Big Top Scooby Doo

Reviewed by Morgan Bertsch

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…]

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!