Children's Express Sheffield members were invited to review films for the Showcomotion film festival for young people, which featured new films by and about young people. This is what they thought of some of the movies on offer.
Kiss Kiss
This Danish film shows how Merle must cope with a half-brother, a mother who's always looking for Mr. Right and the rivalry between her father and stepfather.Merle can't understand why everyone is kissing and what they find so enjoyable when she finds the idea repulsive.
This short, sub-titled film deals with broken families and the feeling of 'not fitting in.' But wait, who is the new boy moving in next door? Suddenly, Merle starts to feel 'funny' in the stomach and perhaps the idea of kissing is not too bad?
This delightful modern film incorporates web chats, chocolate factories and secret dens.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys foreign films. I wasn't too keen on foreign films, but recently I have discovered a whole new world and my opinion has changed.
Review by Wei Jun Chung,14
Send More Candy
This delightful Danish film centres on the life of two city girls. They have everything they want and when their parents go on a business trip to New York, the girls want that, too. Instead, their mother bundles them off to a completely alien world, the countryside. They have to spend two weeks with some family friends, an elderly couple who take the sisters under their wing and - though rather grudgingly - look after the girls the best they can.
The girls and the elderly couple are both very wary of their dramatically different lifestyles and keep their distances. However, with the classic comical old man and the odd farm animal, the distinct smell is a mixture of manure and trouble. Soon the unlikely foursome take to each other and things can only go up. Or can they?
How can the city girls from Copenhagen understand what goes on behind locked doors and what's wrong with the local nursing home? This film is both entertaining and educational, only these lessons can't be learned at school and the city girls have a lot of growing up to do.
I thoroughly enjoyed Send More Candy and give it 7/10.
Review by Wei Jun Chung, 14
Send More Candy
A Danish film set in the heart of the countryside, Send More Candy starts off with a brief commentary from the youngest girl, Lone. The two girls have to leave their mother for the summer and are against the idea completely. They are adventurous and easily bored, which leads them to give the two people caring for them a very bad impression.
The story develops a lot in the middle after a slow start. The girls have a lot of expectations about where they are staying and are very disappointed when they see their home for the coming weeks. Rasmus, the man looking after them, makes it clear from the start that the girls are an inconvenience, but will his attitude stay the same?
His wife, Hortensia, is more welcoming and open-minded about the girls, however. Angelica and Lone's behaviour gets them into trouble a few too many times, but their good intentions begin to convince Rasmus they aren't so bad.
The actors are extremely good and the film is very true to life - as if it's a film about a real family. The actor playing Rasmus stands out, however, and you can relate to people like his character in everyday life.
Although this isn't a big name film, it is well-presented and has a good storyline. This is a low budget film for all audiences. Children of all ages will relate to the younger main characters, while a more mature audience will understand the issues the older characters have to deal with.
Send More Candy started off a little sad and depressing, but the light and childish mood of the girls on their journey made me feel a lot happier and more hopeful. As the story develops, the tension eases and things become more relaxed and happy. By the end, the film is fairytale-like.
This is a totally unique film and I haven't seen another like it before. And it's surprisingly easy to follow, considering it's in Danish. I rate this film 3/5 for the good, well-written script, good acting and how realistic it was a whole.
Review by Laura Smith, 14
The Pipsqueak Prince
The Pipsqueak Prince is a small character who lives in a little house on a big hill. One morning he awakes to find that there is a dark splodge on the sun. The film follows what happens during his day.
It's not bad. The plot, whilst a little pointless, is simple and easy to follow. This is great for the younger kids and the ending will appeal to all ages. I give it 8/10.
Review byJenny Matthews, 16
About the team
This story was produced by members of the Children's Express Sheffield bureau. It was published on showcomotion.org.uk.
