When Karen the Computer decides to take over the world, it’s up to Plankton to stop her – with a little help from SpongeBob and the Gal Pals (Pearl, Sandy, and Mrs. Puff).

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ari C. comments, “I absolutely love Plankton: The Movie. The fun storyline and fantastic voice acting gave me lots of giggles. I also love the visually amusing graphics and the fun and happy atmosphere. You may be thinking that this is just another SpongeBob movie, if so, you are sorely mistaken. This is Plankton’s (Mr. Lawrence) movie. The film’s message is that love is all you really need.” See his full review and interview below.

Plankton: The Movie
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 12

I absolutely love Plankton: The Movie. The fun storyline and fantastic voice acting gave me lots of giggles. I also love the visually amusing graphics and the fun and happy atmosphere.

You may be thinking that this is just another SpongeBob movie, if so, you are sorely mistaken. This is Plankton’s (Mr. Lawrence) movie. After 20 years of being pushed around and dismissed, Plankton’s wife, Karen (Jill Talley), has had enough. Plankton’s epic failures at world domination has Karen fed up. She is ready to remind him that she can be three times as evil and should not be ignored. Their marriage problems swirl into world-wide chaos. Unlikely characters must team up to save Bikini Bottom, the whole world, and a marriage.

This film is engaging with its amazing graphics; I feel like I am in a visual circus.  I commend Mr. Lawrence for voice acting Plankton and for writing the story.  Mauricio Bartok and Piyush Dhuppe are the animators for this film and they have created a virtual visual playground.  This film is like a roller-coaster that took me on an awesome adventure with its many twists and surprises. It still keeps the classic SpongeBob characters such as SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), and Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown). This movie is absolutely hilarious. Even though I don’t watch SpongeBob a lot, I really enjoyed the comedy and have always been a Plankton fan. I love how Mr. Lawrence has held on to his role as Plankton, going back to when he started in 1999. It’s amazing that he has stuck to this role for so long. Everything from the fantastic storyline to the mesmerizing animation make this film a treat to enjoy. There are a couple of heartwarming scenes, but there are also plenty of action scenes that give the movie a thrill. My favorite part is when an implant causes Plankton to have a wild hallucination. That was crazily exciting and fun.

The film’s message is that love is all you really need.

I give Plankton The movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Netflix March 7, 2025.

Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag, the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I really enjoyed The Electric State! This film is loosely based on the illustrated novel of the same name and is an eerie parallel to the future of modern technology, while also connecting with the nostalgia of the 90s. The scary part of this movie is that I can envision the future of our world looking something like this.” See her full review and interviews with the directors and cast members below.

The Electric State

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

I really enjoyed The Electric State! This film is loosely based on the illustrated novel of the same name and is an eerie parallel to the future of modern technology, while also connecting with the nostalgia of the 90s. The scary part of this movie is that I can envision the future of our world looking something like this.

The Electric State is a science fiction adventure comedy drama film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The storyline follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teenager, as she travels through the American West in search of her younger brother in a dystopian version of the late 1990s. She meets a robot resembling a cartoon, a smuggler (Christ Pratt) and his robot companion, Herman (Anthony Mackie), and along the way she discovers the corruption in their world.

Although inspired by the book The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag, fans of the graphic novel should keep in mind that this movie is very different from it at times. It explores the characters from the books but adds new characters, increasing the complexity and development of the world. The CGI is very high quality – nearly the whole movie and almost all of the characters are CGI and I could barely tell because they look so realistic. I also truly love the cartoony design of the characters as they add to the uneasy and dystopian feeling of the world. The acting is superb. I connected with all of the characters and even got a bit emotional at the end. Chris Pratt’s character, Keats, and Herman the robot (Anthony Mackie) have so much chemistry with their funny banter and love-hate relationship, even though Herman is completely animated. Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt also have terrific chemistry and it was so entertaining to watch their relationship evolve. Stanley Tucci, as Ethan, and Giancarlo Esposito, as the Colonel, are both such dynamic characters and it was very interesting to see them together.

The Electric State emphasizes the importance of family, whether by blood or by choice. It also highlights the importance of respecting everyone and everything. The neurocasters and advanced technology in this world serve as a warning to our society to live in the moment and not forget the importance of human interaction and connection. Be forewarned that there is some profanity and depictions of war.

I give The Electric State 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Netflix on March 14, 2025.

In this breathtaking new picture book, readers will explore a forest with a classroom of students, experiencing and learning about the essential beauty of diversity in humanity and nature. Together, a Forest begins as an exciting journey into nature and blossoms into a meditation on how our unique personalities and ways of being help create a more vibrant and beautiful world. This book highlights the importance of interdependence, inclusion and celebrating diversity in our communities.

I highly recommend this book and love how it focuses on the beauty of diversity!

https://us.macmillan.com/mackids/

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to feature. The image was also provided.

It’s time to spring clean your reading list with these new page-turners that are full of adventures, friendships, and even fun festivals.

Alycat and the Copycat by Alysson Foti Bourque

Alycat is excited that it’s Science Fair Day, but why is her classmate copying almost everything about her, from the shirt she’s wearing to the project she’s doing? Soon Alycat learns, through patience and kindness, that two similar things can be better when they work together. This latest addition to the kitten picture-book series includes STEM themes plus instructions for making your own glitter volcano!

An Alani Adventure by Tara Lala

Leia, Ohana, and Kai are three siblings who have never ventured off of the island of Maui. When a dormant volcano suddenly awakens and threatens their home, they are gifted a magic map that allows them to explore different countries all around the world. What treasures does the map want them to find? Will they be able to follow its clues in time? Or will the volcano erupt and destroy their island before they return?

Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends by Jen Kirkley

Willard DoGooder has trouble making friends in his new class. Things are just…different. One day, Willard spots a magical trail that leads him on an adventure filled with curiosity, fun, and new friends, as he learns how to think through and celebrate differences.Each friend that Willard DoGooder meets on the trail, teaches him how we can approach differences, learn from one another, and appreciate each other. Over the course of the book, Willard learns a three-step process for approaching differences: Name the difference, find the good, and move on with kindness. With characters based on the author’s children, and issues they’ve learned how to work through together, Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends, is a fantastic adventure grounded with a message that we can all use in our daily life.

Hannah Bear and LuLu’s Festival to Remember by Julie Hooks

Two adorable bears set out to find the source of an irresistible aroma and wind up smack dab in the middle of the most exciting place on earth―a festival! Join Hannah Bear and LuLu on a thrilling journey as they explore the blinking lights, the spinning rides, and delicious food! The adventurous cubs sample every delectable delight at the big autumn event, from spicy cracklins, pecans, and pralines to other Louisiana treats. As the wind picks up, Hannah Bear and LuLu catch a whiff of something truly special that leads them through the pumpkin patch and across Bayou Bridge. They even encounter an alligator! Follow Hannah Bear and LuLu to the perfect spot with the most delicious smell of all.

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:

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: