Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United- Review by Kids First

Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United - A New Marvel/Disney Collaboration

Iron Man and the Hulk team up in this groundbreaking Marvel CG Animation rated PG for sci-fi violence and some language. According to 11-year-old Gerry O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, "This move has a lot to offer - comedy, thrilling scenes, adventure, suspense, action and, of course, super heroes." Gerry's full review is below.

Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United

Reviewed by Gerry Orz, age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Video review available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSTRQK5PynA

Iron Man and Hulk together. When you think about it, it’s a quite strange combination. Iron Man is zap-zap tech, but Hulk is BOOM, BOOM, and BOOM! “Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United” is a unique movie all Marvel fans will adore.

This move has a lot to offer - comedy, thrilling scenes, adventure, suspense, action and, of course, super heroes.

The great story begins when Hulk is captured and well, he saves himself. Sadly, a new villain has risen and Hulk and Iron Man must work together to stop him. If you want to find out how they accomplish this you must watch the film.

As for the animation, it seems a bit outdated, but still great. It was amazing to see how producers were able to bring characters to life. The idea of the story is brilliant and the script has a bunch of action scenes. It could probably use a bit more interaction between main characters, but otherwise the story kept me at edge of my seat. The voice actors are excellent.   

My favorite scene is when Hulk and Iron Man first meet. They get into a fight and Hulk wins. This is the first scene with both of them and it’s very funny.  

This movie has a bit of action so I recommend it for ages 10 to 18. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because of the few minor items. Definitely, this is a film that is worth watching.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

The Classic Tale of Walter Mitty review by Kids First

The Classic Tale of Walter Mitty Remade with A Fabulous Cast

Walter Mitty is a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job is threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. As KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. says, "It has some comedy, a few pretty cool action scenes, romance and adventures. But, if you are expecting the usual funny and light Ben Stiller movie – this is not it." See Gerry's full review below.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Reviewed by Gerry Orz, age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Video review available here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OZ6ChuSuik

This is a very clever remake of 1947 movie and will satisfy all your expectations from a good story line to a great cast. I mean, how you can not appreciate the genius of Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig.

This movie has so many positive things to like. It has some comedy, a few pretty cool action scenes, romance and adventures. But, if you are expecting the usual funny and light Ben Stiller movie – this is not it. This film is full of mixed emotions, unfulfilled desires and is a bit philosophical.

The adventure begins with showing a guy that has been working for the same magazine for many years and dreams about traveling and experiencing different adventures. He even sometimes daydreams about being a hero or a worldly traveler. This man is Walter Mitty. He also finds a girl of his dreams and desperately tries to impress her. Then, something unexpected happens causing him to leave his comfortable life to try to save his job, his new friendship and his reputation.

My favorite scene is when Walter is traveling by foot in Afghanistan and gets a pass to a specific area of the mountains by offering local guards his mother’s cake. I just think that was the most heartfelt scene in the movie and showed how a mother’s love is truly international even when it comes in a shape of a cake.

The movie is done well. I expected it to have a bit more action scenes but there are very few. Nevertheless, all exciting moments in the film are done so well and the graphics are amazing. Since Walter Mitty demonstrates amazing talent on a skate board, I predict that sales of skate boards after the movie comes out will go up.

This movie is a bit mature and may not be too interesting for younger kids. Therefore, I recommend it for ages 10 to 8. I also easily give it 4 out of 5 stars

Gerry Orz, age 11, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Mr Banks Review by Kids First

"Saving Mr. Banks" Reveals the Drama Behind the Making of the Film "Mary Poppins"

Disney's beloved film, "Mary Poppins" has quite a dramatic behind the scenes story that is told in this film. We get an inside look at how author P. L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins. And, it is an interesting turn of events that eventually wins Ms. Travers over. As KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B (age 13) says, "We learn it's going to take Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) a lot of hard work to get Ms. Travers to share our favorite flying nanny, 'Marry Poppins.'” Keefer's full review is below.

Saving Mr. Banks

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

Video review available here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR6i0yGJPGQ

This is a deeply emotional and inspiring untold story of “Mary Poppins.” The premise is based on the true journey of  Pamela L. Travers (Emma Thompson), the author of  the book. We learn it's going to take Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) a lot of hard work to get Ms. Travers to share our favorite flying nanny, Mary Poppins.

This film is totally character driven. Tom Hanks is the first actor to portray Walt in a mainstream film.  Tom trained for this by visiting “The Walt Disney Family Museum” and talking with Disney's former employees including his daughter Diane Disney Miller. Tom is Walt!  He captures the dream, drive, and love for life that Walt believed in and you buy every word he says. They also respect Walt's wishes of never showing him with a lit cigarette. Of course, any leading man has a leading lady and we have a phenomenal portrayal of Ms. Travers by Emma Thompson. Emma trained, like Tom, by listening to the recording of the script read-through and practicing the way Pamela spoke. What adds up is a fantastic performance. You feel her emotion and why she is a stick-in-the-mud. This film's cinematography is spot on. It takes place over time from 1906, with vintage clothing and horse carts, to1961, with old cars and urban settings. The way they shift from time period to time period is flawless.  

My favorite scene is when Mrs. Travers observes the film for the first time. You see all of the emotional scarring that she has kept inside her whole life, come out. I can say that Emma's performs this amazingly well.

Honestly, it's hard to pick my favorite character. Surprisingly I choose Ralph (Paul Giamatti), Mrs. Travers' chauffeur. He's the first person who Pamela likes and once you see this film you'll understand how big of an achievement that is. Paul's warm and humble performance has an affect on me that is unexplainable.

The moral of the story is, don't let the past rule your present. Pamela has a hard time giving “Mary Poppins” up and, with her sad childhood, you can see why. However, she needs to understand that it's time to let it all go.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to12-18 year olds. This film is little more emotionally heavy than the trailer shows. It's a lighthearted film, but sensitive kids may have difficulty with some scenes. This is playing in theaters now.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

The Hobbit Review by Kids First

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug Rings True to the Book

The second installment from the Tolkien novel, The Hobbit, released recently features the dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, as they continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D. has this to say about the film, The stunning 3D visuals really bring the work of Tolkien to life and, I think the darkness of this film fits a lot better with the “Lord of the Rings” series than the first film did." Raven's full review is below.

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

Reviewed by Raven D., age 16, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

“The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug” is the second installment of the three part series adapted from the best selling novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. A prequel to the epic trilogy “Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit” follows young Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, as he accompanies Gandalf and the Dwarves on a quest to rid their home of the evil dragon Smaug. In “The Desolation of Smaug,” the Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf find themselves not only having to face the evil dragon that destroyed the Dwarf Kingdom, but they also have to deal with the threat of the Orcs, the Elves and the Necromancer. Thorin, the exiled Dwarf King is desperately trying to free his people of the dreaded Smaug, but greed begins to overtake him when he starts to focus his attention on a precious stone that is being guarded by the dragon. Will the Dwarves and Bilbo be triumphant in their epic quest, or will they awaken a power greater and more evil than they could have ever imagined.

I really enjoyed this movie. I wasn’t very impressed by the first Hobbit film that was released in 2012, but “Desolation of Smaug” is incredible. The stunning 3D visuals really bring the work of Tolkien to life and, I think the darkness of this film fits a lot better with the “Lord of the Rings” series than the first film did. I really like the fact that they are making three movies off of the one book because I think if they tried to cram everything into one movie it would be way too much. I love the soundtrack in this film. The film has some really beautiful visuals and they are capture the original feel of the Tolkien series while also throwing in some really fun and upbeat tunes.

My favorite character is Bilbo Baggins because I absolutely adore Martin Freeman. He is such a versatile actor and can play very serious roles while also bringing in playful and comedic qualities. Martin also plays Watson in the BBC series “Sherlock” which is one of my favorite TV shows and I just love everything he’s in. He really embodies the character Bilbo and it’s very interesting to see the way Bilbo changes from the last film. His character development is great and Martin Freeman does a phenomenal job taking on that role.

My favorite scene is when Bilbo encounters Smaug for the first time. The exchange between the two characters is very interesting because Smaug seems very curious about Bilbo and doesn’t immediately attack like you expect and Bilbo does everything he can to distract Smaug by complimenting him and talking circles around him. The whole scene has a lot of suspense but it’s also very playful. I also love the look of Smaug and the CGI for him is incredible. They capture his features in such a wonderful way. You can really tell what he’s feeling by the faces he makes and the very human expressions he has.

I recommend this film for ages 13+ because there is a lot of action, violence and suspenseful situations. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and it is definitely a must see if you are a fan of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. So be sure to catch “The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug” in a theater near you!

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

Percy Jackson Review by Kids First

“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” - Comedy, Action, Adventure and Mythical Places

Based on the hugely popular book series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters is the sequel to the 2010 film Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and comes out on DVD/Blu-ray December 17. Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), the son of the Greek god Poseidon embarks on a journey with his friends to retrieve the Golden Fleece to save their training ground, Camp Half-Blood. They must travel to the Sea of Monsters, and find the challenges that may await them. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O comments, "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is a fun and mythical adventure everyone would love!" Gerry interviewed talent from the film when it first came out and viewed a sneak peek as well. See his full review and his video interview below.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
Reviewed by Gerry O.
Video review available here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgInibFL88A

Cast interviews available here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4CHQrHVYhQ
and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ-l3JUILPU

I loved the first Percy Jackson movie and when I heard I was reviewing the sequel I already knew that it would be an epic and thrilling adventure with a perfect mix of suspense and comedy! And I was right. “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is a fun and mythical adventure everyone will love!

I still did not expect so many surprises in this movie and greatly enjoyed it! The story continues as if it was a day or a week after the first movie which is a good perk as well. Something else that’s very cool is the fact that movie is super close to the actual book!

The adventure begins when Percy (Logan Lerman) is still at camp with his friends, Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) and Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario). Everything is more or less the same. There is a new girl whose name is Clarisse (Leven Rambin). She is the daughter of a human and the god of war. This girl beats the heck out of Percy and is very mean as well. One day there’s a bionic monster outside of the camp, thanks to one of the gods. There is a shield reflecting the bionic nightmare. When the shield is broken, they destroy the machine and Percy discovers that Luke, a villain that tried to over throw the gods, is alive! Annabeth discovers that the tree producing the shield is dying and appears to be poisoned. Annabeth, Percy and not a very happy Grover all go on a quest to receive an artifact that can bring anything dying back to life – The Golden Fleece! Do you believe they can restore the shield and save their camp? You will have to watch the movie to find out!

There is so much to love about this film and maybe only one or two things to dislike. It has comedy, action, adventure, mythical places and items and so much more! One thing I thought was particularly interesting is that Annabeth turns into a blonde in this movie. What is interesting is that in both books Annabeth is a blond, but in the first movie she’s not blond, but brunette! That is really the only thing that confused me. The director, Thor Freudenthal does a fantastic job and so does the cast.

I would have to say my favorite moment in this film is when the gang calls a “taxi” to get them to Florida. The gang is extremely scared of the three drivers wicked driving, and it turns out that the kids don’t have enough money to get to Florida! Uh oh!

I would have to recommend this film to ages 10 to 18. There is very little language or any adult material at all. It may be a little scary for younger ages though. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it is simply brilliant.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions