Best movies for the kids this winter school holidays
FROM fearsome dinosaurs to loveable superheroes, there are plenty of family blockbusters on the big screen this school holidays. This is Leigh Paatsch’s verdict on what movies kids will love most this winter.
Leigh Paatsch
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THERE are plenty of blockbusters hitting screens this school holidays but which film is best?
Leigh Paatsch is here with all the details and his verdict on what movies kids will love the most.
FIVE MONSTER MOVIES TO STREAM RIGHT NOW
INCREDIBLES 2
(PG, 115 min) NOW SHOWING
*TOP PICK - PRIMARY SCHOOLERS*
Who? The voices of Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell.
What? Animated superhero adventure. Helen returns to active super duty as Elastigirl, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) at home with the kids to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for everyone.
Well ... ? If there is a Pixar movie out during a holiday period, it will generally be the one kids want to see. This impeccably crafted, relentlessly enjoyable sequel stands up to a second viewing, too. Don’t be late so you can also see the new Pixar short film Bao, a mini-classic about a woman raising a dumpling as if it was her child. Full review
Which age group?
Under 5yo: ***1/2
5yo-8yo: *****
9yo-12yo: *****
13yo+: ****
ANT-MAN AND THE WASP
(PG, 118 min) OPENS THU, JULY 5
*TOP PICK — HIGH SCHOOLERS*
Who? Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michelle Pfeiffer
What? Superhero adventure comedy. As Scott Lang balances life as superhero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym have an urgent mission that finds Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.
Well ... ? This light, relatively breezy and endearingly funny affair appeals far more directly to younger audiences than the typical Marvel movie. Hence a welcome PG rating. While the humour is clean, clever and quick-witted, so too are the inventive action sequences, in which characters radically change size in the blink of an eye.
Which age group?
Under 5yo: **
5yo-8yo: ***
9yo-12yo: ***1/2
13yo+: ****
JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM
(M, 122 min) NOW SHOWING
Who? Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rafe Spall
What? Action adventure. When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a desperate campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.
Well ... ? Every little kid born since the Stone Age is hardwired to be fascinated by (and frightened of) dinosaurs. This so-so sequel delivers plenty of chompin’ and stompin’, but does get very samey after a while. Younger kids are bound to get restless at some point during the 2-hr running time. Full review
Which age group?
Under 5yo: *1/2
5yo-8yo: **1/2
9yo-12yo: **1/2
13yo+: ***
SHOW DOGS
(PG, 92 min) OPENS THURS JULY 5
Who? Will Arnett, Ludacris, Natasha Lyonne
What? Talking-animal comedy. Max, a macho, solitary rottweiler police dog is ordered to go undercover as a primped show dog in a prestigious dog show, along with his human partner, to avert a disaster from happening.
Well ... ? This unashamedly silly movie does exactly what it says on the tin: all that’s really happening here is lots and lots of mutts mucking around in Las Vegas. The story ain’t much, but the fun factor for little ’uns is high. Particularly whenever the pooches go into slapstick mayhem mode.
Which age group?
Under 5yo: ***1/2
5yo-8yo: ***
9yo-12yo: **1/2
13yo+: **
BEST DOG MOVIES TO STREAM RIGHT NOW
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: A MONSTER VACATION
(PG, 95 min) NOW SHOWING
Who? The voices of Adam Sandler, Kathryn Hahn, Selena Gomez
What? Animated comedy. Count Dracula takes a family voyage on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship so he can take a vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at his hotel. Of course, the rest of Drac’s pack cannot resist coming along.
Well ... ? To be honest, this is a clear notch below the first two, which were actually quite good. However, if you do have a large group of younger children in tow — for a birthday party, say — then the easy-to-follow story and stacks of wacky moments will still cover all bases. Full review
Which age group?
Under 5yo: **1/2
5yo-8yo: ***
9yo-12yo: **1/2
13yo+: **
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY
(M, 135 min) NOW SHOWING
Who? Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover
What? Sci-fi action adventure. During an adventure into the criminal underworld, the young Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca, and soon encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion.
Well ... ? This latest Star Wars movie is still going strong at the box-office, and goes beautifully as a ‘standalone’ experience even if kids aren’t real fans of the franchise. A handful of violent action sequences counts out the under-10s. Otherwise, a safe choice. Full review
Which age group?
Under 5yo: *
5yo-8yo: **
9yo-12yo: ***1/2
13yo+: ***1/2
BELLE & SEBASTIAN: FRIENDS FOR LIFE
(PG, 91 min) NOW SHOWING
Who? Felix Bossuet, Tcheky Karyo, Clovis Cornilliac
What? Period drama. With the war over, Sebastian learns his family plans to leave their idyllic home in the Alps. Then a mysterious stranger shows up, claiming to be the rightful owner of the young boy’s beloved dog Belle.
Well ... ? This beautiful French-produced feel-gooder completes a trilogy of features based on the popular B&S books series. Though it does help if your child knows a little of the background story, the combo of a lovely mountain setting with cute dogs and puppies everywhere is irresistible. Full review
Which age group?
Under 5yo: ***
5yo-8yo: ***1/2
9yo-12yo: ***1/2
13yo+: **1/2
Originally published as Best movies for the kids this winter school holidays
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