brother Mani’s (Facundo Hache Herrera) relationship. They are believable as playful and loveable siblings. A perfect moment is when Laura comforts Mani, when he thinks his ideas for the mural are terrible. And, in the next scene we see him pick on Laura, but in a sweet way. One of my most memorable moments is the way the mom, Gabriella, is there for her daughter by putting her above all else. It’s very touching and shows true love. The animation kept my attention with its crispness and smooth character movement. It makes it very easy to watch, like effortless paint strokes across canvas. The animation is very detailed such as the scene where little sparks form around Laura’s head to highlight her worried feelings. To show excitement they added stars in her eyes. I love the overall character designs – Laura’s character is fantastic, right down to the details of her necklace and the striking color of her pink belt. I also love Dotti’s suit as it’s very colorful and it shows her bubbly, yet mischievous, personality.

The film’s message is that family always has your back and believes in you when it matters most. Family can always see the spark in you and will stop at nothing to protect that.

I give A Sloth Story 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on February 28, 2025.

A Sloth Story

By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

A Sloth Story is a delightful and unexpected film, brimming with real-life moments, valuable lessons, and a refreshing dose of hard work that kept me hooked from start to finish.

After a devastating storm destroys their rural home, Laura (Teo Vergara), a quick-witted sloth, and her quirky family move to the bustling big city. Eager to make their food truck business a success, they must adapt to the fast-paced, high-energy expectations of city life. Along the way, Laura juggles her responsibilities as a team member in her family business while also playing on a cricket team with her new friends.

This is a charming, heartfelt film. I appreciate the relatable animation and storyline – even though the film features animals, the environments and situations are familiar to real life. One of my favorite moments is when Laura finally finds time to bond with her cricket team. It’s heartwarming to see her kind and welcoming relationship with her teammates. The music, composed by Aalex Heffe, is another standout element. With its Spanish influence, it adds a vibrant rhythm to the film that had me tapping my feet along with the characters.

The film offers two key messages: sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we truly need and home is wherever you put your heart.

I give A Sloth Story 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, or anyone who enjoys a story about family, friendship, and traditions. It releases in theaters on February 28, 2025.

Trailer:

The Unbreakable Boy * Heartfelt And Uplifting Film Beautifully Capturing The Power Of Joy, Faith, And The Indomitable Human Spirit

When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “unbreakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C., comments, “The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.” Chase L. adds, “The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.” See their full reviews below.

The Unbreakable Boy
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.

The film follows Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), parents who face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval), a child who is not only autistic but also suffers from a rare bone condition that makes him vulnerable to fractures. Despite these challenges, Austin’s unwavering optimism and unbreakable spirit inspire his family and community, teaching them to find joy in every moment. Scott’s journey of faith becomes intertwined with Austin’s unique outlook on life, leading to a powerful and heartwarming story about the bonds that make a family truly unbreakable.

Zachary Levi delivers a raw and emotional performance as Scott, portraying the complexities of a father struggling to understand his son while rediscovering his faith. Meghann Fahy is remarkable as Teresa, balancing strength and vulnerability with grace. However, it is Jacob Laval as Austin, who steals the show. His portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing Austin’s innocence, humor, and infectious optimism in a way that feels genuine and deeply moving. Director Jon Gunn crafts a narrative that is both inspiring and grounded, avoiding clichés while delivering powerful emotional moments. The screenplay balances humor, heartbreak, and hope, making the characters feel relatable and their journey resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Gunn’s direction brings authenticity to the story, ensuring it remains heartfelt without being overly sentimental. Visually, The Unbreakable Boy is beautifully shot, capturing the warmth and vibrancy of everyday moments. The cinematography complements the narrative, creating an intimate portrayal of the family’s highs and lows. The musical score enhances the emotional depth of the film, underscoring key moments with sensitivity and elegance.

What sets The Unbreakable Boy apart is its ability to inspire without feeling preachy. The film’s message of embracing life’s challenges with faith and joy is universal, touching hearts regardless of religious beliefs. It reminds us that happiness can be found even in the most difficult circumstances and that resilience is often rooted in love.

The Unbreakable Boy is more than just a feel-good movie; it’s a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance. With outstanding performances, genuine storytelling, and a message that lingers long after the credits roll, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking hope and inspiration.

I give The Unbreakable Boy 4 out of 5 stars. The film releases in theatres February 21, 2025.

The Unbreakable Boy
By Chase L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you u

The storyline follows a boy named Austin (Jacob Laval), who has brittle bone disease and is also autistic; he’s had a challenging time in life, because oftentimes he can’t understand what others mean when they speak. At the same time, his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval)  and his brother Logan. We observe this family as they go through difficult times, adventures, and more, which ultimately make this a fun, exciting, and truly enjoyable movie.

I can relate to this story because I have a sister with a genetic disorder so I can understand and relate to the struggles they have as a family. The film is well made and easy to understand, even for people who don’t know what brittle bone disease is. For example, when they talk about brittle bone disease I completely understood, but one thing I didn’t quite get is how autism affects people. I don’t really understand what autism is even after watching the film. There are believable characters and the story has a good beginning, middle and end. It is set in the modern day, so everything looks appropriate and accurate for today. Nothing looks pixelated, glitchy, or has low graphics; and almost everybody is wearing typical clothes that people wear today. This film reminds us that not everything goes perfectly in life and sometimes life has unexpected things that happen and we have to do our best to live with those, even when we can’t fix it. In this movie Scott’s son Austin is not perfect – he was born with autism and brittle bone disease and that causes Scott and his wife to become aware of those things and learn how to deal with them together as a family.

The film’s message is about being prepared for the unexpected, and to always remember that your friends and family are there to support you in times that are tough, even when you don’t think you can handle the challenges that life throws at you.

I give The Unbreakable Boy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters February 21, 2025.

trailer:

Books of the Week of March 17th, 2025

 GAME ON! by author-illustrator Kelly Leigh Miller

Cloud Puppy—part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable—explores the immersive world of video games with her friends in this second book in a delightful graphic chapter book series that’s Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball!

Cloud Puppy loves playing Valley of Runes, a cozy farming video game. But when Jack says that his favorite games are better, Cloud Puppy begins to feel badly about the things that she likes…until she learns that Jack has never even played Valley of Runes!

Cloud Puppy challenges her picky pal to a trade to share their favorite games. But Jack has other plans: he thinks it will be fun to surprise Cloud Puppy with a scary simulator. But it’s his first time playing it, too, and it’s more frightening than he thought! Can the friends find a game they both enjoy without getting too spooked? Perfect for ages 6-9.

Author Bio

Kelly Leigh Miller is an illustrator and author who loves everything cute and whimsical. She is the author of the Cloud Puppy series, I Love My Fangs!I Love My Fur!I Love My Magic!, and many more books. Visit her online at KellyLeighMiller.com.

A fun book!

Who doesn’t love a good vacation? Soaking up some sun, floating on the waves and…arm wrestling an octopus? When mermaids show up in the middle of Gilbert’s goblin getaway, their fin-flapping festivities quickly turn rest and relaxation into stress and aggravation. This is clearly proof that mermaids are the worst! Can Gilbert find his beachside bliss or will he be caught in the undertow of these seaside shenanigans?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

The ABCs of Women’s History

The ABCs of Women’s History is the perfect starter about equality, women’s rights, and the brilliant women who shape our world. This intersectional representation of women’s history features queer women, transgender womenwomen of color, disabled women, and women from across the globe

This picture book is complete with backmatter that shares the details of the women featured along with their contributions to history. Featured in the book are activists and changemakers like Angela Davis and Marsha P. Johnson, painters and musicians like Georgia O’Keeffe and Kathleen Hanna, scientists and suffragists like Katherine Johnson and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and so many more trailblazing women! This book really is a must-buy!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books and highly recommend all of the books. Cover images were also provided.

Drew, March 14th Pet of the Week

AWWWWWW!

April showers may bring May flowers, but warming temperatures bring cloudbursts of kittens to the streets, alleys, backyards and everywhere an unfixed momcat can give birth. Many die out there. The ones lucky enough to be rescued by shelters for adoption are awfully cute, but adult cats who have been brought to the shelter to wait for a good home get overlooked. Drew drew the short straw—he was surrendered by his old friend who could no longer afford to keep him. Drew is 12 years old, beautiful and sleek, with a little white star on his chest. He’s perfect for someone who wants a couch-potato companion to binge-watch Netflix with. To adopt or foster Drew, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Ask for ID#A490633.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Night of the Zoopocalypse * Entertaining And Cute Sci-Fi Movie With An Interesting Story And Likeable Characters

After a meteor unleashes a virus that turns zoo animals into zombies, a mountain lion (David Harbour) and wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) lead a team of surviving animals to stop the virus and rescue their zoo.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “Night of the Zoopocalypse is an extremely entertaining and cute sci-fi movie with amazing build-up. It has an interesting story and likeable characters, which allows the viewer to become invested in the situation. The film’s message is to be loyal to those that you love and appreciate those around you despite their differences. Be forewarned that there are intense scenes and action sequences, including fake limbs coming off. See her full review below.

Night of the Zoopocalypse
By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Night of the Zoopocalypse is an extremely entertaining and cute sci-fi movie with amazing build-up. It has an interesting story and likeable characters, which allows the viewer to become invested in the situation.

The story takes place in a zoo, where Gracie, a wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) and Dan, a mountain lion (David Harbour) are forced to team up when a meteor turns animals into zombies. They, and the other survivors of the zombie virus, attempt to stop the virus from spreading any further, and save those infected.

The animation in this film is incredible; everything looks so lively and each animal moves exactly like their real-life counterparts. I especially love the way Xiavier, the red ruffed lemur, moves – all his movements are not only extremely smooth but also true to the real animal. I love the visuals throughout this movie and the character designs; the details for small things in the background that represent the zoo are outstanding. However, I am not the biggest fan of Dan’s design as it is difficult to tell what animal he is supposed to represent. I also really like following the main character, Gracie. She’s such a fun character to watch and Gabbi Kosmidis really brings the character to life through her voice acting. The script is so well done; I love that there’s so much thought behind how the zombies work and what they are able of doing. The characters are particularly well scripted; the main characters feel real thanks to their believable actions and the secondary characters are quite funny. The pace of the storyline works well, with the audience discovering information as fast as the characters do. There are a few scenes that feel a little too long, but still, the film is extremely funny and enjoyable to watch. Even though it’s geared towards a younger audience, I found myself laughing out loud at times.

The film’s message is to be loyal to those that you love and appreciate those around you despite their differences. Be forewarned that there are intense scenes and action sequences, including fake limbs coming off.

I give Night of the Zoopocalype 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters March 7, 2025.

The Americas * An Incredible Series Narrated by Tom Hanks Who Brings The Beauty And Struggles Of Nature To Life

The Americas showcases the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the world’s greatest supercontinent. The Americas uses cutting-edge technology to uncover never-before-seen behavior, and highlight extraordinary, untold wildlife stories. Five years in the making and filmed over 180 expeditions, this groundbreaking series reveals the spectacular landscapes of Earth’s most varied landmass – the only one to stretch between both poles. “The Americas” unprecedented scale and ambition delivers remarkable world firsts; new species, new intimate courtship, dramatic deep sea hunting and some of nature’s strangest stories – even a frog that seems to defy death every day. Tom Hanks narrates and Hans Zimmer scores the soundtrack.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eva M. comments, “The Americas is an incredible docu-series about North and South America with breathtaking views of the land and the animals that live there. I really enjoyed Tom Hanks’ narration; his unique storytelling brings the beauty and struggles of nature to life.” Charlotte L. adds, “I really like The Americas because the music evokes emotions and the videography is both beautiful and shot up close.The message of The Americas is that we must be careful when we continue expanding land to make room for the incredible life that is flourishing all over the continent.” See their full reviews below.

The Americas

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

Wow! The Americas is an incredible docu-series about North and South America with breathtaking views of the land and the animals that live there. I really enjoyed Tom Hanks’ narration; his unique storytelling brings the beauty and struggles of nature to life. Every episode is filled with jaw-dropping shots that made me appreciate the wild world around us.

The Americas is a ten-episode television series that explores the unique animals and landscapes of the vast North and South America. Scored by composer Hans Zimmer and narrated by Tom Hanks, the series shows how different species survive and adapt while also highlighting the effects of climate change and human activity. Each episode focuses on a different region, giving a close look at the fascinating wildlife and environments that make it special. From the fast-paced lives of ants to the mesmerizing creatures of the deep ocean, the documentary captures nature’s wonders like never before.

This series is visually amazing with its groundbreaking cinematography. The filmmakers use advanced drone technology to glide over vast landscapes, night-vision cameras to reveal the secret lives of nocturnal animals, and slow-motion footage to capture the precise moment a predator strikes. These techniques made me feel like I was right there in the wild. Tom Hanks’ narration adds warmth and curiosity to the show. Zimmer’s soundtrack builds tension during dramatic moments and enhances the wonder of peaceful scenes. My favorite part is when the mother snake goes above and beyond for her baby snakes, showing the incredible instinct and care animals have for their young. The filmmakers also capture a massive storm in stunning detail, showcasing the sheer power of nature in a way that feels both terrifying and beautiful.

The show’s message is about protecting nature. It shows the dangers of deforestation, pollution, and climate change and encourages people to take action. The series raises awareness and makes viewers think about how each one of us can help preserve the environment. Be forewarned that some scenes of predators hunting their prey are pretty graphic and unsuited for younger viewers.

I give The Americas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The show premieres on NBC on February 23, 2025.

The Americas

By Charlotte L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 14

I really like The Americas because the music evokes emotions and the videography is both beautiful and shot up close.

The Americas is a documentary narrated by Tom Hanks that follows animals living in the Americas and their lifestyles. It describes and shows incredible places and dives into the struggles of animal life. The Americas is both an exciting adventure and an informative documentary.

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The TV series The Americas contains music that evokes emotions such as excitement, awe, curiosity, and fear. For example, in one episode, we see a dangerous prairie snake and hear music that brings out feelings of fear. In the same episode, we see it rain in the Sonoran Desert for the first time in two months. The music put behind this scene creates a feeling of awe. Similarly, when a thunderstorm in The Great Plains approaches, the music that accompanies it evokes a feeling of fear. The music also matches the theme of the episode. For instance, in a western themed episode, there is western music that goes with it. The music draws people in. Another aspect that draws people in is Tom Hanks’s use of imagery and descriptive language. As well as the music, the videography is another thing that makes The Americas so exciting to watch. We see close up shots of wild animals and their environments which makes the scenes seem as if they are happening right in front of you. In one episode, we see a close up of a coyote hunting a fish and in another scene; we see a prairie snake giving birth.​​​​ We see shots of encounters between animals. For example, in one scene, we see a protective mother chasing off an intruding bear to keep her cubs safe. There is also incredible underwater footage that makes it feel as if you are really there. The transitions are also excellent. Incredible and beautiful landscape shots are often used as transitions. Overall, the music and videography make this series exciting and amazing to watch.

The message of The Americas is that we must be careful when we continue expanding land to make room for the incredible life that is flourishing all over the continent.

I give The Americas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 plus adults. It is premiering on February 23, 2025 on NBC.

Win or Lose * An Unusual Series That Shows How Much Goes On Behind The Scenes At A Ball Game

Pixar Animation Studios’ original series “Win or Lose” follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. The series reveals what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each character—the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire—with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives. 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode.” Braedyn M. adds, “Win or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.” See their full reviews below.

Win Or Lose

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

Win Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode. Win or Lose is a show that all members of the family will enjoy and each person can choose their own character to root for!

Made by Pixar, Win Or Lose has the same style and quality of all of their great movies.  It is a story about a group of kids, all connected by being on a softball team, but all with very different lives. Laurie (Rosanna Jean Foss) just wants to hit the ball and Frank (Josh Thomson) regrets letting go of his girlfriend.

Win Or Lose is the first Pixar original TV show, and it doesn’t disappoint. The show’s first episode centers around Laurie struggling with self-doubt, which manifests itself as a purple blob that grows in size as her doubt grows. Laurie eventually realizes that she doesn’t need to win to have fun. In addition to the great stories, the music at the end of each episode is also super fun. It’s interesting to see Pixar mix in a new animation style, kind of like a crayon animation, in Episode 3. Watching these two styles mix in this great new show is a blast. Win Or Lose is very funny, with great timing and one-liners that will make it a family favorite. I love the great idea that each episode centers around a specific member of the team, all on their journey to the championship. The characters are all funny in different ways. My favorite character is Laurie. She has great comedic lines and her motivation to hit the ball to make her father proud makes me root for her throughout the show. 

The series’ message is that having fun is more important than winning. The show include includes themes of joy and friendship. Parents should note that Win Or Lose includes some fearful moments, like when Laurie gets hit by a softball.

I give Win Or Lose 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The remaining six episodes will be released weekly. 

Win Or Lose

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Win Or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.

Win or Lose is an animated series from Pixar following a co-ed middle school softball team’s story as they prepare for the State Softball Championship.  But instead of only seeing the week once from the perspective of the main character, each episode shows a face of the story, with different people having center stage.  As everyone navigates the numerous challenges of getting ready for the big game, they must work through their own issues before coming together as a strong and united team.

My favorite part is definitely the animation.  It is top-notch, blending not only the physical aspects of each individual’s life, but also their emotions and what they may imagine.  For example, Frank (Josh Thomson) the umpire, is a bit overly cautious of what other people think of him.  When some of the spectators disagree with one of his calls, he dons a suit of armor and picks up a shield, saying that his stands with his call.  It’s quite hilarious to see how their emotions manifest in each situation.  The series also does well tying in real world issues that are relatable today, like trying your hardest to succeed only to fail over and over again, or having to take care of an irresponsible parent when you need them most.  Once I watched a couple of episodes, I was able to see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and how it makes the story more well-rounded and complete when you see it from all sides. The series’ cast includes Will Forte, Ian Chen, Izaac Wang, Jo Firestone, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson and more.

The series’ message is that things aren’t always what they seem.  A simple game of softball may not seem like it has that much going on, but when seen from multiple and very different angles, I found out that everything has another perspective.  It only has to be found. Note that this series does contain some profanity, and a scene of stealing (real stealing, not bases in softball).

I give Win Or Lose 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Win or Lose premiers on Disney+ February 19, 2025.

Mayfield, March 7th Pet of the Week

AWWWWW!

“Well, here’s looking at you!” Mayfield would say if he could talk. He doesn’t have to, though, because one of the first things you notice about Mayfield are his eyes — one is marble blue and the other is latte brown. He also has a wintry black-and-white husky coat that the volunteers love to keep brushed and pettable. And does Mayfield love brushing and petting! He wasn’t always like that — he was shy at first, but the volunteers saw the dog he is and brought him out. He’d love to walk on a leash with a special human and cast those beautiful eyes everywhere! Speed the process to adopt Mayfield or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A719434