Earth to Echo
On their last night of living in the same neighborhood, Alex, Tuck, Munch, and Emma (Teo Halm, Brian Bradley, Reese Hartwig, and Ella Wahlestedt) set out to follow a series of clues and encrypted messages on their cell phones. But, early on the gang learns they’re not alone in the search for what turns out to be an extraterrestrial distress call. Quickly piecing things together a new and unexpected friend is made, echo, an interstellar traveler light years from home. Now the race is on to help Echo reassemble his parts in an effort to return home, the meddling Dr. Madsen (Jason Gray-Stanford) may have something to say about all of this though. 
Writen by Henry Gayden and Directed by Dave Green this pre-teen adventure makes for another formidable addition to what’s already a fairly crowded dance card. Surprisingly well acted by the ensemble, on the surface this light spirited jaunt also manages to address subtexts of abandonment, parental inattention, being the odd man out, fraternal order, and government distrust, impressive for what might otherwise be passed off as “just a kid’s film.” From a cinematography standpoint, the Point of View/found footage/documentary style of shooting might prove to be a bit challenging for more conservative viewers but makes for a fun gimmick throughout. Meanwhile, special effects involved have sparkle and aren’t distracting from the overall film. Fun for the younger audiences, Earth to Echo is rated PG.