Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy is reimagined in a bold, modern adaptation set within London’s elite South Asian community. When Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) returns for his father’s funeral, he is stunned to discover his uncle Claudius is marrying his newly widowed mother. Visited by his father’s ghost, Hamlet learns his brutal murder was at the hands of Claudius – and spirals into a quest for vengeance that exposes the rot at the heart of the family’s empire and threatens his own sanity.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “What if you could step inside William Shakespeare’s creative mind and feel every emotion that shaped Hamlet, his most iconic and famous tragedy? This film draws you into the story in a haunting and unforgettable way through its protagonist, Hamlet, while introducing this timeless story, originally performed in the 1600s, to a new generation.” See her full review below.

Hamlet

By Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

What if you could step inside William Shakespeare’s creative mind and feel every emotion that shaped Hamlet, his most iconic and famous tragedy? This film draws you into the story in a haunting and unforgettable way through its protagonist, Hamlet, while introducing this timeless story, originally performed in the 1600s, to a new generation.

This visually striking film follows Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) who is returning home after the unexpected death of his father, and finds that his mother, Queen Gertrude (Sheeba Chaddha), is preparing to marry his uncle Claudius (Art Malik). While struggling with his grief, Hamlet meets the ghost of his father, who reveals that his death wasn’t actually an accident, but he was murdered by Claudius. As he tries to discover the truth, he starts questioning who he can trust, and he begins to plot his revenge.  

I highly recommend this film! The classic story is reimagined within a South Asian family living in modern-day London, which makes it feel fresh and culturally resonant. Every scene feels alive, with engaging performances that make it impossible to look away for even a second. Riz Ahmed is the perfect actor to play Hamlet, as he has the ability to portray the character’s complexity. He shows both his grief after losing his father and his suspicion and growing revenge against Claudius in an impactful way through his subtle body language and chilling dialogue delivery. Additionally, Sheeba Chaddha’s gentle portrayal of Gertrude captures her vulnerability and weakness, so it contrasts nicely with Hamlet’s intensity. Art Malik is also well-suited for Claudius, as he brings an authoritative presence on the outside, but extremely tense on the inside, which makes his performance convincing and natural. I especially love how the film incorporates many lines from the original play, like the famous line “To be, or not to be, that is the question” – they are woven beautifully into the story. Even though the film is set in modern times, these classic lines feel natural and meaningful without feeling out of place. The film also captures the business of London at night, using the loud sounds of traffic and the city, which creates a strong contrast with the timeless, poetic tone of Shakespeare’s language.

The film’s message is that when someone is consumed by grief and betrayal, they can lose control of their thoughts and actions, leading to serious consequences. It’s a reminder that if powerful emotions aren’t controlled, they can affect not only one person, but everyone around them.

I give Hamlet 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters on April 10, 2026.

A young boy helps an endangered tiger escape from an evil hunter and takes him back to his home where an unlikely friendship is developed. When the boy learns of the hunter’s wicked plan to capture the powerful “Heart of the Forest” and bring about total destruction, he teams with all the wilderness animals to thwart their scheme before it’s too late and their home is lost forever.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Ruhi K. says, “Extinction: Animals Unite! is a fast-paced film filled with vivid animation, endearing characters, a completely original soundtrack and a story that, despite being tangled at times, is wholesome and inspiring.”  Ashton P. adds, “To my surprise, Extinction: Animals Unite! has great comedic presence and is a terrific animated film.  In just the first scenes, I realized that this film isn’t just for kids. The film’s message is to always offer help, but when denied, move on. Forcing help on someone who doesn’t want it is not helping.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “Extinction: Animals Unite! uses comedy, action, and strong relationship dynamics to create a heartfelt animated film. This movie is a perfect fit for kids and families who enjoy action films along with a good laugh.” See their full reviews below.

Extinction: Animals Unite!

By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Extinction: Animals Unite! is a fast-paced film filled with vivid animation, endearing characters, a completely original soundtrack and a story that, despite being tangled at times, is wholesome and inspiring.

The film is led by a young boy, Mohsen (Katherine Clavelo), who frequently finds himself in sticky situations due to his desire to prove himself heroic. One afternoon, Mohsen happens upon Tigy (Rómulo Bernal), the world’s last Malayan tiger, who is hiding from a group of greedy, cold-blooded hunters in search of the “Forest Heart” and its promise of immortality. Much to Tigy’s dismay, Mohsen follows him into the wilderness, where he discovers a threatened group of animals and embarks on his biggest operation yet: saving their home from destruction.

Certain events in Extinction: Animals Unite! seemed to contradict established facts; for example, Tigy cannot seem to decide whether he wants to stay with Mohsen in the city or return to his home in the jungle. He enjoys himself at times and demands to leave at others, even making the long journey back to Mohsen’s house after Mohsen catapults him far away from it–only to beg to be escorted back to the jungle, where he knows that the very hunters he was running from still reside. Towards the end of the film, it is unclear which forest animals support Mohsen’s efforts and which believe he is “a traitor.” Thankfully, the film’s pace slows in its second half, making it less confusing than the hectic first. The animation deserves mention as well; it showcases beautiful artwork of forests, bridges and night skies. And it’s impossible not to fall in love with the characters. Mohsen believes in his abilities wholeheartedly, sometimes comically overestimating them, and is so determined to help others that I had to root for him. Even the cantankerous Tigy is amusing in his weariness.

This film reminds us that sometimes, you need to follow your instincts and take the risk. Mohsen doesn’t stop to contemplate the infinite what-ifs of his decisions; he dives in and faces his challenges head-on. If you are passionate about something, don’t let fear be the loudest voice in the room–even if you don’t have a whole jungle cheering you on, believe in yourself, get out there and make it happen!

I give Extinction: Animals Unite! 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. The movie releases on VOD April 3, 2026.

Extinction: Animals Unite!                                                                                                            
By Ashton P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

To my surprise, Extinction: Animals Unite! has great comedic presence and is a terrific animated film.  In just the first scenes, I realized that this film isn’t just for kids.

The storyline follows a young boy, Mohsen (Katherine Clavelo), who loves to play hero, but after meeting an endangered Malayan tiger nicknamed Tigy (Romulo Bernal), Mohsen’s child-like world turns into a real hero story as he teams up with the other wilderness animals to save Tigy’s forest before it is lost forever.

In the beginning of the movie, Mohsen’s family is having a picnic when a group of poachers appear, led by Extinguisher Alex (actor) – they are hunting Tigy and other forest animals. Mohsen is able to hide Tigy but bigger issues need to be addressed. We see how Mohsen loves to help, but after multiple attempts of trying to help others fail, Mohsen’s help slowly turns to hurt. After involuntarily demolishing his dad’s construction project, Mohsen gets his first taste of resent from another person, which there will plenty more of. I have to say, the background music is the unsung hero of this film; not only does music set the tone perfectly, but the music is beautiful all by itself. When Mohsen gives himself a secret identity as Nimble Kid, this is heartwarming, a little humorous, and highlights Mohsen’s kid-like personality. I love the characters Mr. Orders (actor) and Ranger Graham (actor). These two unintentionally and intentionally support and help Mohsen on his journey to save the forest. Speaking of the forest, The Heart of the Forest (actor) is my favorite character. Her gracefulness and clarity are unmatched. I also like the ending when Extinguisher Alex turns over a new a leaf.

The film’s message is to always offer help, but when denied, move on. Forcing help on someone who doesn’t want it is not helping.

I give Extinction: Animals Unite! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It is available on VOD beginning April 3, 2026. So, keep your eyes open for that!

Extinction: Animals Unite!

By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Extinction: Animals Unite! uses comedy, action, and strong relationship dynamics to create a heartfelt animated film. This movie is a perfect fit for kids and families who enjoy action films along with a good laugh.

This storyline follows a young boy who possesses superpowers that he uses to save the animals of the forest. He primarily focuses on saving the last member of a tiger species from scary forest hunters who want many species of animals to become extinct. With just one remaining tiger, the hunters spend their efforts on tracking him down throughout the film. The young boy and the tiger must work together along with other animals to save themselves and each other.

Extinction: Animals Unite! has top-notch comedy moments that keep me engaged and entertained. While the story itself is not inherently funny, subtle elements of the dialogue or animation provide laughs in the midst of chaos. Additionally, the relationship dynamics are extremely strong, especially for an animated film. There are a few specific relationships that show ongoing development. The young boy and the tiger’s friendship, central to the storyline, is a sweet and heartfelt journey. The relationship between the young boy and his father, which seems strained at first, is both relatable to many viewers and effective in communicating the film’s assertion, despite not being a major storyline. Although the character depth and relationship dynamics are strong, the plot as a whole is not exceptionally engaging. Some aspects of the story seem predictable. However, with the cute characters and friendships as well as the consistent action and comedy, viewers are bound to have a positive experience.

The film’s message is that working together to help others and forming friendships always benefits us in the end. The young boy begins the film struggling to save every animal all by himself, which proves to be an impossible task. However, once he teams up with the tiger, they not only strengthen their friendship with each other, but they form bonds with other animals in the forest. Once they are cooperating they can effectively protect each other and save countless species from extinction. Be aware that there is some violence, including animated gun shots, explosions, and weapon use.

I give Extinction: Animals Unite! 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can view Extinction: Animals Unite! on video on demand and streaming beginning April 3, 2026.

Trailer:

In 1955, 60-year-old Marcel Pagnol is a well-known and acclaimed playwright and filmmaker. When the editor-in-chief of ELLE magazine commissions a weekly column about Pagnol’s childhood, he sees this as a great opportunity to go back to his artistic roots: writing. Realizing his memory is failing him and deeply affected by the disappointing results of his last two plays, Pagnol starts doubting his ability to pursue his work. That is until Little Marcel – the young boy he used to be – appears to him as if by magic. Together, they will explore Marcel Pagnol’s incredible life and bring back to life his most cherished encounters and memories…

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Juliana S. comments, “The animated movie A Magnificent Life has great emotional depth and a unique artistic style. At first, it seems like it is going to be a simple story about someone’s life, but as the movie progresses, it is clear that it is about much deeper issues like storytelling and creativity. The animation is very detailed and allows for the viewer to fully absorb its meaning.” Raasti K. adds, “I highly recommend this film! The animation is stunning, since it is hand-drawn and there are many intricate details, such as the small ruffles in the rugs and the tiny patterns in the wallpaper of Pagnol’s Parisian apartment in the 1950s. Additionally, the clips from the real movies Pagnol made alongside the animated scenes of his life are seamlessly integrated.” See their full reviews below.

A Magnificent Life

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

The animated movie A Magnificent Life has great emotional depth and a unique artistic style. At first, it seems like it is going to be a simple story about someone’s life, but as the movie progresses, it is clear that it is about much deeper issues like storytelling and creativity. The animation is very detailed and allows for the viewer to fully absorb its meaning.

The storyline is about the life and artistic journey of Marcel Pagnol (Laurent Lafitte), a young boy who grew up in the south of France and eventually becomes a famous writer and filmmaker. The movie moves between Marcel’s life as a child and an adult, and it explores how his childhood memories contribute to his writing. Along the way, the movie introduces the audience to some of the significant events and people in Marcel’s life, which contribute to his creativity and passion in his work. The movie explores how Marcel learns to see the world in his unique way and how this leads to his meaningful art.

One of the things that makes this film so captivating is the voice acting. Someone who caught my attention is Laurent Lafitte, who voices the adult version of the main character, Marcel Pagnol. Lafitte truly embodies his character, bringing a sense of reflection and wisdom to Pagnol, especially when he reminisces about his life and youth. His delivery is subtle yet powerful, which allows for the audience to connect with Marcel’s inner thoughts. Another person who caught my attention is Géraldine Pailhas, who plays the role of Marcel’s mother, Augustine Pagnol. She adds emotional depth through her performance and a sense of understanding to the film, which helps the audience to truly connect with the family. Her character brings warmth and sincerity to the story. This makes the personal, small moments feel genuine and impactful.

The film’s message is about appreciating the small moments in life and how important it is to remember them. The film suggests that one’s past experiences, even the quiet ones, can shape who people become and inspire something impactful. It also highlights how storytelling can preserve those moments.

I give A Magnificent Life 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. A Magnificent Life releases in theaters on March 27, 2026.

A Magnificent Life
By Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I am a big fan of A Magnificent Life, which chronicles the story of Marcel Pagnol, a decorated French writer, whose story resonates with me because it evokes strong emotions of joy and sadness. What stood out most is how the film showcases moments from Pagnol’s early life, specifically when his mother, his biggest supporter, wrote a poem to him from her deathbed, encouraging him to keep writing poetry and nurture his creativity and imagination. Her belief and unconditional love helped shape the successful storyteller he would become.

This animated biographical film follows Marcel Pagnol (Laurent Lafitte), a celebrated writer, playwright and filmmaker in 1950s Paris who is asked to write a memoir for the magazine ELLE. At 61 years old, Marcel struggles to remember important moments from his life until his younger self, Little Marcel (Noa Staes), appears and helps him revisit his childhood in Marseille. Together they relive the memories that shaped his dreams of becoming a writer, even when others doubted him.

I highly recommend this film! The animation is stunning, since it is hand-drawn and there are many intricate details, such as the small ruffles in the rugs and the tiny patterns in the wallpaper of Pagnol’s Parisian apartment in the 1950s. Additionally, the clips from the real movies Pagnol made alongside the animated scenes of his life are seamlessly integrated. The story moves smoothly between Marcel’s present life and the memories from his past without feeling rushed or confusing. The voice acting brings the characters to life, especially the two Marcels – the older Marcel is extremely thoughtful, and the younger Marcel is curious and energetic. Watching Marcel grow from a curious child in Marseille into a determined storyteller in Paris is inspiring, especially when he chooses to follow his dreams instead of the safer career his father wanted for him. Some moments are funny while others are very touching, which makes the story feel emotional without ever becoming too heavy.

The film’s message is about staying true to yourself and doing what you love, which can lead to great things, just like Marcel, who followed his passion for writing stories, plays, and films and eventually became successful.

I give A Magnificent Life 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters on March 27, 2026.

Undeterred by armed soldiers, evasive politicians, and riot police, journalist Amy Goodman has reported some of the most consequential stories of our time. Steal This Story, Please! is a gripping portrait of the trailblazer whose unwavering commitment to truth-telling spans three decades of turbulent history. From the frontlines of global conflicts to the organized chaos of her daily news show Democracy Now! Goodman broadcasts stories and voices routinely silenced by commercial media.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Ilana O. comments, “Steal This Story, Please! is a thought-provoking documentary centered on the lengthy career of acclaimed journalist and founder of Democracy Now!, Amy Goodman. Directors Tia Lessen and Carl Deal masterfully capture the impact of Goodman’s career throughout the shifting political climates spanning multiple decades… The film urges viewers to understand the significance of independent journalism amidst the struggle to uphold integrity.” See her full review below.

Steal This Story, Please!

By Ilana O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Steal This Story, Please! is a thought-provoking documentary centered on the lengthy career of acclaimed journalist and founder of Democracy Now!, Amy Goodman. Directors Tia Lessen and Carl Deal masterfully capture the impact of Goodman’s career throughout the shifting political climates spanning multiple decades. The documentary is easy-to-follow, features high-quality visuals, interviews and clips from her work which embody the challenges of being an investigative journalist.

The documentary displays Amy Goodman’s fearless qualities, detailing earlier works, such as the freeing of former prisoner, Mooreese Bickham and her news coverage on Indonesia’s occupation in East Timor. Having faced arrests at protests, dangerous situations in foreign countries and mixed public sentiments about her work, she remains unwavering. Ultimately, this shapes the momentum of her career, inspiring her to start Democracy Now! which is famed for giving a voice to the voiceless while combating under coverage bias in the media. The show features guests like activist Ken Sara Wewa and prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal. In recent years, she continues to make an unapologetic approach to journalism while remaining consistent with her mission of promoting freedom of the press.

The main guests in the documentary are Amy Goodman, joined by colleagues, Jeremy Scahill, Juan Gonzalez and Sharif Abdel Koudouss. Filmmakers Tia Lessen and Carl Deal, create a coherent documentary, setting the tone for the kind of journalism that Goodman engages in. From the get-go, they make it clear that Goodman is not afraid to ask the hard questions regarding pressing issues, by showing clips of her confronting politicians, soldiers and police. This creates a raw tension, allowing the audience to feel immersed in these high-stakes situations. The use of high-quality archival footage and interview clips are seamlessly woven into the film, adding to its intensity. For example, her heated phone call with former president Bill Clinton, criticism of Shell Oil’s exploitation of Oogoni land and inclusion of prison commentaries on her show portray her as one who is not afraid to push the envelope. In addition, the film explores her Jewish roots and Goodman’s father who impressed upon her the significance of social justice. However, this could be expanded upon in more detail. The pacing is moderate, and is easier to digest as it moves from one major event to the other. More so, the commentary of her and her colleagues feels balanced, although it falls short of other outside perspectives.

The film urges viewers to understand the significance of independent journalism amidst the struggle to uphold integrity.

I give Steal This Story, Please! 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Steal This Story, Please! Opens exclusively at Laemmle Royal in Los Angeles on April 17, 2026 with a national rollout to follow.

Trailer: