Best films for kids over Spring holidays
Unsure of what to take the kids to see at the cinemas these school holidays? Let us help you pick the right movie.
Movies
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Whoosh! That’s the sound of yet another clump of school holidays advancing at warp speed.
For parents on the lookout for entertainment options for their children, a trip to the cinema can be the perfect time-slaying circuit-breaker.
But how to best choose from all the G and PG-rated titles on offer during this busy period, particularly when you must cater to the tastes and whims of multiple age groups?
Don’t panic. This guide will break down for you which movies best fit the bill for every discerning young viewer in your entourage.
ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (PG, 97 min)
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Leslie Jones, Bill Hader
Summary: Animated comedy sequel. Pig Island is under attack from a new enemy. Their only chance of repelling the threat is to join forces with their foes on Bird Island.
Verdict: This is a major step up from the rather dreadful Angry Birds Movie from 2016. Which must count for something, given we are talking about a flick originally adapted from a phone app! Anyway, this way backs off on all the busy, fizzy stuff, keeping a pleasing balance between slapsticky silliness and a pacy story easily understood by young’uns.
Age group:
under 5: ***1/2
5-8: ***
9-12: **1/2
13+: *1/2
DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (PG, 102 min)
Top pick for high schooners
Cast: Isabela Moner, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria
Summary: Action adventure. Always the explorer, Dora finds herself leading and expedition to save her parents and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost Incan civilisation.
Verdict: A lot of potential viewers for this lively gem might be mistaken in assuming it is a straight live-action update of the preschool TV Dora the Explorer. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Dora featured here is a can-do young woman in her teens, heading up a colourful crew through a series of exciting events not unlike the recent Jumanji reboot Welcome to the Jungle. Irresistible fun from start to finish.
Age group:
under 5: **
5-8: ***
9-12: ***1/2
13+: ***
RIDE LIKE A GIRL (PG, 98 min)
Opens Thursday
Cast: Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill, Sullivan Stapleton
Summary: Sporting biopic. The true story of how trailblazing Australian jockey Michelle Payne overcame injury and tragedy to become the first female to steer home the winner of the Melbourne Cup.
Verdict: While it is encouraging there is an Australian-made production in the line-up this holiday, this erratic and rather cheesy affair ranks as a real disappointment in most departments. Younger viewers will enjoy the first half of the movie, which focuses on Michelle Payne’s early days growing up in a racing-mad house with a large family. However, the way her track triumph is handled underwhelms where it should inspire.
Age group:
under 5: *
5-8: *1/2
9-12: **
13+: **
DOWNTON ABBEY (PG, 102 min)
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery
Summary: Period drama. The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the 1920s, and soon to host their first royal visit.
Verdict: The appeal of Downton Abbey on TV has always been strong with youthful viewers, and the same effortless connection is forged by the movie version. The story of the royal visit is so well told that it doesn’t really matter if your child is entering the timeless world of Downton for the first time. A great choice for grandparents, aunts and uncles looking to take a younger relative to the pictures.
Age group:
under 5: *
5-8: **
9-12: ***1/2
13+: ***1/2
ABOMINABLE (G, 88 min)
Top pick for primary schooners
Cast: Chloe Bennet, Eddie Izzard, Tsai Chin
Summary: Animated adventure. When a teenager finds a Yeti on the roof of her building, she embarks on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth.
Verdict: Has been tipped in some circles to have the makings of another multi-film series to rival How to Train Your Dragon. While Abominable doesn’t quite hit those lofty heights, preschoolers and early primary schooners will be entranced by the loveable lead character of Everest the Yeti. Visuals are beautiful, and the overall vibe is unrushed and relaxed.
Age group:
under 5: ***1/2
5-8: ***
9-12: **1/2
13+: *1/2
THE LION KING (PG, 121 min)
Cast: Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyoncé
Summary: Live-action(ish) remake. After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.
Verdict: This photorealistic retooling of the classic Disney cartoon musical has been going strong in cinemas for two months now, and recent research has shown many more children than usual have seen the film on repeat occasions. If nothing else makes appeal when scheduling your next trip to the movies, another look-see at Simba and company will be a safe bet.
Age group:
under 5: ***
5-8: ***1/2
9-12: ****
13+: **
UGLYDOLLS (G, 86 min)
Cast: Kelly Clarkson, Pitbull, Nick Jonas
Summary: Animated adventure. The free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with a desire to be loved, and ultimately discover who you truly are is what matters most.
Verdict: Feel free to whack this sub-par cartoon right down to the bottom of your must-see list (or on top of your don’t see list). This is one of those empty-calorie screen snacks primarily designed to sell some merch and move some music downloads. (Opens September 26 in NSW and SA)
Age group:
under 5: **
5-8: *1/2
9-12: *
13+: *
TOY STORY 4 (G, 97 min)
Top pick for the whole family
Cast: Tom Hanks, Annie Potts, Keanu Reeves
Summary: Animated adventure. When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.
Verdict: One of the best movies of the year — animated or otherwise — has had its release widened for a limited run ahead of its move to the streaming platforms at the end of the year. The big screen is the right way to see it, and the deceptively involving storyline guarantees this sublime sequel stands up to a second (and third) look. Another modern classic from Pixar Studios.
Age group:
under 5: ***1/2
5-8: *****
9-12: *****
13+: ****