Movies play a hearty role during the holiday season, especially for families. Whether it’s treating the little ones to the greatness of a cinema experience or settling down at home with a Christmas classic, films can spark that festive feeling as brightly as any cherished carol.
We’ve listed the six big family-friendly films currently playing in cinemas across the nation, as well as some fresh VOD, DVD and Blu-ray releases that will keep parents and children buzzing through the school holidays.
Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie
The team behind Ice Age and Rio reconnects families to Snoopy and the unfortunate Charlie Brown for this light-hearted animated story, using a visual style that stays faithful to Charles Schulz’s timeless designs while making the most of modern technology to look visually slick. Written by Schulz’s son and grandson, Bryan and Craig, Charlie Brown’s big-screen return also carries the same heart and wit that made the series a classic.
In Cinemas New Year’s Day
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Following the success of 2007’s family-friendly hit and two “squeakquels”, Alvin, Simon and Theodore hit the road in this fourth Chipmunks movie. Under the belief that their owner Dave will ditch them when he’s married, the trio grab a car and boost their way to Miami to stop the proposal.
In Cinemas Boxing Day
The Good Dinosaur
For the first time ever, Pixar might end up with two films in the Oscar race for Best Animated Feature. Following the stupendous Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur is the story of an anxious Apatosaurus named Arlo. The youngest of three siblings, Arlo can’t seem to find his stride and is unable to be of much use to anybody without calling for Momma and Poppa’s help. But when a strong river washes him away, Arlo must traverse the wild and rely on his own strength to make it back home.
In Cinemas New Year’s Day
Oddball
Beethoven, Air Bud, Homeward Bound – dogs have found plenty of success in family-friendly features. Australia is adding to that feel-good list with this tale of a mischievous dog trained to protect a penguin sanctuary from ruthless foxes. The film stars the fantastic Sarah Snook (Predestination) and Disney voice veteran Alan Tudyk (Big Hero 6, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph).
In Cinemas January 14
Hotel Transylvania 2
One of the only good things Adam Sandler’s done recently was voice a cartoon vampire in 2012’s delightful Hotel Transylvania. In this sequel, Dracula’s daughter Mavis and her partner Jonathan are newlyweds with a healthy baby boy. However, the child isn’t showing any signs of vampire-ness, prompting his concerned grandpa to rally the gang for a road-trip to a fearful summer camp that will REALLY bring the monster out of him.
Now Playing In Cinemas
Goosebumps
Jack Black is RL Stine in this self-aware celebration of the author’s popular children’s horror books. Smashing together elements of Ghostbusters and Gremlins, this movie sees Stine’s collection of creatures come to life and run amok in an unsuspecting town – which includes a giant mantis, living gnomes, a werewolf in sneakers, and the infamous Slappy the dummy.
Now Playing In Cinemas
On Demand & Home Video
There are also plenty of fresh films rolling out On Demand as well as DVD and Blu-ray, including Pixar’s excellent Inside Out, the world-dominating Minions, Disney’s wondrous Tomorrowland, Studio Ghibli’s tender When Marnie Was There, and beloved Finnish character Moomins gets a feature with Moomins on the Riviera. You can grab any of the films right now via the links below.
Moomins on the Riviera – VOD, DVD & Blu-ray options
Inside Out – VOD, DVD & Blu-ray options
Minions – VOD, DVD & Blu-ray options
When Marnie Was There – VOD, DVD & Blu-ray options
Tomorrowland – VOD, DVD & Blu-ray options
