BLOCKBUSTER STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL GIVE FANS A CHANCE TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF THE WILDLY POPULAR FILM WITH LOCAL FESTIVITIES
‘The Lorax’ Speaks for the Trees on DVD
August 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The timeless appeal of Dr. Seuss brought people into theaters a few months ago when the movie The Lorax was released. Now available on DVD and Blu-ray, as of Aug. 7, it’s a good reason for a family night at home. Recommending it for ages 6 to 18, KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8, notes, “I like that the movie shows you how we can protect the Earth. This movie shows us how sometimes we forget that the Earth needs caring.” “It’s not only a great film for the entire family, but it also teaches everyone a great lesson while being fun and entertaining,” says KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Julianna Noone, age 12, also pointing out its vibrant colors, fantastic animation, singing fish and an overall great soundtrack – and Zac Efron and Taylor Swift voicing two of the main characters. [Read more…]
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
August 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Academy Award®–nominated writer/director Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life,” What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”) brings enchantment to the screen with “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” It’s the inspiring, magical story of a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim—and their small town of Stanleyville—learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts. [Read more…]
‘Teacher’s Pet’
August 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A little dog wants to be a real boy. That premise behind the story of Teacher’s Pet, an animated film that Disney released in 2004, may parallel an animated feature from Disney’s earlier days: the 1940 classic Pinocchio. In fact, KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Morgan Bertsch, age 7, points it out: “Our story begins with the little dog Spot and his crazy idea that he wants to be a real boy. Shameless plug of Pinocchio on the TV while Spot is singing is very creative.” Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8, shares one element that makes this movie special: “I love the catchy songs they have in this movie, especially the one that has all 50 states in alphabetical order and tells you something about each state.”
Teacher’s Pet is one of the many movies brought to your home by HDNet Movies kidScene, a daily programming block specifically for kids and families from 6am to 3pm ET and every Friday night at 7pm. It screens on Aug. 4, 10 and 16.
Teacher’s Pet
Reviewed by Morgan Bertsch
Reviewed by Cheyenne Nguyen
Spy Kids All The Time In The World
August 3, 2012 By 2 Comments
Would you like to win the Spy Kids All The Time In The World DVD? We have one to giveaway! Simply leave a comment below telling us what you would choose as a super power and why? One winner will randomly be selected from all entries. Deadline to enter is August 10th at 12 pm.
*Video Review by KIDS FIRST!
A Hero’s Battle: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’
July 26, 2012 By 1 Comment
We at KIDS FIRST! extend heartfelt condolences to all the families touched by the shooting in Aurora.
“The true test of a hero is to be able to face your darkest fears and rise above,” says KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Julianna Noone, age 12, in a very perceptive opening to her review of The Dark Knight Rises. This thought underlies much of the storyline of this final film in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, and may sustain it in real life as it moves past the undeniably tragic occurrence that marked its opening weekend. [Read more…]
Ice Age: Continental Drift – A Winner for the Younger Set
July 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Want a film to take your younger kids to? This fourth installment in the “Ice Age” films delivers what I think your youngest kids will truly enjoy (5-10). It really makes great use of 3D technology with characters zooming towards us and away from us throughout the entire film. We are charmed by many of the same characters from the previous films – Manny the Mammoth voiced by Ray Romano, Sid the Sloth by John Leguizamo and Diego the saber-toothed tiger by Denis Leary. This crew is joined by a new host of characters including Manny’s wife played by Queen Latifah, their daughter played by the adorable Keke Palmer, Granny voiced by Wanda Sykes and more. One of our youth critics, Julianna Noone (age 12) rated this film 5 out of 5 stars because “it is funny, well written and has a great message for the audience.” [Read more…]
‘Spider-Man’ on the Red Carpet and the Silver Screen
July 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Marvel Comics’ heroes transfer well to the silver screen, but those who think they know Spider-Man from previous incarnations will meet a different Spider-Man/Peter Parker in Columbia Pictures’ current release The Amazing Spider-Man. “… it is a completely different film that starts at the beginning of Spider-Man’s journey,” says KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Raven Devanney, age 15, in her review (below). Well, maybe not completely different, as the familiar events set the story in motion. But it is a new villain and a new love interest. And there is plenty of humor. “In fact, this whole film is filled with comedy and action,” says Raven.
KIDS FIRST! youth film critics were also there at the exciting red carpet event on Saturday. Be sure to check out the KIDS FIRST! website to share their experience on video.
The Amazing Spider-Man
Reviewed by Raven Devanney
The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone definitely lives up to its title because it is truly amazing. I was expecting this film to be an add-on to the most recent Spider-Man series, but it is a completely different film that starts at the beginning of Spider-Man’s journey. Of course, Peter Parker (played by Andrew Garfield) is bitten by a genetically modified spider and transforms into Spider-Man, his uncle Ben dies, and that’s all the same in the past films about this spandex-sporting hero, but instead of falling for his typical love interest, MJ, Peter falls for Gwen Stacy (played by Emma Stone). And there is no Green Goblin in this film, but instead a new villain for Spider-Man to face.
I love this movie! The special effects are phenomenal, especially in 3-D. I love Andrew Garfield in the part of Peter Parker because he does a fantastic job portraying him and he and Emma Stone have such great chemistry, which really shows in their characters. My favorite scene is when Peter is transforming into Spider-Man, because his aunt and uncle have no idea what’s wrong with him and it’s so funny. In fact, this whole film is filled with comedy and action. My favorite character would have to be Gwen Stacy played by Emma Stone because I really admire her and she does a wonderful job playing this role.
I think something very different about this film is it seems that the target audience is just teens, whereas in past Spider-Man movies the main audience is teens and adults. Overall, I give The Amazing Spider-Man 5 out of 5 stars because it is amazing and I want to see it over and over again. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out. Go catch it in a theater near you!
Watch Raven’s video review here!
