Kid’s take on movies
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ By Arjun Nair KIDS FIRST! film critic, age 16
A Wrinkle in Time is an enjoyable, yet somewhat flawed, interpretation of the classic novel of the same name. The direction and special effects provide a world unlike any other. This is sure to be a watch for sci-fi fans.
The story follows Meg Murry (Storm Reid), a genial teen who is the daughter of famed scientist Alex Murry (Chris Pine). After her father disappears, she goes through a period of insecurity and despair. Four years later, a group of primordial celestial beings — Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon) and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling) — visit Earth to help Meg find her father. Meg’s brother, Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), and friend Calvin (Levi Miller) also join the quest to find Alex.
However, Meg is also brought in to help fight the “It,” an entity of darkness that threatens to destroy people’s happiness.
Reid excellently presents Meg’s inner struggle to be happy and accept herself, and this adds a unique element to the story. As the movie progresses, she slowly rises beyond her doubts to become better. Pine, as Alex, delivers an ardent love for science in his character and, while much of his character is witnessed before he disappears, the rest of his scenes add a performance filled with remorse.
Charles Wallace is my favorite character due to McCabe’s charismatic performance — full of comic relief. Miller, as Calvin, encompasses a respectful companion who seems to be rather enamored by Meg.
Mrs. Which is a wise mentor for Meg who guides her throughout her journey. Mrs. Whatsit, the least wise of the three celestial beings, provides a kind companion. And Mrs. Who represents an encyclopedia of character teeming with knowledge.
Ava DuVernay incredibly directs the movie, as you feel as if you are a part of the world through her use of world building to convey a story.
My favorite scene is the resolution to the main conflict, as it feels like an appropriate conclusion.
My problem with the movie is that it is unevenly paced. After a great first 10 minutes, the rest of the first half is full of clichés. The movie gets running as soon as the second half begins, going into uncharted territory.
I also feel that the scenes for Alex and some other plot points are limited, resulting in a disjointed, convoluted narrative at times, and that could throw off some audience members.
The message of the movie is about believing in yourself and accepting who you are. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18.
‘Love, Simon’ By Calista B. KIDS FIRST! film critic, age 14
I’m not the typical 14-year-old girl. I am not a big fan of love stories. I find them very cliché and not that enjoyable to watch. This movie, however, is an exception.
Love, Simon is about a closeted gay teen named Simon (Nick Robinson) who, after learning about another gay kid on a school website, begins to search for him while also figuring out how to come out.
The most important aspect of this movie is, of course, the fact that this is a gay love story. I feel like this movie handles the whole thing very well and very respectfully. It’s a very positive and inspirational film. But it’s also a gay love story in wide release — and not an indie film. I believe this movie, made specifically for teens, makes a very big step in normalizing LGBT characters in mainstream media.
The moving also has an amazing story. It’s kind of a mystery and comedy with a little touch of love: Who is Blue?
I remember tensing up and whispering to myself whenever I was scared for the characters. I became so invested in them.
The movie also is about friendship and how fragile our friendships can be and how we use and treat people.
The characters boil down to one trait as their whole personality, but I still liked them.
I would have liked to see more depth in Simon’s friend circle. I like Abby (Alexandra Shipp) the most. She’s Simon’s newest friend, who has just moved from Washington, D.C., and it seems like every guy is interested in her. But she is not the typical “hot teen, mean girl”; she is kind.
Simon, of course, is a total show-stealer. He is a charming character who you come to wish was your own best friend. You just want him to find Blue so he can be happy because, as the movie posters say, “Everyone deserves a great Love Story.”
My only issues with this movie come down to how weird the theater teacher and the vice principal are. They are a little over the top. While I liked Ms. Albright (Natasha Rothwell), she swore at students (which isn’t allowed), even though they deserved it. And it felt as if the vice principal (Tony Hale) clearly wanted to be seen as cool, but he ends up being way too invested in people’s love lives.
All in all, I love this romantic comedy and give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18.