School holidays are almost here, which means we get to hear the best sound in the world: that wondrous “OOOOOO!” sound that kids make when they see the ‘Put On Your 3D Glasses’ screen for the first time.
Introduce your tamariki to the holy temple of cinema these school holidays by choosing a family film you think will work wonders for your whānau. From live-action Disney whimsy to animated animal antics, there’s something here for anyone of any age.
Pete’s Dragon
Now Playing in Cinemas | Rated PG (low level violence)
New Zealand landscapes stand in for North American forests in Disney’s remake of their 70s family classic. When young Pete finds himself alone in the woods after a car accident, he befriends a giant green dragon and calls him Elliott. After years of friendship and fending for themselves, they’re discovered and their futures put in jeopardy by fearful, greedy townsfolk (led by Kiwi Karl Urban). Luckily for Pete and Elliott, a sympathetic park ranger (Bryce Dallas Howard) has the pair’s best interests at heart, and their adventure doesn’t look to be over just yet… Screen legend Robert Redford co-stars.
2D Movie Times | 3D Movie Times
The Secret Life of Pets
Now Playing in Cinemas | Rated G
Ever wondered what your animal pals get up to when you’re not around? The folks behind Despicable Me bring us up to speed on their secret lives, with this tale set in the busy pet-tropolis of New York, and starring a constellation of comic geniuses. Max (Louis CK) is a happy terrier, content with his life and the undivided attention of his owner. When she adopts another dog, the super-sized Duke, it disrupts Max’s carefully-concealed hidden routine, and sees the pair embark on a hair-raising, city-wide adventure. Also features the voices of Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper and Albert Brooks.
2D Movie Times | 3D Movie Times
Storks
Now Playing in Cinemas | Rated G
Storks, traditionally the deliverers of babies, have fallen on hard times in this modern age, and now use their age-old skill set to drop off packages for an internet retailer. When a stork named Junior (Andy Samberg) accidentally triggers the Baby Making Machine and produces an unauthorized human, he and his pal Tulip (Katie Crown) race to make their first-ever baby drop before anyone finds out – especially their cantankerous boss Hunter (Kelsey Grammer). Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Keegan-Michael Key, and Jordan Peele also lend their voices.
2D Movie Times | 3D Movie Times
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
In Cinemas 29th September | Rating TBC
Tim Burton brings to life the bestselling novel of the same name by Ransom Riggs. Like a younger, more Burton-y, Professor X with good hair, Miss Peregrine raises children with extraordinary powers and teaches them to harness them for the greater good – at least according to stories told to Jacob (Asa Butterfield) by his grandfather. As Jacob stumbles across their world and meets Miss Peregrine (Eva Green), these seemingly tall tales sound more plausible, and Jacob finds he has an unexpected role to play in protecting loved ones from monstrous enemies. Also stars Chris O’Dowd, Allison Janney, Rupert Everett, Terence Stamp, Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson.
Kubo and the Two Strings
Now Playing in Cinemas | Rated PG (violence & scary scenes)
Stop-motion animated fantasy adventure from Laika (ParaNorman), set in ancient Japan, following a boy who must find help when a vengeful spirit is released. Kubo cares for his ailing mother, feeding them both by spinning magical stories for their townsfolk, and living a simple but carefree life. Their past catches up with them, though, when Kubo breaks one simple rule – don’t stay out past sunset – and they are pursued by the forces of the Moon King, killers of Kubo’s father. Features Oscar-winning voices Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey, as well as nominees Rooney Mara and Ralph Fiennes.
There are also a number of cinemas still playing: The BFG, Ice Age: Collision Course
