Zoom: Teen critics weigh in

For more than a decade now, we’ve been proud to bring the best in affordable, family-friendly film/video programming from around the world—plus a slew of free hands-on activities for all ages—to central Ohio with our crowd-favorite Zoom: Family Film Festival.
And while we’re thrilled about the screenings for this year, Zoom’s 12^th anniversary, we decided to tap three smart, opinionated teens to hear their thoughts about one of our selections—Jellyfish Eyes, from acclaimed artist Takashi Murakami, onscreen tonight (Thursday, December 3) at 7 pm. Spoiler alert: They gave this heady mix of live action and animation three thumbs up. 

“I would really recommend this movie, overall….This movie would be an interesting start for someone who likes the whole animated thing, but can handle crazy things happening....This movie is beautiful and enjoyable.”—Orson, age 13, Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High
“I think people in my grade would be interested in this movie. I think they’d want to watch it….It went up and down and all around.”—Mariam, age 12, Indianola K–8
“You had these anime, cute things mixed with emotional, more serious (moments). I think a lot of different kinds of people would like it because there’s so many different things, there’s cartoons mixed with emotion mixed with fighting, all in one.”—Mira, age 12, Indianola K–8

Want another take on this weekend’s programming?
Below, Orson, a Wex intern who enjoys music, art, and film, (and has been a Zoom attendee since 2011) holds forth on another movie screening during the film festival: Ballet Boys. This inspiring documentary about a trio of talented teens who have dedicated themselves to the art of ballet has won acclaim from outlets such as the Telegraph (UK), which called it “an engaging coming-of-age story with a healthy dose of beautiful dancing,” and from our own in-house teen critic.

Says Orson:     
I enjoyed Ballet Boys because the movie went in depth about what ballet is really about, not stereotypes. The design and quality is great and beautiful. The only thing I noticed was that, in one of the scenes, the viewer could see the camera through a mirror. I realized that it must've been filmed in more than one year. I thought, overall, it was a great movie.
I feel like, this being my age group, I could relate to these kids. There are stereotypes non-dancers and the public overall think about ballet. To most people, ballet is just about young girls dancing around in pink tutus. But, in my opinion, this movie is breaking stereotypes. For some people, this movie might not be their cup of tea, but this movie is beautiful and enjoyable overall.

More words (and video!) from our teen critics in the clip below: