This new release tells the story of a Las Vegas magician named Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and his sidekick Anton (Steve Buscemi). They have  been doing the same magic act for 10 years and his life is grand, but when a new street magician threatens to steal Burt’s spotlight, Burt will do whatever it takes to keep his fans. Be forewarned that this film is rated PG-13 for a good reason. There are sexual situations, rude humor and some disturbing acts that I would not to expose younger kids to. Even I closed my eyes several times during this film.

Return To Nim’s Island, a Hallmark Channel Original Movie, premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Friday, March 15, 2013. Following up on the success of Nim’s Island, this sequel  is a great platform for Bindi Irwin, through her portrayal of Nim, to introduce young people to the importance of protecting our earth and its fragile species.

Long awaited, The Croods hits theaters nationally on March 22, 2013. KIDS FIRST! Film Critics caught a first look at this film and loved it! "Funny and emotional family friendly". Cheyenne Nguyen, age 9, says it “made me laugh, think, cry and laugh again.”

Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang return to solve another mystery! In this feature length release, Scooby-Doo! Mask Of The Blue Falcon, Brianna Hope Beaton, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, explains that the characters are true to classic Scooby-Doo form, but just a bit more updated. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Cheyenne Nguyen, calls this “a great mystery and a surprise ending.

Take heart DC Comics and Graphic Novel fans, "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2" is out on DVD and Blu-ray. Recently released, this graphic and violent PG-13 film packs a real punch with its realistic animation style and twists on the classic Batman theme. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Juliana Noone, who doesn’t much care for violent films, found herself on the edge of her seat, “intrigued to continue watching.”

If you missed "Chasing Mavericks" when it was recently in the theater, or just can’t get enough of those awesome surfing scenes, you are in luck. Recently released to DVD/Blu-ray , you can now bring the excitement and inspiration - not to mention a bit of the beach - to your own living room!

A romance, yes, but with unusual twists and a complex story line. That is what makes the new film Safe Haven so interesting to watch. February 14 is known as a day for romance, and this year at the theater is no exception. Rated PG-13 for sexual and adult content, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Victoria Burns, age 14, recommends this film, even to those who are not fans of the romance genre, because it is “unique and not cliche.”

Guilty pleasure…a little pregnant…amicable divorce…mostly proud…the list of oxymorons is endless.

Take the guilty pleasure. Supposedly, it’s indulging in something we know isn’t a good thing, but we do it anyway because the pleasure of the moment outweighs the guilt we feel about having indulged.

Beautiful Creatures is a refreshing twist of the age old tale of young love, sacrifice and the battle between good and evil. When Ethan Wate, played by Alden Ehrenreich, meets a mysterious girl named Lena, he immediately falls for her. But Lena and her family have a secret. They are all Casters and when Lena turns 16 her powers will be claimed for the light or the dark. Will Lena be strong enough to change her fate, and will Ethan be strong enough to deal with what happens if she goes dark?

In theaters now, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven Devanney bravely went to see a screening of the new thriller/chiller, "Mama." This PG-13 rated movie isn’t for everyone, but if you are a fan of horror, and like to be scared silly, you shouldn’t miss it. Though not the most original film, it packs a heavy fear-factor for every ghost-loving movie goer.

Mama

Reviewed by Raven Devanney, age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Click here to see Raven’s full video review!