Archives for June 2025

The new season of “Phineas and Ferb” follows the inventive stepbrothers as they tackle another 104 days of summer. Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave Agent P whose sole mission is to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz from taking over the Tri-State area.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C., comments, “I absolutely love Phineas And Ferb because it brings back so many memories. Phineas and Ferb’s silly antics give me the thrill I have been looking for, and I always find it funny when Phineas and Ferb’s inventions disappear when Candace is about to show her mom.” Junior R adds, “This outrageous and wacky show is perfect for summer viewing… What I really love about Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 is how it keeps getting cooler with every episode. Phineas is always full of excitement and ideas; and Ferb is quiet but super smart and helpful.” Mark S. wraps it up with, “Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 is hilarious and made me laugh a lot. I love that they still do the running joke of Candace trying to bust her brothers, but it fails every time in a very funny way, and they continue the main plot from previous seasons.” See their full reviews and IvyJoy’s talent interviews below.

Phineas And Ferb: Season 5
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I absolutely love Phineas And Ferb because it brings back so many memories. Phineas and Ferb’s silly antics give me the thrill I have been looking for, and I always find it funny when Phineas and Ferb’s inventions disappear when Candace is about to show her mom.

This exciting new season continues to follow the creative brothers as they tackle another 104 days of summer vacation. The dastardly Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Dan Povenmire) is back at it again with his silly “-inators,” only to be thwarted by Perry the Platypus (Dee Bradley Baker). Candice (Ashley Tisdale) is determined to bust them finally. In the process of Candice trying to bust her brothers, both terrible and wonderful things happen.

Phineas and Ferb is one of my all-time favorite shows and seeing it return after all this time had me jumping for joy. After 10 years, Phineas and Ferb is back and better than ever! In this new season, Phineas (Vincent Martella) and Ferb (Daved Errigo Jr.) are just as inventive, creative, and outside the box as they were in previous seasons. I love how they continue to make so many whimsical and wacky inventions; each one better than the last. Kudos to Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh. Not only do they continue to voice character such as Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Francis Monogram, but they also continue to create this series. I really like how the animators keep the same style of animation. I love the acting of Alyson Stoner, Maulik Pancholy, and Bobby Gaylor, as Isabella, Baljeet, and Buford. After all these years, they keep their bullying, nerdy, and lovable personalities. I love how they keep their fun style of music. My favorite part, as always, is when Candace is about to show evidence to her mom, but then it disappears.

This season teaches us a few lessons. It teaches that love conquers all, and reminds us that with determination and focus you can do anything. Note that there is mild violence between Perry the platypus and Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Phineas And Ferb: Season 5 gets5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The new season launches the Disney Channel and Disney XD on June 5, 2025 and on Disney+ the next day.

Phineas and Ferb: Season 5

By Mark S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 is a great show that is funny and entertaining! The show has great visuals and graphics. The episodes are easy to follow and understand, and the songs are great too.

My favorite episode from Season 5 is Episode 2, Cloudy with a Chance of Mom, where Phineas (Vincent Martella) and Ferb (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) have to save Mom (Caroline Rhea), who has been vaporized and turned into a cloud while saving the tri-state area. Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Dan Povenmire) has an evil plan to make Mom cloud into a Mom STORM.Candace (Ashley Tisdale) and Perry the Platypus (Dee Bradley Baker) help the brothers in saving the day in ways that made me laugh a lot.

Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 is hilarious and made me laugh a lot. I love that they still do the running joke of Candace trying to bust her brothers, but it fails every time in a very funny way, and they continue the main plot from previous seasons. The dad seems so goofy that he really stands out and is really entertaining. The jokes are very easy for young kids to get and laugh at, and also are funny to adults and older kids. The show has a very unique type of visuals in how the characters look that makes the story easy to follow. It also has very rich colors that make it look nice and clean to the eye.

Like the previous seasons, Season 5 is a funny kid’s show with an underlying message that you can always count on family to be there for you. Also, it’s a reminder to not mess with platypuses.

I give Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 a solid 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. The new season launches the Disney Channel and Disney XD on June 5, 2025 and on Disney+ the next day.

Phineas and Ferb: Season 5

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Hey, guess what? There’s another 104 days of summer vacation and Phineas and Ferb are back for more fun in Season 5! This outrageous and wacky show is perfect for summer viewing.

Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 is 20 animated episodes full of fun, inventions, and crazy summer adventures. Phineas (Vincent Martella) and Ferb (David Errigo Jr) come up with awesome ideas every day, like building gecko gear and driveable carnival games, while their sister Candace (Ashley Tisdale) tries, and fails, to bust them. Meanwhile, their pet platypus Perry is secretly Agent P (Dee Bradley Baker), who fights the goofy evil scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Dan Povenmire). The episodes are fast, funny, and filled with songs that made me want to sing along.

The animation is really colorful and detailed, and I love how the music is different in every episode—it’s catchy and fun, like a mini-concert! What I really love about Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 is how it keeps getting cooler with every episode. Phineas is always full of excitement and ideas; and Ferb is quiet but super smart and helpful. Candace is so hilarious because she always thinks she’s about to finally bust her brothers, but something always happens to stop her. My favorite character is Perry because his entrances to the office get wilder each time he visits, and they always have me guessing. My favorite part is when the gang take on Phineas and Ferb’s mom.  It is a true Mom Storm. Every episode makes me wish summer vacation could be that cool in real life.

This season offers great messages about the power of teamwork, the importance of using your imagination, and making the most of every moment. It maintains a family-friendly tone throughout.

Phineas and Ferb: Season 5 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. The new season launches the Disney Channel and Disney XD on June 5, 2025 and on Disney+ the next day.

Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an outstanding film that I really like. It is packed with action and adventure, all while being so suspenseful and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire movie, and was completely engaged the whole time.” Charlotte L. adds, “…filled with all we expect from a Mission: Impossible movie — crazy plans that somehow manage to work, constant danger, incredible stunts, and suspenseful scenes… all the more impressive when you realize that Tom Cruise does his own stunts, which are found in abundance in this movie. Katherine S. wraps it up with, “… an absolutely action-packed movie, taking a more serious and grave tone than the previous installments of the series. It’s full of constant high-tension and emotional moments, and insane stunts, as always. It is definitely long but has a solid way to end the entity’s storyline (maybe?). See their full reviews below.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Mikella G, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 19

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an outstanding film that I really like. It is packed with action and adventure, all while being so suspenseful and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire movie, and was completely engaged the whole time.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning brings us right back into this world, where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must complete one final mission. This time though, the weight of the world is ultimately in his hands. He has a very small amount of time to find the Entity and, if he is unsuccessful, humanity as we know it will be destroyed.

The suspenseful storyline is its biggest standout. It’s incredible how even after seven movies, the eighth and final one is still so entertaining. I was completely immersed in this film. Almost every single scene feels like a big drop on a roller coaster. Even though it is almost 3 hours long, it certainly doesn’t feel that long. There was never a moment when I got bored, or tired of it. On the contrary, the non-stop excitement fills the room. Watching it in the theater also felt very special, because it was almost as if the entire audience was on the journey together. We gasped and laughed together. It’s very special for a film to bring a group of people together who have never met before, to have a cathartic experience, and that is the effect that this movie had on my audience. Another major standout is Tom Cruise’s stunt abilities. In every movie of this franchise, Cruise proves himself time and time again, and for this final film he pulls out all the stops. Everything is real; no green screens were used. From plane chases to falling from the sky, it always amazes me at the limits he pushes to get the perfect shot. This film has a lot of underwater work. I learned that Cruise trained to be able to hold his breath for long amounts of time – his dedication is truly inspiring. Additionally, the cinematography is another aspect that is top notch. The underwater scenes are particularly captivating. The audience really gets a feel for how deep and dark the ocean is. I could almost feel the stillness and quietness of the ocean. Lastly, the sound effects really enhance this movie. In every scene I could hear every sound as if I was actually there – from the wind, to the submarine sounds, to the heavy breathing and gunshots, everything is accounted for. When you sit down to watch this movie, be prepared to be completely consumed into the Mission: Impossible franchise.

The film’s message is to live life without regrets and remember that no singular action defines who we are. Be aware that there are many fight scenes, and violent weapons used.

I give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning releases in theaters May 23, 2025.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

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

I really like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning because the storyline drew me in; the story combines the old and the new, and the acting is really well played. .

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning continues the storyline of the previous Mission: Impossible films. It follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team including some of our favorite returning characters such as Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), and Grace (Hayley Atwell). Once again, Hunt and his team find themselves on a daring mission to save the world.

The storyline of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is paramount — continuing the story of previous films with a short recap of part one of this story. It is filled with all we expect from a Mission: Impossible movie — crazy plans that somehow manage to work, constant danger, incredible stunts, and suspenseful scenes. This seems all the more impressive when you realize that Tom Cruise does his own stunts, which are found in abundance in this movie. Examples of stunts worth looking forward to are Ethan Hunt hanging off a plane and parachuting out of the sky. The suspenseful scene makes you nervous because, even though it’s Tom Cruise, so you know he’ll be okay, you can’t help but feel scared for him. The music, acting, and lightning contribute to this and make it seem as if Hunt is truly in danger. This movie combines old and new characters also; the new characters and aspects of the plot blend so well together that it seems almost like real life. The acting is spectacular! Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt so well and Simon Pegg, as Benji, plays a comedic, yet loyal and determined character incredibly well. This movie is packed with humorous remarks, not only from Benji, but from all the characters. Another notable performance is by Ving Rhames who plays Luther. Although Luther doesn’t play as big of a role in this film as he has in previous ones, he definitely enhances this film.

The message of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is that your choices can affect others more than you expect.

I give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on May 23, 2025.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an absolutely action-packed movie, taking a more serious and grave tone than the previous installments of the series. It’s full of constant high-tension and emotional moments, and insane stunts, as always. It is definitely long but has a solid way to end the entity’s storyline (maybe?).

Now that Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) has retrieved the cruciform key, the next step in destroying the rogue AI – “The Entity” – is finding the Podkova, which contains the original code of the AI and is at an unknown location at the bottom of the sea. So, Ethan and his team must travel the globe and find the Podkova before The Entity gains control of every nuclear arsenal and launches them, annihilating the world. It’s a cautionary tale about AI and offers a scary view into the future of artificial intelligence’s power.

If you haven’t watched Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 you should do so because it is the first part of this movie, but you don’t need to watch any of the other earlier ones to understand the story, but long-time fans  will enjoy all the references to past movies in this one. Even though this is the eighth film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, running at just under three hours – the longest Mission: Impossible movie yet – and has the word “final” in the title, it’s unknown whether this will be the last assignment for Ethan Hunt after almost 30 years of missions. Almost all of the stunts in the Mission: Impossible movies are performed by Tom Cruise and always seem to outdo each other, but the stunts in this movie are so crazy that even professionals said they were impossible, but Tom Cruise was able to make them happen. There’s a wing-walking stunt between two planes in this film – this isn’t the first time Cruise has done stunts with planes, but in this particular situation, the original stunt teams said his vision was not possible. However, Cruise defied the odds and was able to do an extremely dangerous and extremely impressive wing-walking stunt. Along with all of these action-packed and impressive stunts, there’s also a lot of fast-moving images and flashbacks to past movies, so I would advise you to be cautious while watching this movie if you are photosensitive. Ethan Hunt and his team, Benji (Simon Pegg), Grace (Hayley Atwell), Paris (Pom Klemenieff) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis), have such good chemistry and, despite being so different, they work so well together. Ethan spends a lot of time apart from his team, but his care for these people is so apparent. Some of these characters are on opposite sides of the original conflict, so it is very interesting to see their bonds grow through everything they encounter in this movie.

The film’s message is that teamwork and determination can make the impossible possible. Be forewarned that there is some profanity, intense fighting scenes, very gruesome situations and death. I do not recommend this movie for photosensitive or sound-sensitive viewers, as well as people who are sensitive to violent scenes.

I give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases in theaters on May 23, 2025.

Wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Rayce S. comments, “The Phoenician Scheme delivers great set designs, expressive performances, and a funny story that perfectly matches the tone. The film starts off with bang, immediately setting you into the situation Korda is currently in, and the urgency for him to set up his family’s wealth for future generations, even if it means putting himself in dangerous situations. I love how the color pops in the set designs, but that’s nothing new for director Wes Anderson.” See his full review below.

The Phoenician Scheme By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

The Phoenician Scheme delivers great set designs, expressive performances, and a funny story that perfectly matches the tone. Some things about this Wes Anderson film surprised me.

The storyline follows wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) who appoints his only daughter, Liesl, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new business adventure to make his family’s fortune, he becomes a target for scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins. During their travels, father and daughter meet a string of eccentric investors — played by Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch — as they try to secure their family’s legacy.

The film starts off with bang, immediately setting you into the situation Korda is currently in, and the urgency for him to set up his family’s wealth for future generations, even if it means putting himself in dangerous situations. I love how the color pops in the set designs, but that’s nothing new for director Wes Anderson. Now the humor and, whether it is funny, will vary from person to person — in my theater everyone laughed a lot, but I personally didn’t find the film to be all that funny. Mia Threapleton is quite funny in her role as Liesl and Michael Cera definitely is humorous as Bjorn, mainly for his dynamic with the nun. Reagen (Bryan Cranston) was very enjoyable in his small basketball scene, but even with all these positives there were some negatives. The film starts to feel like a slog as you wait for the next thing to happen, especially because of how the film is edited. It builds up to one major event which lasts give minutes perhaps. As a viewer I found these events unsatisfying compared to what I anticipated. I also felt the film a bit soulless, not so much the cinematography, acting or set design, but in the story aspect itself, which I found to be just like other Wes Anderson films. If you are a Wes Anderson fan you will enjoy this, but even if you are not, I think you will find it interesting.

The film addresses the pursuit of wealth and what it can do to you, as well as what you have to sacrifice in order to achieve wealth for the long term. We see this by Korda’s focus on money.

I give The Phoenician Scheme 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on June 6, 2025.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, defies centuries of traditional dragon-fighting practice when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Madeleine H.K. comments, “This film grabbed my attention and held it from the get go – the action and suspense of the battle scenes, the trials of flight and the intense training to be dragon slayer are all intense.” Charlotte L. adds, “I enjoyed this remake of the original movie into a live-action version, turning the animated characters into live action characters.” Emma O. adds, “How to train Your Dragon reminds us to be true to ourselves, to build friendships through discovery and that first impressions are not always what they seem.” Selene W. adds, “For those of us who already love the characters in this epic adventure, I am pleased that the live action version is faithful to the original…” Eva M. adds, “The film’s message is about empathy, courage, and challenging the ideas we are taught.” Ruhi K. wraps it up with, “How To Train Your Dragon is a rip-roaring fantasy film packed with intricate special effects, a powerful musical score, and plenty of emotion.” See their full reviews below.

How to Train Your Dragon

By Madeleine H. K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love the new, live action How to Train Your Dragon. It is funny and action packed. This film made me sit on the edge of my seat while making me laugh.

How to Train Your Dragon is centered around a Viking boy named Hiccup (Mason Thames ) who wants to fit in with the others and go through training so he can help his village kill the dragons that attack them. When Hiccup is finally allowed to go through training he is just trying to survive the ordeal along with his classmates. At the same time, he is keeping his secret of the dragon, which he found and rescued in the woods, safe and hidden from the dragon slayers. This rescue includes inventing and building devices to befriend the dragon and learning to fly it.

This film grabbed my attention and held it from the get go – the action and suspense of the battle scenes, the trials of flight and the intense training to be dragon slayer are all intense.  Every character is lovable, from Hiccup, who is just the right amount of dorky and funny, to Astrid (Nico Parker), who is a total girl boss and one hundred percent ready to fight anyone that prevents her from becoming number one. The supporting characters all have endearing qualities such as Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), who knows every fact and detail about dragons and can’t wait to share it all — even if it means his hair is burnt-off; to the twins, Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) and Ruffnut (Bronwen James), who boast more than they should and constantly bicker.  The eternal approval-seeking Snotlought (Gabriel Howell) strives for his father’s attention, as well as, winning over Astrid to numerous hilarious outcomes. The chief Viking (Gerard Butler) portrays the protective, yet disappointed dad of Hiccup and the fierce leader of the Viking tribe. The landscapes are incredible and no detail is missed from the straw roofs of the village houses to the cove where Hiccup befriends and trains the dragon he names Toothless. The rustic, yet beautiful costumes, feature soft animal pelts, smooth leathers and detailed horned metal helmets.  The music kept my heart thumping with its sharp crescendos and beats that signal action; every note enhances the film, especially the battle scenes. The CGI in this movie is amazing — you can see each and every scale that seems to reflect the light off the dragons along with every stroke of the color of toothless iris.

How to Train Your Dragon sends a message of peace and kindness to all living creatures; we are not our history and, with a little understanding, we can make friends with the fiercest beasts. Be aware that the film has bright lights, jump scares and loud sounds that may be overwhelming to some people

I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. How to Train Your Dragon releases in theaters June 13, 2025.

How to Train Your Dragon

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

I like this live action re-adaptation of the original How to Train Your Dragon and how it combines action and humor.

The storyline follows a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who has always felt out of place. At first he wants to join the fight against the Vikings and the dragons, until he captures one of the deadliest dragons, a Night Fury, and finds he can’t kill it. He names the dragon Toothless and bonds with it, realizing that he has to stop this feud against the dragons and the Vikings.

I enjoyed this remake of the original movie into a live-action version, turning the animated characters into live action characters. They kept all the important parts of the story and only slightly changed things to accommodate the live action format. There are beautiful landscape shots – my favorite is a view from the sky watching Hiccup ride Toothless. The flying is so realistic looking. Hiccup is competing in a dragon training competition while the main plot takes place. His competitors, Astrid (Nico Parker), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James), Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell) and Fishlegs (Julian Dennsion) bring humor to the film, and also provide action scenes for our enjoyment. They look down on Hiccup and are shocked when he performs so well, in a comedic and arrogant way. The costumes are also detailed and realistic looking. The characters look like true Vikings with fur clothes, Viking helmets, and weapons strapped all over.

The film’s message is that, even when you’re looked down on by others, you can still make a huge difference in their lives.

I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters on June 13, 2025.

How to Train Your Dragon

Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Animation comes to life in this remake of How to Train Your Dragon. I loved revisiting this story. This was a favorite of mine on its initial release as an animated feature, and Director Dean DeBlois crafts a renewed magical experience in this live action version.  Filled with visual imagery and character reenactment, this film refreshes the world of dragons for everyone.

How to Train Your Dragon is set on the mythical isle of Berk. For ages, this village of Vikings has battled dragons to sustain life. When a young man, Hiccup (Mason Thames) struggles to contribute to this life of dragon slaying, he discovers his own purpose and talents through an unexpected bond with a dragon named Toothless. The friendship forges a path to a new way of life for the entire community.

I love how this film keeps the original storyline and brings the animated characters to life through amazing videography and costume design. The comic characters of Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyon) and Snotlout (Gabriel Howell) are so well cast; it’s like they emerged from the animated film in human form. The imagery when Toothless flies over mountains and dramatically plummets and twirls through the air made me feel as if I was riding the dragon myself. The heartfelt bonding moments between Toothless and Hiccup are created through imagery and sound – we hear the growls and groans of Toothless as he expresses himself. The groans and facial expression show us how trust and friendship forms. Sound creates amazing moments throughout the film. One can hear the wisp of the dragon tail opening to the flap of a dragon wing in flight. Sound creates a space that suspends reality in this mystical space. Actor Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, gets a special shoutout for interacting with Toothless, the mythical creature who isn’t there. That’s acting!

How to train Your Dragon reminds us to be true to ourselves, to build friendships through discovery and that first impressions are not always what they seem. Parents should be aware there are motion sensory segments, flashes, and explosive noises.

I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus parents. How to Train Your Dragon releases in theatres June 13, 2025.

How to Train Your Dragon

By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

How to Train Your Dragon is the must-see family film of this summer as it not only enchants but SOARS across the big screen!  For those of us who already love the characters in this epic adventure, I am pleased that the live action version is faithful to the original and does not try to re-imagine this world or story.  Not only will this film thrill existing fans but it is a wondrous introduction to a brand new family audience who will want to explore the isle of Berk again and again.

How to Train Your Dragon is a story about a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who lives on an island but doesn’t fit the ideals of his Viking village.  He is the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) and he desperately wants his father’s attention and approval as well as inclusion among his peers in village society.  Berk has been in a war of survival against the dragons for centuries; and Hiccup defies tradition when, after injuring a dragon, he chooses not to kill it, but rather to heal the terrifying Night Fury dragon he names Toothless.  Their developing friendship and undeniable bond highlights their strength when they work together.   Through their teamwork, Hiccup and Toothless are able to forge a strengthened alliance and future for the Vikings and dragons.

The isle of Berk and the cast of characters richly come to life under the guidance of Dean DeBlois who is the writer, director and an executive producer of this film.  The immersive quality and visual effects in this film are as important as any of the characters.  The cast is notably talented and the story has many delightful characters and humorous situations.  In particular, Gerard Butler, who reprises his voice role from the animated film and really embodies the Viking village culture — I enjoyed his performance immensely.  My favorite character, Astrid (Nico Parker), is fierce, ambitious, and loyal and brings a new dimension to this important role. I have to mention the great performance of the village blacksmith, Gobber (Nick Frost), who is Hiccup’s mentor as he brings such humor, insight and compassion to his role.  Cinematographer Bill Pope brings this amazing world to life along with fantastic costume design, production design, sound, animation and, of course, the visual and special effects throughout the film.  I am thrilled that composer John Powell also reprised his role in creating the soundtrack for this live action adventure of How to Train Your Dragon. The film has an impressive website https://www.welcometoberk.com  that offers an amazing way to explore the isle of Berk and experience the immersive visuals.

The film’s message is that you shouldn’t pretend to be someone that you’re not.  Hiccup makes his journey of self-discovery through his bond with Toothless and together they come to learn that friendship can overcome many obstacles.  They both defy the expectations of their social norms and learn to challenge and change those norms together.  United they both accomplish things that would have been impossible alone.  Be aware that younger children might be frightened by some of the scenes.

I rate How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters June 13, 2025. Definitely don’t miss the opportunity to experience this epic adventure on the big screen.

How to Train Your Dragon

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

I absolutely love How to Train Your Dragon! It is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that drew me in from the start. This live-action remake takes the heart of the original story and builds on it with strong performances, breathtaking visuals, and a moving musical score. I especially love the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and how it shows the beauty of friendship and trust.

The story takes place in Berk, a Viking village where dragons are seen as dangerous enemies. Hiccup (Mason Thames), the chief’s son, is more thoughtful and inventive than the other Viking teens. When he injures a Night Fury dragon and decides to set it free instead of killing it, everything changes. He secretly builds a friendship with the dragon that he names Toothless, and soon begins to question everything his people believe about dragons.

What stands out most in this film is how real and emotional it feels. Mason Thames gives a heartfelt performance as Hiccup, capturing his awkwardness, intelligence, and bravery. Toothless is brought to life through amazing CGI and his expressions, movements, and personality make him feel like a real creature that I could easily empathize with. The connection between Hiccup and Toothless is powerful, and I felt no gap between the real people and the CGI world. Gerard Butler returns as Stoick, Hiccup’s father, and brings extra strength to the character. I could clearly see his emotions deepen and mature as the story progressed. Nico Parker plays Astrid with confidence and charms, making her feel like more than just a secondary character. The flying scenes are absolutely breathtaking, especially when paired with John Powell’s sweeping musical score. The visuals — shot in Northern Ireland — add to the epic, adventurous feeling of the story. One of my favorite scenes is Hiccup and Toothless’s first flight together. It’s magical, filled with wonder, and shows just how much they trust each other.

The film’s message is about empathy, courage, and challenging the ideas we are taught. It reminds us that, just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t that mean it’s right. The film promotes positive behavior and strong values without feeling overly intentional. There is some action and fighting, but nothing is too intense or inappropriate for kids.

I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on June 13, 2025. This is one movie you won’t want to miss!

How To Train Your Dragon
By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

How To Train Your Dragon is a rip-roaring fantasy film packed with intricate special effects, a powerful musical score, and plenty of emotion. Twice as thrilling as its animated predecessor, this movie is definitely worth the wait – it had me holding my breath and marveling at the breathtaking sets and scenery. 

The film follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young Viking eager to prove himself as a dragon fighter. In the midst of a brutal clash between the people of Berk and the dragons, Hiccup receives the chance of a lifetime – capturing a highly-coveted Night Fury named Toothless. But everything changes when he decides to free the dragon. Hiccup soon finds himself deeply conflicted, forced to choose between staying loyal to his family and saving his new friend.

Among the most commendable components of this film are the sets. They are beautifully constructed and bring immense artistic value to the film. For the most part, the set designers have stayed true to the original animated film, and I adored seeing the beloved town of Berk come to life. The cinematography, which involves quite a bit of motion, comes together with the already-magnificent scenery of Ireland and a moving musical score to produce a masterpiece of fantasy cinema. The precision of the casting by Lucy Bevan is also worth mentioning. Most of the actors, such as Mason Thames, Harry Trevaldwyn and Gabriel Howell, bear a striking resemblance to the animated characters they portray. Additionally, Bevan has cast actors who look almost exactly like older versions of the leads to play their parents. Especially notable are the parents of Astrid (Nico Parker) and Snotlout (Gabriel Howell). All the actors in the film flawlessly exhibit complex emotions and seem almost perfect for their roles, reflecting great casting. Mason Thames’s acting is phenomenal as Hiccup who is an unusually multi-layered character for a children’s film, struggling with the death of his mother, the desire to please a girl who dislikes him, and his wish to impress his father which conflicts with what he believes is the right thing to do. I appreciate Thames’s grace in acknowledging all aspects of his character and his ability to display Hiccup’s growth throughout the film. 

How To Train Your Dragon is a reminder that we aren’t defined by what other people think of us. Your destiny belongs to you and can’t be dictated by anyone else. Hiccup’s journey demonstrates the importance of following your instincts, doing the right thing and staying true to what you believe. Following your moral compass, even when it could lead to personal loss, like Hiccup does by saving Toothless, will lead you right where you need to be. 

I give How To Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The movie comes to theaters on June 13, 2025.  TRAILER: