Noah is based on the Biblical story and greatly influenced by the graphic novel “Noah: For the Cruelty of Men.” This film has been greatly criticized for its deviation from the Biblical story. It’s good to remember that it’s not a documentary. It is a Hollywood film and, as such, a great piece of filmmaking. Enjoy it for what it is not for what it isn’t. Noah is the story about a man who is chosen by the Creator to undertake a momentous mission to rescue the innocent before an apocalyptic flood cleanses the wicked from the world. “This is an unexpected, thought provoking film, based loosely on the biblical story, and I was pleasantly surprised,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B, age 13. See his full review below.

Noah

Reviewed by Keefer B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Video review available here: http://youtu.be/-ADi5QCRxgk

This is an unexpected, thought provoking film, based loosely on the biblical story, and I was pleasantly surprised. The world was created and mankind was born. Soon humans became wicked and made the world black. The Creator tells Noah (Russel Crowe) that Earth will be cleansed through a flood. Noah and his family build an ark to save the innocent. The journey begins as Noah wrestles with what the creator is asking of him.

This is not a family film, nor is it a film based entirely on the Biblical story. It is a movie. The word God is not used. Instead, the word Creator is used which opens the film to audiences of any belief. The story shows the joy of a second chance but gives a gruesome look at the world. The film follows Noah and his incredible journey. Noah witnesses the barbaric nature of the people and it’s hard to watch, however necessary. It makes Noah question if mankind should live at all and how far he’ll go to fulfill his task.

The actors portray their roles marvelously. The women cast members are particularly outstanding. Emma Watson ( Lla) and Jennifer Connelly (Naameh) are both fantastic. Connelly simply blows you away showing the strong partnership she has with Noah and the struggle that results from it.

The cinematography is grand. The locations are unlike anything of this world from the flourishing mountains to the desolate black-paved land. The ark is beyond compare in its massive size. I only wanted them to show us more of the vessel.

My favorite character is Noah. Playing a figure of faith is no small feat. Crowe shows the drive and love for the Creator but also the obsession and confusion of his task. This is what makes him human and an interesting character.

My favorite scene is when one of the fallen angels, known as The Watchers, tells Noah the tale of how they were cursed. I enjoyed the interesting designs of these characters and their tragic story. It made me empathetic with them.

The main message is, “Higher power is a guide, but it’s your personal choice that makes the final decision.” Noah is told, through a dream, that the world will be cleansed. Noah is the one who figures out to build the ark. The Creator doesn’t give clear instructions and, in the end, you’re still left wondering what the higher power really wants.

I rate this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to 14 to 18-year-olds. This film has violence, disturbing images and brief language. This film took a risk that I highly respect. It sends a Biblical message but is executed differently.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

  Go Green’ in YOUR Neighborhood with Earth Day Tips from
 Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Clean up, pick up, put away, clean up every day! Learning how to take good care of the Earth – as well as their own surroundings – is an important skill to foster with preschoolers. On April 22, neighbors from across the country and around the world will celebrate Earth Day to show their support for the environment. Here are some easy suggestions, inspired byDaniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and The Fred Rogers Company, to help you and your family “Go Green” with Daniel Tiger this Earth Day – and beyond!

• Reduce, reuse and recycle! – Encourage your child to help sort out recyclables and match them up with the appropriate bins. Get creative with “throwaways” by turning them into a craft project, helping to teach them how recycling and conservation works at the same time. For example, try creating a toy vehicle from an empty milk carton!

• ·         Ease up on the electricity! – Remembering to turn off the light when leaving a room isn’t always so easy, especially for a little tiger. Help your child create a “Lights Out” bulb-shaped sign as a reminder and post it near light switches. And don’t forget to unplug chargers from the wall when not in use to save even more electricity.

• Zap the tap! – Remind your child to turn off the water while soaping up their hands and turn it back on to rinse them. When cleaning paint brushes, swish them in a cup or jar, instead of holding the brushes under running water for a long period of time.

• ·         Go for a walk! – Spring provides the perfect excuse to get outdoors. Encourage the whole family to take a break from screen time and play outside. If possible, plan a walking or biking trip to your destination and enjoy the fresh air together along the way!

• ·         Bring your own bag! – Bring along reusable shopping bags when going grocery shopping. Keep a supply of bags on hand so you don’t forget to bring them on your next shopping trip. And involve your preschooler in helping to pack up the items in your Earth-friendly bags, so they’ll be doing their part in protecting the planet, too!

Happy Earth Day!

Tune-in to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood each day on PBS KIDS (check local listings) and:

Visit: pbskids.org/daniel

Like: facebook.com/danieltigertv

Follow: twitter.com/danieltigertv and pinterest.com/DanielTigerTV/

New Children’s Book Explores Young Boys’ Fascination with American Bald Eagles.

Jason’s Eagle by Dr. Julia E. Antoine, is Volume 6 in the delightful Too Clever children’s book series. In the first story, Jason was five. Now he is 10 and full of himself. However, he has maintained his love for the American Bald Eagle, only now he is experiencing many more amazing adventures. He lives on the shores of the Long Island Sound, near Connecticut River. he is so fascinated with the American Bald Eagles that fished in the waters near his home, he spends every free moment he has watching them.

Everything about the bald eagles fascinates Jason, from the way they fly in the sky to the way they hunt for food. Even the way they build such huge nests grabs his attention. No other bird flies like the bald eagles.

My son and I enjoyed this book and found it an interesting book to read! We loved the illustrations and Jason’s adventures.  Aimed primarily at boys ages 9 to 12. Available on Amazon and wherever fine books are sold. For more information visit the following website. Book retails for $21.99.

Self Disclosure: I received this book for free to facilitate this feature.

In an epic story, Disneynature’s new film, Bears showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two young cubs are taught how to make their way in the world. Set in the grandiose Alaskan wilderness, the film follows them as they emerge from hibernation and experience the incredible world they live in complete with predators, avalanches and the search for food. “Bears is a fantastic and inspirational wild life adventure that many people will adore and watch again and again,” notes KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, age 12. See his full review below.

Bears

Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Video review available here.

I thought this documentary would be like a usual educational lecture-like film about bears and the life of a Mama-bear. Boy, was I completely wrong. Bears is a fantastic and inspirational wild life adventure that many people will adore and watch again and again.

The movie has a mix of action, thrills, adventure, education, comedy and, of course, adorable human-like cubs. They make you fall in love the second you see them on the screen.

The story begins when a brown bear who lives in Alaska’s national park has just gave birth. She is planning to leaves her winter nest soon with new born cubs (Amber and Scout). Then she begins her big and hard journey trying to store enough food through the season. Her name is Sky. She meets a couple of friends and protects her little ones from predators.

This film has crazy close-ups on the bears. At one point I swore the bear was less than an inch from the camera. Unlike other documentaries, this one has a storyline. Honestly, I thought that this fit better as a movie. The narrator makes us believe that the bears have feelings. I would love to know how the cameramen got so close to the bears and watched bear when she was in her winter den. That was perfect and nearly impossible. Kudos to Disney Nature for bringing us this unforgettable experience.

My favorite scene is when they search for salmon. Scout and Amber go to the beach for the first time. While Amber keeps close to mommy, Scout is in the water getting clams stuck to his claws. The scene shows that there is some family fun time anywhere in the world. Even with bears.

This movie has some thrills and some violence, remarkable since it is unscripted. I recommend this for ages 9 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Coming out in theaters April 18.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions