So you want to treat the little ones to a day at the movies these school holidays… What’s playing? When’s it out? Is it coming to a cinema near you?
We’ve got the answers to those questions in our handy dandy School Holiday Movie Guide below, highlighting the six big family-friendly films playing nationwide…
The Jungle Book
With Jon Favreau directing and the latest technological filmmaking tools at his disposal, Disney’s modern take on The Jungle Book is looking to achieve far more than the bare necessities. Almost everything you see on screen was created by a computer, which we’re telling you now because you wouldn’t believe us after seeing this photo-realistic film in action.
The voice actors are cast to perfection. Ben Kingsley lends his tones to the regal panther Bagheera, Bill Murray unsurprisingly plays the chilled-out Baloo, Lupita Nyong’o amplifies the presence of mother wolf Raksha, and Scarlett Johansson goes Under the Skin once again as the chilling python Kaa. But, chances are, the most memorable animal of them all will be lead baddie Shere Khan, fuelled by the powerful vocals of Idris Elba.
Opening in cinemas April 21. Rated PG (violence and scary scenes)
Trailer, Times & More Info for ‘The Jungle Book’ | Also Playing in 3D
Kung Fu Panda 3
The Kung Fu Panda series has been an absolute winner for DreamWorks Animation Studio. The films deliver the best kind of silliness for all ages while sticking to a Saturday Morning Cartoon style of storytelling that remains straight-faced but never too serious. This third entry is perhaps the cuddliest of them all, if simply because it has the most pandas on screen.
This time, Po is reunited with his panda father Li (much to the jealousy of his goose father Mr. Ping) as well as the panda village he came from. But when new baddie Kai (voiced by Whiplash’s JK Simmons) returns from the afterlife to seek absolute power, this puts the secret village in danger once again. This puts Po in a confusing position: does he stay and fight or help his panda family flee?
Now playing. Rated PG (low level violence)
Trailer, Times & More Info for ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ | Also Playing in 3D
Zootopia
Disney Animation Studios has produced success (Wreck-It Ralph) after success (Frozen) after success (Big Hero 6), and that train of joy isn’t stopping with their latest family adventure. Seeing animals walk and talk may not be anything new, but this film is far more modern than it initially lets on.
In this world, there has never been a bunny cop, but that simply motivates Judy Hopps to becoming the first on the force. But even with a badge in hand, it doesn’t stop her water buffalo boss from giving her the stink eye. Judy attempts to prove her worth by solving a missing person’s case – though she’ll need the help of a hustling fox to do so.
Now playing. Rated PG (some scenes may scare very young children)
Trailer, Times & More Info for ‘Zootopia’ | Also Playing in 3D
Robinson Crusoe
Belgian animation studio nWave may not hold the same reputation as Disney or Pixar, but they know how to provide their own flavour in the family film department. Their take on the classic Robinson Crusoe tale, which sees a man making a life for himself on the island he’s stranded on, is told from the perspective of talking animals that inhabit the tiny slice of land.
As with The House of Magic before it, nWave takes great care in creating fun set-pieces for very young audiences that simulate a theme park ride. A good ol’ pirate battle never goes amiss, as does the rollercoaster segment that puts the audience right in the middle of a chase between a feral cat and a chameleon with a grappling hook-like tongue.
In cinemas April 14. Rated PG (scary scenes and mild language)
Trailer, Times & More Info for ‘Robinson Crusoe: The Wild Life’
Eddie the Eagle
“A crowd-pleasing gem,” “inspirational,” “heartfelt, funny and endearing,” these are just a few reactions we got from the happy Flicksters who attended our preview screening of this family-friendly true underdog story. Given how often this film is compared to Disney classic Cool Runnings, we’re not at all surprised to hear Kiwis loving Eddie the Eagle.
Kingsman star Taron Egerton goes from suave spy to shoddy ski-jumper as real-life Olympic hopeful Michael Edwards. The young lad is pretty bloody hopeless at the sport, despite being coached by The Wolverine himself Hugh Jackman. But while Edwards’ constant ineptitude can (and will) cause fits of chuckles in the audience, his never-give-up attitude will have everyone on his side. When you see this naïve hopeful at the top of the ramp on the world stage, it’ll be impossible to look away, no matter how much you’ll want to shut your eyes.
In cinemas April 28 (with sneak previews 23rd-25th April. Rated PG (coarse language and sexual references)
Trailer, Times & More Info for ‘Eddie the Eagle’
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
What better way to entertain the kids than to sit them down in front of Uncle Taika and have him tell a story and crack some jokes? OK, so there’s way more going on in Hunt for the Wilderpeople than that, but it still boils down to Taika Waititi’s unquestionable ability to entertain New Zealanders of all ages.
Waititi has a firm finger on the pulse of the nation and caters to our storytelling needs with tales the average Kiwi can gravitate towards. He also strikes a reflex hammer at Aotearoa’s funny bone to have us jolting by laughter. Aided by energetic young star Julian Dennison and cinema legend Sam Neill, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is homegrown cinema for everyone and anyone.
Now playing. Rated PG (violence, coarse language, some scenes may disturb young children)
Trailer, Times & More Info for ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’
