Archives for 2025

In the new film, Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan) to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco. But when Gabby’s dollhouse, her most prized possession, ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera (Kristen Wiig), Gabby sets off on an adventure through the real world to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it’s too late.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is everything a cat lover can hope for! The bittersweet message it carries, which can appeal to every generation, is complemented by plenty of glitter, make-believe fun with the Gabby Cats, and the sprinkle parties audiences know and love. Kennedy P. adds, “From the very first scene, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie pulls you into a world of glitter, music, and magic. It is colorful, fun, and filled with surprises that kept me smiling the whole time. This movie is pure joy from beginning to end.” Zoey F. wraps it up with, “I like how this is a very interactive movie for the audience with the actors often turning to the screen and asking the audience to repeat a phrase or sing along. Children watching this movie will learn new words, songs, and more.” See their full reviews below.

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is everything a cat lover can hope for! The bittersweet message it carries, which can appeal to every generation, is complemented by plenty of glitter, make-believe fun with the Gabby Cats, and the sprinkle parties audiences know and love.

The film, a combination of animation and live-action, follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and the Gabby-Cats all the way to Gigi’s (Gloria Estefan) home in Cat Francisco. Gabby is ready to have some fun in her brand-new crafting room, but the dollhouse has other plans for her. When it ends up in the hands of a strange cat-loving collector, Vera (Kristen Wiig), Gabby and Pandy (Logan Bailey) must venture into the belly of the beast to save their friends.

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a cup of fun, a teaspoon of glitter and a sprinkle of nostalgia. The film’s creators incorporate fun moments of music and dancing with more serious moments of reflection, a balance that brings truth to Gabby’s journey. This element of relatability, combined with the sincerity of Kraner’s performance, allows the audience to connect with Gabby on a deeper level than ever before. Trendy, upbeat pop music, such as ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.,” keeps the film current and encourages older viewers to join the party. Additionally, the set design is breathtaking. The environments that each of the Gabby Cats discover at Vera’s mansion, such as MerCat’s underwater realm, are colorful, intricate and include just the right amount of glitter. Kitty Fairy’s garden kingdom is especially outstanding, built inside a striking violet geode surrounded by peaceful plants and tiny waterfalls. Another one I love is the candy-covered snow kingdom, which features fun details like a rainbow-stripe river and towers of cookies. A final aspect worth mentioning is the character development of the antagonists. While Vera and her former cat, Chumsley (Jason Mantzoukas) are initially portrayed as villains, the writers allow both characters to leave that behind. The source of their problems is displayed through flashbacks, evoking sympathy, and I found myself rooting for them just as much as I was for Gabby. Watching the antagonists rediscover fun and get their happy ending reinforces the message everyone deserves happiness.

This film is a reminder that growing up doesn’t have to mean giving up everything that brought you happiness as a child. Some things–like friendship–are forever. Playing make-believe was the way we learned, connected with each other, and made sense of the world when we were little, and all of that is important to keep doing, no matter how old we get. It’s easy to forget when we have so much going on in our lives, but it’s never too late to get your sparkle on!

I give Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12. The film will be released in theaters September 26, 2025.

Gabby’s Dollhouse The Movie
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, Age 11

From the very first scene, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie pulls you into a world of glitter, music, and magic. It is colorful, fun, and filled with surprises that kept me smiling the whole time. This movie is pure joy from beginning to end.

The story follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart) and her lovable cat friends as they set off on a big adventure inside the dollhouse. When a new challenge arises, they must work together, solve problems, and use creativity to bring back the fun. Along the way, they discover the true meaning of friendship and teamwork while keeping the playful spirit the series is known for.

The characters are just as delightful as ever—Gabby, Pandy Paws (Tucker Chandler), Cakey (Juliet Donenfeld), DJ Catnip (Eduardo Franco), and all the fan favorites shine on the big screen. Laila Lockhart wonderfully brings Gabby to life, while Gloria Estefan adds warmth and heart as Grandma. Kristen Wiig is hilarious and mischievous as Vera, the cat lady villain, adding a fun twist to the story. The voice actors make each character feel real and lovable, and the animation is bright, detailed, and magical, creating a world that feels alive and exciting for kids and families alike.

At its heart, this film shares an inspiring message – even small challenges can be overcome with kindness, imagination, and teamwork. It reminds viewers that, when you believe in yourself and support your friends, anything is possible. Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie isn’t just entertaining—it’s uplifting, leaving audiences with a big smile and a hopeful heart.

I give Gabby’s Dollhouse The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.  It will be released in theaters Friday, September 26, 2025. 

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I enjoyed watching Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. It gives a good message to kids and is great for learning. Mostly this is a solid kid’s movie but I did have some issues with some of the characters’ behaviors.

The plot follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner), a girl who loves to play and she especially treasures the dollhouse that Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan) made for her; it is her most prized possession. When the dollhouse falls into the hands of a peculiar, eccentric cat lady, Vera (Kristen Wiig), Gabby is determined to get her dollhouse back and save her Gabby cats.

I like how this is a very interactive movie for the audience with the actors often turning to the screen and asking the audience to repeat a phrase or sing along. Children watching this movie will learn new words, songs, and more.  I did not particularly enjoy the character development and how certain ideas are portrayed. Some of the characters’ decisions seem too spontaneous and unrealistic for how people actually handle change. Chumsley (Jason Mantzoukas) is extremely rude to Gabby which seems to come out of nowhere and he never apologizes for his actions. Chumsley insults Gabby and kicks her out of her own dollhouse. This type of behavior goes against what is okay and what isn’t. On the other hand, when Vera realizes that she has been a bad friend to Chumsley, she apologizes and they make up. As much as I enjoyed the film, I felt that many characters seem unfinished and the movie tries to include too many plot lines and too many characters. It feels quite overstimulating at times. Although this is a kids’ movie, I believe that adults will also enjoy watching it mostly because of the character Vera. She is a very odd and a genuinely funny character. Vera’s conversations and yoga sessions with her cat are hilarious. She is such a fun character and Kristen Wiig really goes all out in portraying her.

I love the film’s message, which is to stay young and playful as long as you can. It not only teaches kids to appreciate their toys; it teaches us that playing is normal and fun. Vera, the eccentric cat lady, has sworn off all sorts of play ever since she grew up. It’s great watching her develop into someone who is more accepting of fun and play. It also reminds us of limitations and how going too far with play can result in chaos. Please be advised that Gabby’s Dollhouse includes many loud sounds and bright flashes which may be overstimulating to sensitive eyes. 

I give Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. It opens in theaters on September 26, 2025.

Inspired by Paris Hilton and her real-life pets, Paris & Pups follows a 12-year-old girl and her five adorable pups sharing exciting adventures from their luxurious penthouse home, as they spread joy and kindness throughout their community. Join Paris Star and her pup-filled Sweetie Squad on some glitterally glamazing adventures at the Fabuluxe Hotel. This animated digital series celebrates the bond between Paris Star – a fictional tween inspired by Paris Hilton – and her five fabulous pups, the Sweetie Squad.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “Paris & Pups is a sparkly, stylish, and heartwarming new animated show that mixes fun adventures with meaningful lessons. Inspired by Paris Hilton and her real-life pets, the series is designed for kids and families, spreading positivity while serving plenty of glitz and glam… The show’s message is uplifting, highlighting teamwork, responsibility, and generosity while showing kids that they can make a difference in their own communities.” See her full review and interview with Ms. Hilton below.

Paris & Pups
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Paris & Pups is a sparkly, stylish, and heartwarming new animated show that mixes fun adventures with meaningful lessons. Inspired by Paris Hilton and her real-life pets, the series is designed for kids and families, spreading positivity while serving plenty of glitz and glam.

The story follows Paris Star, a 12-year-old girl who lives in the penthouse of The Fabuluxe Hotel with her five fabulous pups. Together, they go on imaginative adventures, meeting people in their community and finding ways to spread joy and kindness. Whether it’s helping a neighbor in need or solving small mysteries, Paris and her pups show that being fabulous means being compassionate as well.

What I enjoyed most about Paris & Pups is how it balances dazzling luxury with genuine kindness. The show doesn’t just focus on fabulous penthouse living, it emphasizes friendship, creativity, and helping others. Each episode is colorful, full of energy, and radiates good vibes that made me smile. The characters are vibrant and fun to watch. Paris Star is confident and relatable, with a voice that feels encouraging to young viewers. Each pup has a unique personality that brings humor and excitement to the team. The animation style is bright and stylish, capturing the “luxury-meets-kindness” theme perfectly. My favorite part is watching how the pups solve problems in clever, funny ways that I believe kids will find both entertaining and easy to understand.

The show’s message is uplifting — kindness never goes out of style. It highlights teamwork, responsibility, and generosity while showing kids that they can make a difference in their own communities. There is no inappropriate content, and it promotes positive social behavior in every episode.

I give Paris & Pups 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Episodes premiere on YouTube starting September 23, with four episodes released the first week.

Two orphaned sisters navigate a town full of people torn straight from fantasy and fairy tales, confronting heroes and villains alike, while investigating the mystery of their missing parents. “The Sisters Grimm” blends discovery, fantasy and adventure to deliver important lessons for all ages.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic IvyJoy C. comments, “I love The Sisters Grimm, because of the subtle romance and excitement. I will definitely be looking forward to the second season…Hats off to Michael Buckley for an incredible book, which this is based on. The plot is complex and compelling enough to hold the interest of older kids, yet simple and fun enough to capture and hold the interest of younger kids as well.” Ari C. adds, “The graphics are amazing. They perfectly capture the facial expressions of the characters and give insight into their nature. You can see the amount of effort put into creating the backgrounds, because everything looks so real. The storyline is fantastic and I love all the twists and turns. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat and looking forward to seeing a second season. I like how every episode ends on a cliffhanger, making you feel the need to watch more.”  See their full reviews below.

The Sisters Grimm
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I love The Sisters Grimm, because of the subtle romance and excitement. I will definitely be looking forward to the second season.

This series is about two orphaned sisters named Sabrina Grimm (Ariel Winter), and Daphne Grimm (Leah Newman).  After being shipped off to live with their “alleged grandmother” as Sabrina puts it, they discover that all of our favorite fairy tales are real. At first Sabrina does not believe her grandma when she tells her that fairy tales are real, but when she and her sister witness their granny get taken by a giant she finally believes. With the help of the fairy prince, Puck (Billy Harris), the man in the mirror (Harry Trevaldwyn), and Mayor Charming (Aboubakar Salim), they get her back, but there are still mysteries to be unlocked.

It is unclear whether Puck and Sabrina will be a couple in the future or if it’s just awkward because of the whole bad boy act Puck does,  but I would guess that we eventually see them as a couple. The action scenes definitely kept me on my toes. When the series ended I found myself anxious to see more. It has everything I love in a TV series with just the right amount of awkward, subtle romantic hints, fighting scenes and tragic moments. Kudos to Ariel Winter for really capturing the classic stubborn orphan kid who needs to take care of both herself and her younger sister. Plus, even though he refuses to believe it, Puck does remind me of Peter Pan. 

Hats off to Michael Buckley for an incredible book, which this is based on. The plot is complex and compelling enough to hold the interest of older kids, yet simple and fun enough to capture and hold the interest of younger kids as well. My favorite part is when Mayor Charming is dazed and he asks Snow White to kiss him. Honestly, it is really funny. 

The show’s message is to not always see the worst in people, but don’t put all your trust in them either. Take note that there is violence shown, but nothing too extreme.

I give The Sisters Grimm 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Apple TV+ on October 3, 2025.

The Sisters Grimm
By Ari C, KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13

I absolutely love The Sisters Grimm. It has amazing graphics and a fantastic storyline. I must also comment on the great voice acting, because the voices perfectly match the characters.

The Sisters Grimm is a six-episode series about two orphaned girls whose parents mysteriously go missing – Sabrina and Daphne Grimm (Ariel Winter and Leah Newman) are direct descendants of the Brothers Grimm. Sabrina and Daphne are moved to their grandma’s house in a mysterious town, filled with fairytale characters, like Prince Charming (Abubakar Salim) and Puck (Billy Harris). As they go around the city, a giant steals their grandparents. The Grimm sisters must save their grandparents and find out what happened to their parents.

The graphics are amazing. They perfectly capture the facial expressions of the characters and give insight into their nature. You can see the amount of effort put into creating the backgrounds, because everything looks so real. The storyline is fantastic and I love all the twists and turns. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat and looking forward to seeing a second season. I like how every episode ends on a cliffhanger, making you feel the need to watch more. In six episodes they have you rooting for the heroes. The characters have great chemistry between them and feel very real. Ariel Winters and Leah Newman stand out as they perfectly capture the emotions of two little girls who have lost their parents. I love the way Ariel Winters and Billy Harris work together, they show Sabrina and Puck’s relationship quite well. My favorite part is when Puck comes in with a barrage of fairies and saves the day. I even found myself shocked at some points.

This show’s message is about the importance of family and friendship; it also reminds us not to lose ourselves in greed. Be forewarned that this series does have some mild violence but nothing too harsh.

I give The Sisters Grimm 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18 plus adults. You can find it on Apple TV+ beginning October 3, 2025.

Scott’s move to a new town becomes a heart-pounding adventure when he accepts a dare to camp in the Shaggy Creek woods. Armed with his fearless friend Hailey, he must confront the legend of a terrifying Bigfoot creature lurking in the shadows.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a suspenseful, heartfelt movie with an incredible message about fear. It has great unpredictable twists along with amazing performances from the whole cast that allow for a scary and thoughtful film.” Junior R. adds, “The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is not just another movie about a legendary creature, it is so much more. This movie is part mystery, with a heartwarming twist, and a side of totally awesome. I loved every minute!” Ari C. adds, “Kudos to Jesse Edwards for writing and directing this film and to Hudson Hensley for perfectly portraying his character, Scott. He really captures the emotions of a sad kid who has just moved to a new state and his character’s progression is amazing. He and Ayla Bullington, who plays Hailey, complement each other nicely.” Jackson N. adds, “The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a fresh and spooky new twist on the legendary story of Bigfoot. This movie mixes mystery, suspense, and just the right amount of creepiness to get you in the mood for Halloween. At its heart, it’s about learning to face your fears, even when you’d rather run the other way.” See their full reviews below.

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek
By Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The story follows Scott (Hudson Hensley), who moves to a new town for his mom’s (Allee Sutton Hethcoat) job, leaving everyone he knew behind without a word. When he moves, he’s told that the woods behind his house have a Wildman living there that attacks children who enter, and he soon is forced to see if the tale is real.

The cinematography in this movie is immaculate, not only does it support the feeling of suspense, but also, everything looks gorgeous. The shots in the woods are breathtaking; however, they also add to the eerie feeling that something is watching Scott. I especially enjoyed how the camera moves alongside Scott as he runs. Another technical aspect that adds to the eerie feeling is the sound design. The more the movie shows the woods, the more sounds of the Wildman are heard, increasing the fear that something is there. The acting is exceptional, especially Hudson Hensley and Allee Sutton Hethcoat as Scott and Charlotte. Hensley perfectly encapsulates what it’s like for a child to move, and I found myself understanding where he was coming from. Hethcoat had me fully convinced she loved her child more than anything else. These performances contributed to a heartwarming and emotional experience for me. The screenplay is very well written and perfectly blends the fear of leaving with finding a monster together. These overlapping themes add so much to Scott’s character arc and it is very satisfying to watch the story unfold.

The film’s message is to not let fear ruin your relationships with the people that you care about, no matter how scared you are. Be forewarned that there are some intense scenes and horror elements throughout the film, along with depictions of bullying.

I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 12. The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is available for online screening now including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home.

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek

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

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is not just another movie about a legendary creature, it is so much more. This movie is part mystery, with a heartwarming twist, and a side of totally awesome. I loved every minute!

The storyline follows Scott (Hudson Hensley), a new kid in town, who hears a creepy local legend – that the Wildman, a Bigfoot-like creature, lives in the woods and eats kids who get too close. When some older kids dare him to camp out overnight in the Shaggy Creek woods, Scott decides to do it to prove he’s not scared. His friend Hailey (Ayla Bullington) goes with him, and what starts as a joke quickly turns into something much scarier.  What Scott and Hailey discover changes their friendship forever.

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is positive, respectful, and uplifting.  It is adventurous and a tiny bit spooky all thanks to director Jesse Edwards.  Hudson Hensley, as Scott, is great – he’s funny and relatable, and when he’s scared, you can really feel it. Hailey is smart, brave, and downright hilarious! She’s definitely the brains behind most of their plans. Hailey’s older brother, Zach (Brycen Patterson) plays the mean bully impeccably.  The foggy woods look like a real supernatural and eerie place. The awesome lighting and the low, spooky music that builds tension are the perfect combination for the epic jump scare. My favorite part is the scene where Scott and Hailey set up lanterns and bells in the trees to trap the creature; it is mysterious and exhilarating.  You’ll have to watch to see if their trap works!

The film’s message is about courage, bravery, and friendship.  Scott learns that change can be scary but also exciting, and sometimes it helps you grow and become braver. Accepting change means being open to new experiences and challenges, even if they seem strange at first.  It also shows how working together and trusting your gut can help you solve problems. There’s nothing inappropriate in it; just some jump scares that are fun, and not too terrifying.

I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is available for online screening now including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home.

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I absolutely love The Wildman of Shaggy Creek. It has amazing acting, a warm storyline, relatable characters, and music that perfectly match the mood.

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a heart-warming story about a boy named Scott (Hudson Hensley) who must move to a new home in Tennessee. Scott’s new house is right in front of a mysterious forest. This forest, according to legend, is home to a Sasquatch-like creature known as the Wildman of Shaggy Creek who is said to eat children. After being pressured by his bully, Zach (Bryson Patterson), Scott spends a night in the woods accompanied by his friend, Hailey (Ayla Bullington). Throughout the story, Scott must deal with finding the courage to talk to his friends, adjusting to his new home, and most of all, navigating the forest and the infamous Wildman.

Kudos to Jesse Edwards for writing and directing this film and to Hudson Hensley for perfectly portraying his character, Scott. He really captures the emotions of a sad kid who has just moved to a new state and his character’s progression is amazing. He and Ayla Bullington, who plays Hailey, complement each other nicely. It’s incredible watching them work together; they just click. I also love the way Bryson Patterson and Hudson Hensley work together – they perfectly show the rivalry between their characters and how their relationship grows over time. While the film has some characteristics of a horror story, it’s a warm-hearted story about family and friendship that makes you feel happy. Jose Skertchly perfectly matches the music to the mood throughout the film. Screenwriter Jesse Edwards has created characters that feel so real and are easy for viewers to connect to. My favorite part is when Scott and Hailey see something in the woods thinking it’s just Zach in a costume, but it’s actually the infamous monster.

The film’s message is about the importance of family and friendship and a reminder that things aren’t always as they appear. Note that this film does have a few scary moments, but nothing too extreme.

I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is available for online screening now including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home.

The Wildman Of Shaggy Creek
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a fresh and spooky new twist on the legendary story of Bigfoot. This movie mixes mystery, suspense, and just the right amount of creepiness to get you in the mood for Halloween. At its heart, it’s about learning to face your fears, even when you’d rather run the other way. With some talented rising actors and a plot full of surprises, this film offers a fun ride for kids and families who like stories that blend adventure with a little bit of fright.

The story takes place in a cozy suburban neighborhood where a new family is moving in. Like many families, they have their ups and downs—missing their moving truck and struggling to adjust—but it’s their son, Scott (Hudson Hensley), who has the hardest time. He feels uprooted from his old life and friends, and he’s not excited about starting over. Things get even stranger when he notices a shadowy figure in the woods behind his house. Is it just a neighborhood bully messing with him, or could it actually be the Wildman of Shaggy Creek, a creature people whisper about but no one has ever truly proven exists? Scott’s curiosity pushes him to explore, even though he’s scared, and this leads to some suspenseful and exciting moments.

If I had to pick one quote to encapsulate this film, it’s when Scott is in the car and his mom (Alee Sutton Hethcoat) says how happy she is that he has some new friends. Scott responds with, “I liked the friends I had.” This perfectly shows the way he feels like he is being pushed into a new life that he didn’t ask for. It makes Scott’s character relatable, especially for kids who have had to move or start at a new school. He feels stuck, angry, and honestly, can you blame him? The suspense is handled well for the most part, with eerie sounds, mysterious shadows, and lots of moments where you wonder what’s about to happen. However, some scenes feel a little forced, like the filmmakers were trying too hard to build tension by keeping things hidden for too long. Also, the school set looks a bit unrealistic because there aren’t enough students or cars to make it feel like a real place. These small issues don’t ruin the story, but they do stand out.

The main message of The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is clear – you can’t live your life fully unless you face your fears. Along the way, the film also explores friendship, homesickness, and the courage it takes to start fresh in a new place. Parents should know that the movie is kid and family friendly, but it does include suspenseful moments and loud roaring sounds that might startle very young viewers.

I give The Wildman of Shaggy Creek 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. You can watch it on select streaming services including Apple TV, Plex, and Fandango at Home now.