KIDS First / Coalition for Quality Children's Media

KIDS First / Coalition for Quality Children's Media Don’t waste your hard earned money on entertainment before you listen to our KIDS FIRST! team.

A voluntary collaboration comprised of more than 100,000 media professionals, lobbyists, policymakers, child advocates, educators, parents and families nationwide, the Coalition aims to teach children to become critical media users, help adults recognize the importance of teaching critical viewing skills to children, help children identify and be aware of outstanding media programming, and develop programs for children with special needs such as low-income, hospitalized or at-risk children.

08/31/2026

Finding Happy is a documentary that shares inspiring stories of people who have rescued and cared for animals. I really enjoy how the film brings these stories to life through emotional moments, multiple points of views and a powerful message about the connection between people and animals.

The storyline mainly follows Happy, a sparrow who was injured and found on the roadside. His story is told along with stories of other rescued animals, including Honk, a goose who was abandoned in a pond, and Jenny, a cow who was considered not “useful,” and a woman who has rescued more than 100 elephants. Each story is different, but they all show the importance of giving animals a safe place to live and caring for them. It shows how animals can bring happiness, comfort and support to people while also reminding people why animals deserve to be protected.

The film shows us that rescuing an animal doesn't only change the animal's life, it makes a difference in the life of the rescuer as well. One of the strongest parts of Finding Happy is the different points of view it explores. Instead of only focusing on the animals, the documentary really examines the people who have rescued and cared for them. Each person portrays themselves and we hear their passion and emotion as they talk about their pets. The stories show how much animals can mean to people, especially during difficult times. Happy’s story is especially emotional because the relationship between him and his rescuer, Maria, shows how helping an animal can help bring happiness and purpose to someone’s life.

Finding Happy releases to VOD and streaming on September 1, 2026.

In January 2025, the devastating Palisades Fire burned over 23,000 acres, destroying thousands of structures across Mali...
08/31/2026

In January 2025, the devastating Palisades Fire burned over 23,000 acres, destroying thousands of structures across Malibu and Pacific Palisades. While the destruction on land was clear, Malibu’s ocean became a forgotten victim—its fragile underwater ecosystem severely damaged by wildfire runoff and debris.

Without human intervention, marine recovery could take generations. That is why The Malibu Project is taking action.Last weekend at Surfrider Beach, over 100 volunteers joined us and our partner Heal the Bay to clean up nearly 70 pounds of marine debris before it reached the open ocean.

Special thanks to our title sponsor Joyburst, as well as Beach Now and Munch and Pop, for supporting the event.Beach cleanups are just the first step. Partnering with marine experts behind the renowned Palos Verdes Reef Restoration Project, we have a proven blueprint to actively restore and reforest Malibu’s kelp forests and rocky reefs. With community backing, we can restore these waters in years rather than centuries—ensuring cleaner oceans, healthier air, and thriving marine life for future generations.

How to get involved: Meet us at the Malibu Chili Cook-Off this weekend at the Malibu Boys & Girls Club booth.Save the date for our upcoming Wellness Day & Evening Concert at Cielo Farms on October 24.Restoring our coastline requires immediate action and resources.

Visit www.TheMalibuProject.org right now to donate, get involved, and join us in bringing Malibu’s ocean back to life.

https://youtu.be/uPngzBP3LSM?si=N0ZNbA0LGEySbZ1o

Opening Wednesday, September 16, "Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift" debuts as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor...
08/31/2026

Opening Wednesday, September 16, "Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift" debuts as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor, high-speed coaster and the fastest in Universal's global portfolio. Reaching speeds up to 72 MPH and forces up to 3.6 Gs, this 4,100-foot ride uses the park's hillside terrain to offer dynamic maneuvers and panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley.

Guests board four iconic, 360-degree rotating vehicles modeled after the franchise's Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra. Each car features custom engine audio for a unique drift experience. The attraction incorporates four launches, an inverted dive loop, a pretzel loop, and an inverted stall, weaving over and under the Starway escalator.

The immersive queue takes guests through a red brick garage filled with authentic film props, interactive QR code displays, and large-scale original murals by artist Tristan Eaton, capturing the heart of the $7 billion saga.

For more information, visit Universal Studios Hollywood.

I really enjoyed the icy film, Before the Ice Melts! It is an inspiring and emotional film that combines hockey, determi...
08/31/2026

I really enjoyed the icy film, Before the Ice Melts! It is an inspiring and emotional film that combines hockey, determination and family to tell a story about chasing your dreams even when the odds are against you.

The story follows Nora (Molly Peyton), a teenage girl who has always dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player and getting drafted. She is passionate about the sport and refuses to give up on her goal, even when she faces challenges along the way. Her journey shows how much dedication and hard work it takes to pursue something you truly love. The film also features hockey legends Luc Robitaille, Marty McSorely and Joseph Nieuwenyk, who add an authentic feeling to the hockey world and makes the story even more exciting.

This is a great film for anyone who has ever had a dream they were determined to achieve. One of my favorite things about the film is its message! The film's takeaway is that you should never give up on a dream just because it seems impossible. I really like how the film displays that having talent is important, but determination, confidence and believing in yourself can be just as powerful. The hockey scenes are especially fun to watch because they give the film energy and made me feel like I was right there on the ice with Nora. I also like that the story focuses on a girl trying to make it into a sport that's very competitive. Nora's dream doesn't come easily, which makes her journey more meaningful. Instead of giving up when things get difficult, she keeps pushing forward. The film's title stands out to me because it creates a sense of urgency, as if she has to take her chance before the opportunity disappears - or the ice melts.

Before the Ice Melts is available on VOD and streaming on September 8, 2026.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood returns select nights from September 3 to November 1, serving up ...
08/31/2026

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood returns select nights from September 3 to November 1, serving up all-new creepy cuisine, limited-edition merch, and the fan-favorite Dining Pass.

Crafted by Executive Chef Julia Thrash, this year's killer menu brings the frights of the haunted houses straight to your plate—with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.

Fuel your fear with the Dining Pass:
2 Entrées + 4 Sides, Snacks, Desserts, or Drinks
Valid at participating locations (just look for the Dining Pass logo on menu boards)
Flexible diet options: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free bites available
Must be 21+ with valid ID for alcoholic beverages.

08/29/2026

Step inside the largest anime convention on the East Coast! Anime NYC brings together over 150,000 creators, cosplayers, and fans from around the world to celebrate the absolute best in anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture in the heart of New York City. Join KIDS FIRST! Reporter Valerie M. as she explores four days of epic exhibits, exclusive screenings, and incredible talents! In this episode, Valerie interviews:🎨 Artist Alley Creators:Nenny | Instagram: (BottlingSunshine) | Instagram: | Instagram: (Catzilla) | Instagram: | Instagram: 🎭 Cosplayers & Character Meet-and-Greets:Captain UnderpantsMia (Cosplayer)Ella (), Jack, & AlexMizu () & Paul (.studios)

08/29/2026

The best way to sum up Coyote vs. ACME – pure, hilarious, cartoon chaos. Combining a mix of live-action and animation, classic Looney Tunes antics, and a story full of plot twists, this movie had me laughing on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Meet Wile E. Coyote, a rather unique individual whose only goal in life is to catch the infamous Roadrunner. Using equipment and weapons provided by the megacorporation ACME, he dedicates his days to finding any way possible to catch this bird; but the thing is, anytime he uses ACME products, he gets trampled, blown-up, smashed, crashed, or otherwise obliterated in countless ways. After one too many times that an ACME item backfires (quite literally) in his face, he decides to sue the company itself for defective products with help from down-on-his-luck human lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) and his determined and a bit stubborn niece, Paige Avery (Lana Condor). What starts out as a simple lawsuit turns intense when the court is in session; old enemies are reunited, and a haunting ACME secret is discovered. Now, it’s up to the Coyote, Kevin, and Paige to find what’s hiding behind closed doors, assemble their case, and share the truth.

I love this film’s unique blend of live-action and animation. Though this movie is set in the real world, everywhere you look there are characters, items, or places that could only be found in the land of Looney Tunes. Will Forte and Lana Condor’s interaction with their animated cast members make their presence feel real even though they aren’t fully there during filming. Coupling that with advanced film technology that allows for increased cartoon and human interaction, I found this line-up of characters to be truly ground-breaking. The storyline itself is a multilayered twisting and turning mystery, with only a few moments being hard to follow. Showing how a simple incident can expand to literally decide the future of the Coyote and ACME gives intensity to the adventure, definitely more than what I expected.

Coyote vs. ACME pops into theaters on August 28, 2026!

08/28/2026

Get ready to laugh, because this film is absolutely Looney TUNES! Coyote vs. ACME is a hilarious celebration of the ultimate underdog, Wile E. Coyote, packed with gags, slapstick comedy and classic cartoon fun that fans know and love. I especially love seeing so many classic Looney Tunes characters make appearances throughout the movie. The combination of live action and animation is so much fun and reminds me of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Mary Poppins.

After decades of being blown to bits by bombs, demolished by dynamite, mangled by magnets, battered by boulders, trampled by trains and basically tortured by every ACME invention imaginable, Wile E. Coyote (Eric Bauza) finally decides enough is enough. He fights back and teams up with billboard accident lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to take on slick corporate attorney Buddy Crane (John Cena) and ACME, Inc., the profit-obsessed company behind all of the chaotic catastrophes. What starts as one desperate attempt to get justice turns into a hilarious adventure that puts Wile E. against the company that has been making his life miserable for decades.

This film has something for everyone, especially if you are a Looney Tunes fan. I love how the animation and live action are blended in this film. The animated Looney Tunes characters fit naturally into the live-action world, creating a fun visual style that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Will Forte brings plenty of heart and humor as Kevin Avery, while John Cena is perfectly entertaining as the slick Buddy Crane. Of course, Eric Bauza, as Wile E. Coyote steals the show with his expressive reactions, determination and never-ending bad luck. The sets and locations create a bigger world for the story, while the mix of real locations, live-action characters and animation makes the movie feel like a giant Looney Tunes adventure come to life. The movie celebrates the underdog, standing up for yourself and believing that you can make a difference even when the odds are completely against you. It is a fun reminder that sometimes you have to keep chasing your goal, no matter how many times you get knocked off the cliff.

It releases in theaters August 28, 2026.

The National Endowment for the Arts will present a free tribute concert in honor of the 2026 Jazz Masters on Tuesday, Se...
08/25/2026

The National Endowment for the Arts will present a free tribute concert in honor of the 2026 Jazz Masters on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. PT at The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California.

This concert will feature performances celebrating the 2026 Jazz Masters, recipients of the nation’s highest honor in jazz, who were announced last fall: Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira, Patrice Rushen, and A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy recipient Rhonda Hamilton. Hosted by the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Mary Anne Carter, the 2026 Jazz Masters Tribute Concert is free to attend and will be available through a live webcast and radio broadcasts across the country.

Chairman Carter said, “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to bring its annual Jazz Masters celebration to Los Angeles, a city deeply connected to the history of jazz and to this year’s honorees. We look forward to an unforgettable concert honoring these remarkable artists and celebrating their lasting contributions to America’s rich jazz heritage.”

Reserve Free Tickets https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2026-jazz-masters-tribute-concert-tickets-1996126641519

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