Come along to our free movie night on Friday 3rd May at 5.30pm at Johnsonville Library.
This month everybody’s favourite bear is happily settled into his new home at Windsor Gardens, and he’s even found the perfect present to send back to his aunt for her birthday. But then the present is stolen before he can even buy it!
How can he set everything to rights?
This film is rated PG.
Can’t guess what film we’re talking about? You can call the library or talk to a librarian to find out what is playing each month.
Bring your own cushion for a comfy night in. Movies will play in the Children’s section of the library.
The school holidays have begun! There will be days during the Easter break where the library will be closed. So if are looking for some entertainments, why not have a read of my latest reviews of new DVDs: Mary Poppins Returns and The Nutcracker and the four realms.
And some oldies but goodies, Maleficent, (which aired on TV 2 last weekend), and Despicable Me 3, (which aired on TV 3 last weekend).
But you better get your hands on these DVDs quick … before someone else does!
They saved the best for last! Gru, the reluctant antihero of the previous films has come a long way from being a supervillian. He is married to his Anti-Villain league partner, Lucy, an involved father to Margo, Edith and Agnes and is working for the good guys bringing in the bad of the bad. However things go pear-shaped when Gru is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy, Balthazar Bratt, a character completely stuck in the 80s with his music and his dance moves and armed with expanding bubble gum as his weapon of choice. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother-a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps-one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad. Will Gru complete his path back to the dark side?, you have to watch the film to find out.
Overall, a hilarious film! The minions are funnier than before! Agnes’ obsession with unicorns intensifies where she embarks on a quest to find a long lost legendary unicorn… only to end up with a one horned goat, (spoiler) and the showdown or “dance fight” between Gru and Balthazar Bratt, is funny and cheesy.
This it The Nutcracker as you have never seen it before!
Based on the original story and ballet of The Nutcracker, Clara finds her way into a mysterious parallel world. She teams up with a soldier named Philip aka The Nutcracker in search of a key to unlock a box from her late mother. However things take a turn when it is up to Clara to brave the Fourth Realm to find the key and return harmony to the unstable world. Throughout this film, things aren’t always what they seem. You will find yourself wondering what lies is the mystery box, at times second guessing who the true heroes and villains are throughout this film and whether Clara will find what she is truly looking for.
This film is very entertaining and a fresh retelling of the original story and ballet of The Nutcracker.
This is Sleeping Beauty as you have never seen it! The bad fairy was once a good fairy.
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful, pure-hearted young woman called Maleficent, who had anidyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land and she is betrayed by her childhood friend, King Stefan. Bent on revenge, Maleficent places a curse upon Stefan’s newborn infant Aurora. However things take a turn while acting as an unofficial fairy godmother, Maleficent becomes fond of Aurora.
Poor Maleficent experiences conflict, similar to iconic Star Wars villain, Darth Vader, whether being trapped in the dark side is permanent or whether there is still good in her… and she will save the day.
Overall a great (alternative) retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
I rate this movie: 7/10.
Have a look at the trailer to the upcoming sequel: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which is scheduled to be released late October 2019.
After Mary Poppins departed London, Jane and Michael Banks grew up into loving and responsible adults. When Michael becomes a single father of three children: John, Annabel and George, (named after and is a polar opposite of George Banks), after the death of his wife, Mary Poppins revisits the Cherry Tree Lane home again to try to help Michael and his family cope and move beyond their grief. Time passes quickly for most normal mortals. Mary Poppins has never been normal. Although it’s now the 1930s, she looks exactly the same. Her message to Michael, Annabel, John, George and Ellen, the family’s housekeeper, about enjoying life and loved ones is also still the same, even during hard and uncertain times..
This film is Mary Poppins at its best! With a fresh cast, new songs and additional characters, Mary Poppins Returns is fresh story and promising sequel that also stays true to the original film.
April is the month for celebrating Easter, ANZAC Day and the birth… and death of famous English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare.
This year marks Shakespeare’s, or the Bard of Avon, (assumed) 455th birthday on the 26th of April and 403rd death anniversary on the 23rd April.
How to celebrate?
In addition to the traditional birthday party, cake and presents, why not read all about his life, from his early and humble beginnings in Stratford upon Avon, England to conquering the stage in Queen Elizabeth’s court and the Globe Theatre.
Take a peek behind the curtain to discover the boy, the youth, the man behind some of the greatest works of literature. The life and times of William Shakespeare are richly imagined in this unique biography told using quotes from the Bard himself.
Follow the amazing life of William Shakespeare, vividly described in words and pictures, with graphic dramatisations of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Find out how in Eyewitness Shakespeare and discover the fascinating life and times of one of the world’s greatest playwrights. Travel back in time and follow Shakespeare from his birth in the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon to theatre life in 16th century London. Eyewitness reference books are now more interactive and colourful, with new infographics, statistics, facts and timelines, plus a giant pull-out wall chart, you’ll be an expert on Shakespeare in no time. Great for projects or just for fun, learn everything you need to know about Shakespeare.
A collection of thirty-one of playwright and poet William Shakespeare’s most famous verses, sonnets and speeches.
He was the world’s greatest playwright, and the English language’s finest writer, Shakespeare is the man the Oxford English dictionary credits as having invented over 1700 common words, and to whom we owe expressions such as ‘fair play’, ‘break the ice’, and ‘laughing stock’. The continued timelessness and genius of his work will be celebrated the world over on his special day.
This illustrated volume features seven classic plays by William Shakespeare, retold by E. Nesbit. Shakespeare Retold contains a selection of Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies, including Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as a historical timeline, a list of suggested reading materials, and a short biography of the bard himself.
“Discover beloved playwright William Shakespeare’s plays and poetry in this spectacular novelty book from the Reduced Shakespeare Company comedy troupe. Featuring dramatic pop-ups and foldouts and loaded with jokes and fascinating facts, this hilariously informative and fully immersive look into the Bard’s world invites you to experience Shakespeare’s works as you’ve never seen them before!” — Back cover.
Each play in this book begins with a summary of the plot and descriptions of the characters. On the following page is a detailed picture showing the setting of the play and within it you can find the characters, William Shakespeare , and a spotted pig.
You can never go wrong with an oldie but a goodie.
Tricked into thinking he caused his father’s death, Simba, a guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future King. However when the fate of his kingdom is threatened, he is forced to return and take his place as King.
Caught up in a feud between neighbors, Gnomeo and Juliet must overcome as many obstacles as their namesakes. But with flamboyant pink flamingoes and epic lawnmower races, can this young couple find lasting happiness?
Come along to our free movie event on Thursday 18th April at Tawa Library. This month we have a choice of two times and two movies. You can choose either 4pm or 6pm.
At 4pm we see a strange and unusual creature who is very concerned about the destruction of his very special trees and the effect that this is having on all the animals that make their home among them.
At 6pm Pitch Black threatens to take over the word with his terrible team of Nightmares, who will step forward to protect the world and all the children in it?
Well, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and some others join together to guard the children who believe in them. But then a new mischievous figure is named as the next protector, and the rest of the team aren’t sure if he’ll be up to the job. Can this new guardian save the world from Pitch Black?
These films are rated PG
You can call the library or talk to a librarian to find out what is playing each month.
Bring your own cushion for a comfy night in. Movies will play in the Children’s section of the library
Easter is just around the corner and Wellington City Libraries is chocablock of DVDs for your viewing pleasure and night of “scoffing chocolate”. Wellington City Libraries will be closed on Friday 19th April, (Good Friday), Sunday 21st April (Easter Day) and Monday 22nd April, (Easter Monday), so now would be an excellent time to stock up on DVDs (…and chocolate!) so you can be entertained over the Easter Break.
Check out my top 5 movie recommendations to watch over Easter.
Also, as an added bonus, this post features a couple of surprises that shows why you must go down to your local movie theatre and see Dumbo, which is now showing, and… Artemis Fowl!
When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs, and imagination of children all over the world.
The one-and-only Willy Wonka makes the world taste good for a whole new generation in this magical family classic sparkling with brilliantly restored picture and sound! Also included is the all-new documentary Pure Imagination, featuring interviews with Gene Wilder and the Wonka kids and revealing production secrets from the movie!nWhen they find prized Golden Tickets inside their Wonka candy bars, five lucky children win a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the legendary candy factory run by the mysterious Willy Wonka. Now, on a whirlwind tour of Willys incredible, edible realm of milk chocolate waterfalls, elfish Ooompa-Loompas and industrial-sized sugar-coated creations, one very special boy will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart.
Storks used to deliver babies, they now deliver packages for a global internet store. Junior, top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine which produces an unauthorized baby girl! Desperately Junior must deliver the bundle of joy before his boss finds out. Get ready for this wild revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.
When their village is invaded by the grumpy Bergens, two mismatched friends must work together in perfect harmony to save the day. Featuring hit songs performed by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and more.
Bob Parr, Mr. Incredible, has unwittingly demonstrated repeated that Supers can cause as much damage as villains while protecting the world, which causes his wife — Elastigirl — to be chosen as the face of a movement to make Supers legal again. Still, it will take the entire gang to take down a new supervillain bent on mind-controlling the entire world!
Surprise #1: Movie Review: Dumbo.
Last weekend I went to see Dumbo at the Roxy Cinema and it is in a word, FANTASTIC!
Tim Burton, (director of the 2005 movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1941 Disney classic. Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children, Milly and Joe, to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When Milly and Joe discover that Dumbo can fly, with the help of feathers as a good luck charm, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus. The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of villain, V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, however with less than honorable, and perhaps sinister intentions. And it’s up to Milly, Joe and the circus performers to save the day by rescuing Dumbo, and his Mum from the evil clutches of Vandevere.
Overall I feel Tim Burton did an amazing job with this live action retelling of Dumbo.
Dumbo steals the show with his cuteness, baby blue eyes, inquisitive nature and flying antics. I enjoyed the moments where Dumbo was able to confront and give his tormentors their just deserts by hosed down, the tender moments he had with his mother and the love and kindness he received from the children and circus performers.
All the other characters, even the villain, brings the film to life, gives it depth and will keep you entertained from start to finish, and eager for the long awaited and well deserved happy ending for Dumbo.
As promised, the film delivered at being amazing, entertaining, heartwarming, and definitely heart breaking where it is recommended to have tissues on standby.
A highly recommended movie that the whole family can enjoy at the weekend and Easter break!
The wonderful world of Artemis Fowl comes to life on the big screen on September 19 2019!
Based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, the film follows 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.
Hey Kids! The school holidays and Easter creeping up.
Wellington City Libraries has a batch of new releases on DVDs that will be available ASAP to borrow from your local library.
Also check out the trailers to upcoming movies that will be released onto the big screen just in time for the holidays!.. and others that will be released later on throughout the year.
Christmas comes early this year… around Easter with the release of the third screen adaptation of the Grinch, made by the film company, Illumination, who also made Sing, The Secret Life of Pets and the Despicable Me film series, and who has epic, and sometimes disastrous plans on running Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. A movie guaranteed to make you laugh and definitely not ruin your Easter break.
With the grand opening of Jurassic World’s new super-secret dinosaur exhibit just days away, only one thing is missing, the dinosaurs! In order to get the job done, Simon Masrani enlists his newly-hired assistant, Claire Dearing, to ensure the new attraction opens on time, or else. Unfortunately, Owen Grady, the animal behaviorist Claire hired to deliver the dinosaurs, is late. Owen’s mission turns out to be far more difficult than anyone could have imagined.
Ralph and Penelope are faced with a new challenge when they begin the search for a spare part to fix a beloved videogame: how to navigate the internet. When trying to fix Sugar Rush the pair become engrossed in the World Wide Web after a router is plugged into the local arcade space, forcing them to find a wheel to replace the router with and get the arcade up and running again. Traversing through this new, technological landscape won’t be easy, with the duo coming across new worlds, cultures, and characters that present difficulties along the way.
Come along to our free movie night on Friday 5th April at 5.30pm at Johnsonville Library.
This month as Pitch Black threatens to take over the word with his terrible team of Nightmares, who will step forward to protect the world and all the children in it?
Well, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and some others join together to guard the children who believe in them. But then a new mischievous figure is named as the next protector, and the rest of the team aren’t sure if he’ll be up to the job. Can this new guardian save the world from Pitch Black?
This film is rated PG.
Can’t guess what film we’re talking about? You can call the library or talk to a librarian to find out what is playing each month.
Bring your own cushion for a comfy night in. Movies will play in the Children’s section of the library.
Come along to our free movie event on Thursday 21st March at Tawa Library. There are two times to choose from – 4pm or 6pm.
This is a double screening of the same movie so pick the time that suits you best.
This month follow in the adventures of a clumsy, vine-swinging king of the jungle. With friends including a talking gorilla and an elephant who aspires to be a dog this movie is full of slam-bang action and fun.
This film is rated PG
You can call the library or talk to a librarian to find out what is playing each month.
Bring your own cushion for a comfy night in. Movies will play in the Children’s section of the library
Come along to our free movie night on Friday 1st March at 5.30pm at Johnsonville Library.
This month follow in the adventures of a clumsy, vine-swinging king of the jungle. With friends including a talking gorilla and an elephant who aspires to be a dog this movie is full of slam-bang action and fun.
This film is rated PG.
Can’t guess what film we’re talking about? You can call the library or talk to a librarian to find out what is playing each month.
Bring your own cushion for a comfy night in. Movies will play in the Children’s section of the library.
Come along to our free movie event on Thursday 21st February at either 4pm or 6pm at Tawa Library.
This is a double screening of the same movie so pick the time that suits you best.
This month follow in the adventures and fun of a young musician name Miguel, on a journey to the magical land of his ancestors. With the help of an unusual friend he uncovers the mysteries behind his family’s stories and traditions.
This film is rated PG
You can call the library or talk to a librarian to find out what is playing each month.
Bring your own cushion for a comfy night in. Movies will play in the Children’s section of the library
