Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, proudly reintroduces his heartfelt family film What If…. Still popular after its release 15 years ago, this faith-filled classic was inspired by Dallas Jenkins’s favorite film, It’s a Wonderful Life and follows Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), a businessman who abandoned his faith. One day, Ben wakes up living the life he was destined for — married to his college sweetheart (Kristy Swanson) and serving as a small-town pastor. Featuring memorable performances by John Ratzenberger and Debby Ryan, the film blends humor, heart, and powerful family themes. To mark its 15th anniversary, Jenkins reunites with Sorbo, Swanson, Ratzenberger, and producer Michael Scott to reflect on its lasting impact in a special feature shown after the film. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience What If’s inspiring message on the big screen, inviting audiences to reflect on their own “what if” moments and find hope through faith.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, “What If… is everything you would want in a faith-based family movie.  A wholesome story, relatable characters, and familiar issues make it clear that, even though this film was released in 2010, it is relevant to our lives today.” Jude A. adds, “I like What If … because of its faith-based storyline, the bond of love and nature, the blends of humor, a heartfelt relationship, and a powerful family theme.” See their full reviews and interview with lead, Kevin Sorbo, below. 

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

What If… is everything you would want in a faith-based family movie.  A wholesome story, relatable characters, and familiar issues make it clear that, even though this film was released in 2010, it is relevant to our lives today.

The storylinetells the tale of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo) who has lived the wildly successful life of a business executive. He loves his life, or seems to, until God and an angel named Mike (John Ratzenberger) decide to flip the script on Ben’s current situation. What follows is Ben’s chance to understand that money isn’t everything, and to catch a glimpse of what his life could have been if he had answered God’s call.

I love how wholesome everything is in this film — no hidden messaging or polarized viewpoints, just an honest, pure, family friendly movie.  Kevin Sorbo portrays all the different emotions of Ben Walker as his entire life is turned upside down, with laughable results.  From asking Mike the Angel about what just happened and what he is doing here, to learning how to become a father and husband, Ben has his hands full, and Kevin Sorbo delivers that beautifully. His new family made up of his wife Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and their two daughters Kimberly (Debby Ryan) and Megan (Taylor Groothuis) add to the chemistry and eventfulness of his newfound life. The contrasts between the big city of Ben’s old life and the small town of his new reality further strengthen the point that status isn’t always needed to be happy. My favorite part of this film is all of Ben’s interactions with Mike. This angel has a wonderful sense of humor, and he uses all of it on Ben by deflecting his accusations with kindness and laughter. Eventually, even Ben learns to enjoy his comments and puns.

This film’s message is to appreciate your second chances. Before Ben’s meeting with God and Mike, he was only interested in making money, and lots of it. Now that he’s been given a second chance to see the true meaning of life, and what he has been missing, he will never be the same man he was before.

I give What If… 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film returns to theaters for its 15^th anniversary on August 5 and 7, 2025 as special screenings via Fathom Events.

What If …
By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10 

I like What If … because of its faith-based storyline, the bond of love and nature, the blends of humor, a heartfelt relationship, and a powerful family theme. 

The storyline is about a businessman who abandons his faith in exchange for worldly possessions. He gets a chance to see what his life would be like if he had followed his faith.  

I like how love is displayed in such a powerful way. I like that Ben (Kevin Sorbo) and Wendy’s (Kristy Swanson) love is unbreakable, and they stick together as one big happy family. I did not like how Ben was stubborn and rude with God and how he brags about himself – he comes across as too prideful and arrogant. I do like how he shows kindness to the receptionist in the hospital. The main characters are Ben Walker, Wendy, Kimberly (Debby Ryan), Megan (Taylor Groothuis), and Mike the angel (John Ratzenberger). Ben Walker is in an accident and wakes up in a dream and starts living the life he was destined for.  He marries a girl named Wendy and becomes a lead pastor at a small-town church.  There are many funny scenes, like one where the angel hits Ben too close to his eyes and then he teleports.  Also, at times Ben talks and no one understands what he says, not even his wife. This movie has a lot of sad moments – three scenes made me cry. The costumes are ok, although I did not like Mike’s old rusted costume, but I love Ben’s nice suit. I love the graphics because the quality is crisp although it’s an old movie. I like the office where he proposes, the house, especially the bedroom with the green decor. And lastly I like the church, when the congregation is speechless after Ben’s speech. I also love the music, but the audio has some issues. 

The film’s message is that you should always put God first in everything you do, no matter what, whether you are rich or poor, wise or fool; you should always follow the plan and the purpose that God has predestined for you. 

I give What If… 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film

returns to theaters for its 15^th anniversary on August 5 and 7, 2025, via Fathom Events. 

Trailer:

A young boy and friends, with the help of his grandfather who served in World War II, his loyal friends, and his love of history, takes on the neighborhood bully and learns the importance of teamwork, family, and friendship.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harper B. comments, “This film is fantastic; I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. Operation Friendship is a wonderful film about two enemies becoming friends. Having friends is important but making them is even more important.” Jude A. adds, “I like Operation Friendship because of its faith-based storyline, the honoring of soldiers, and the action-packed thrill. I also like it because of the grandpa who is funny and repeats things over and over. The film’s message is that you should always stand up for what you believe in, no matter what. Somehow, God will cause the right people to come your way to lend a helping hand to defeat your enemies.” See their full reviews below.

Operation Friendship

By Harper B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Operation Friendship is a wonderful film about two enemies becoming friends. Having friends is important but making them is even more important.

Operation Friendship is about a boy, Chaz Smith (Izaak Bellis), who loves to play with toy army men. Chaz gets bullied by Jimmy Roland (Grayson Stalcup) and challenges him to an army soldier battle; the community supports Chaz. Even the teacher, Miss Mullens (Kera O’Bryon) gives Chaz her nephew’s old toys and she comes to referee.

This film is fantastic; I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. The costumes are realistic, while none stand out. My favorite character is Phoebe (Gabriella Dillenback) because she doesn’t mind hanging out with all boys if she gets the opportunity to support her friends. The scene that really stuck to me is when Chaz’s dad (James Arnold Taylor) and grandpa (Vincent Dantone) reveal their surprise to prove that they are really on Chaz’s side. My least favorite scene is when Chaz has a nightmare because it seems unnecessary. The actors’ performances are magnificent. They are in character throughout the film. The grandpa’s acting of Grandpa especially stands out because he can be fun or funny but also has the ability to talk seriously with Chaz, his grandson. Grandpa, dad, and Chaz have a very special relationship. We see this at the beginning of the film when the mom, Lisa Smith (Libby Smallbone) goes to the spa and the boys go have fun together. The background music is superb, especially during the battle scene. It truly adds drama and depth to the plot. The character’s facial expressions also add depth and drama to the plot. I truly enjoyed this film because it surprised me.

The film’s message is that when people team up and help others you can make everyone happy. The students in Chaz’s class give some of their troops to Chaz. This shows that when everyone pitches in, it can make a difference. It also teaches us about the meaning of friendship and how it can be found in the most bizarre places.

I give Operation Friendship 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on It releases on VOD and streaming on August 12, 2025.  

Operation Friendship

By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I like Operation Friendship because of its faith-based storyline, the honoring of soldiers, and the action-packed thrill. I also like it because of the grandpa who is funny and repeats things over and over. 

The storyline is about a young boy named Chaz and his loyal friends who want to beat up Jimmy (Grayson Stalcup) because he always bullies his friends.

The main characters are Chaz Smith (Izaak Bellis) and Phoebe (Gabriella Dillenback). I like how Chaz and his grandpa always play with toy army men and how, in the morning, grandpa blows a trumpet to wake Chaz up. I also like that, with the help of his grandfather who served in World War II, and his loyal friends they were able to take the neighborhood bully down. I was confused about exactly what the story is about. Another thing I don’t like is the dream, which I found a bit disturbing. In spite of all his challenges, I like how Chaz stands up for what he believes. It seems that Chaz’s friends criticize Phoebe a lot, which I didn’t care for. I like how the camera zooms in on the dirt to make it look like a real battle field. The photography is pretty good, especially the shots with the background scenery. The graphics stand out because they are good crisp.

The film’s message is that you should always stand up for what you believe in, no matter what. Somehow, God will cause the right people to come your way to lend a helping hand to defeat your enemies. The film also reminds us about the importance of teamwork, family, and friendship.

I give Operating Friendship 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on VOD and streaming on August 12, 2025.

Trailer:

Following a plucky protagonist, who faces challenges with wry humor and surprising nuggets of wisdom and maturity, the story is sprinkled with insightful moments into Lenny’s emotional state as he manages his grief, allowing readers to see reflections of their own hardships. By highlighting the value of friends, family, and emotional transparency, Lenny’s story is a gentle reminder that vulnerability does not equate to weakness, and that building connections and asking for help are vital steps in paving the way for healing.

This uplifting novel about new schools, unexpected friendships, and overcoming loss is perfect for back-to-school reading as well as Social Emotional Learning for middle-grade readers!

I loved the characters and how unique they are! Highly recommend this one, and it is available now.

From Matthew Forsythe, the creator of the acclaimed and beloved Pokko and the Drum, comes a surprising and pleasing picture book about rules. And sharing. And an epic game of tic-tac-toe.
Aggie is very excited to live on her own—until she finds out her new house is haunted. But no fear, the situation is nothing that can’t be fixed with a carefully considered list of rules: No haunting after dark. No stealing socks. No eating all the food.
But the ghost doesn’t like playing by the rules and challenges Aggie to an epic game of tic-tac-toe—winner gets the house.

This is a fun and engaging book!

ABOUT THE CREATOR

Matthew Forsythe is the author-illustrator of Pokko and the Drum, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, a recipient of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book. He is also an illustrator for animated films and television. His credits include Adventure Time, The Midnight Gospel, and Robin Robin, a stop-motion animated musical from Aardman Animations and Netflix. He lives in Los Angeles. Visit him at ComingUpforAir.net.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A WISH by Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Sara Gillingham (ISBN: 9781949480382)

Jump into this lyrical and empowering picture book about the many ways children can make a wish and how they can make their wishes, even the tough ones, come true.

This is a delightful story that young children will love!

JUST ONE WAVE by Travis Jonker ( ISBN: 9781419773716)

A hilarious celebration of summertime, curiosity, and outdoor play in this companion to Just One Flake in which Liam realizes if he can’t find a wave, he’ll just have to make one himself. I read this with one of my youngest reviewers (she is 5) and she loved it! We couldn’t stop laughing.

IT’S BUSY DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY (BROWN BEAR WOOD) by Rachel Piercy and illustrated by Freya Hartas ( ISBN: 9781419777004)

Enter the charming world of Brown Bear Wood and discover how the animals spend their days while searching for over 100 hidden things. It is sure to hold the attention of young readers and create an immersive, cozy world that encourages them to step into imaginative play.

I love how engaging this book is for young children!

THE LUCKY DAY (SEASHELL KEY #3) by Lourdes Heuer and illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao (ISBN: 9781419767524)

Perfect for fans of Princess in Black and Mercy Watson, the third book in The Seashell Key series explores the adventures of a diverse community of kids living in a beautiful seaside town, filled with lots of spring fun.

LOST IN A BOOK by Chris Britt ( ISBN 9781949480542)

An interactive, playful picture book about getting lost in a book- literally! Two best friends, Chad and Oliver, take a leisurely stroll through a book, but when Oliver disappears, they soon find out that some books can be an adventure. This is a really entertaining book!

MARYA KHAN AND THE DISASTROUS CLASS PROJECT by Saadia Faruqi and illustrator Ani Bushry ( ISBN: 9781419774959)

Perfect for fans of Ivy & Bean and Stella Diaz, this charming chapter book series by the author of the successful Yasmin series follows a Pakistani American third-grader whose plans may backfire, but whose persistence and heart are inspiring.

KITTY CAMP by Drew Brockington ( ISBN: 9781419771965)

For cat lovers everywhere, this charming picture book is a laugh-out-loud twist on the classic fish-out-of-water tale in which a girl accidentally finds herself at a summer camp for kitties. If you have a child who loves cats, this book is a must-read!

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

This summer, celebrate the joy and magic of summer camp and the importance of preserving what you love. Charlie Brown loves camp and is determined to make his final year special, but Sally – a first-time camper – is nervous and skeptical of the new and unfamiliar place. While everyone settles into camp, Snoopy and Woodstock discover a treasure map that takes them on a wild adventure nearby. 

 One morning, the Peanuts gang learns that their beloved camp is shutting down because there are fewer campers joining each summer. The news especially saddens Charlie Brown, who feels hopeless about losing a place that has meant so much to him and his friends. Meanwhile, on their adventure, Snoopy and Woodstock find the sought-after treasure chest, but are quickly disappointed when they discover it’s not riches, but instruments and photos from past summer concerts held at the camp. Newly inspired, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang use the treasure to host their own concert to save the camp.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical is like going to summer camp all over again. A wholesome story, laughter, music, and that signature Peanuts illustration style whip up a treat that’s perfect to enjoy on a summer day.” See his full review below.

Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

One word can sum up this musical film – adorable.  It feels like it jumped right out of the comic strip, and onto the screen. It stays true to the special history of Peanuts and doesn’t deviate from the original characters.

Charlie Brown (Etienne Kellici) is ecstatic to be returning to summer camp for his senior year, and to make it better, his little sis, Sally (Hattie Kragten), gets to come along!  Well, it’s better for Charlie Brown anyway, as Sally is unsure about the whole “living in the wild” idea.  When the campers learn their favorite place on Earth is facing closure, even Sally is saddened. Now it’s up to her, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the kids, with some help from Snoopy (Terry McGurrin) and Woodstock (Rob Tinkler), to save the camp before summer is over.

This show has the remarkable feature of two separate adventures, one with Snoopy and Woodstock, and the other starring the kids at camp. These combine at the end of the feature, and the results are somehow both surprising and expected.  Bright color is everywhere, and I love how the animation looks like a moving illustration, similar to other Snoopy Presents titles. My favorite element is the music, and how well it spotlights the different emotions of camp – excitement for the unknown, and yet the trepidation that comes with being unsure of what to expect, the happiness of old friends, and the sadness of leaving them for a year. The idea of a time-honored summer camp is alive and well.  Items like a picture wall and adventurous tales told by veteran campers capture the feeling that this place holds fond memories.  It reminded me a lot of my childhood camp.  It also does well explaining how these natural places are important to our well being, and must be protected.  

The film’s message is to cherish what you have, as you may not have it forever.  Charlie Brown and the gang have been coming to camp for as long as they can remember, and they know they have to leave it better than they found it if newcomers like Sally and her friends want to enjoy it in the future.

I give Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This charming film dances onto AppleTV+ on July 18 2025.