Free Movie Night at Johnsonville Library!

Come along to our free movie night on Friday 5th July at 5.30pm at Johnsonville Library.

This month when you’re an orphan living with an awful foster mother life can seem pretty grim, but not for this curly-haired girl who is sure that the sun will come out tomorrow.

What opportunities will tomorrow bring?

Maybe a rich mayoral candidate will adopt her.  Maybe she’ll get to take all her friends to the latest film premier. Maybe she’ll even get to adopt a dog!

What could go wrong?

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.

 

Disney Pixar Revolution at Wellington City Libraries!

The Pixar revolution has arrived at Wellington City Libraries and just in time for the wintery-est of school holidays. It is an exciting time with the release of Toy Story 4, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures,

Check out the teaser trailer reaction below! …. Even the toys can’t wait for the movie to be released!

So to celebrate the release of the forth instalment of the lovable classic where toys come to life, why not go down to your local library and check out some other DVDs released by the same companies, such as:

image courtesy of amazon.comBrave.

Be brave and grab life by the horns with Merida, the feisty, Scottish  princess and skilled archer who dreams of following her own path living her own life, even if it mean defying the traditions and expectations of her family and people. However when her pride gets in the way and a spell is cast upon her mother, Merida must use her wits and skills to “mend the bond caused by pride” and save the day “highlander” style.

 

Cars Trilogy.

Take a ride on the wild side with Lightening McQueen and the gang in Cars 1, 2 and 3, that chronicles the secret life of race car driving, from the race car’s point of view. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.com

 

 


Finding Nemo. image courtesy of amazon.com

Go back to where it all began where Marlin goes on an epic quest from the great barrier reef to Sydney in order to find and save his son, Nemo, while meeting and encountering new friends on the way such as surfer turtles that live to 150 years old, vegetarian sharks who have regular meetings and of course, Dory herself!, a good-hearted and optimistic regal blue tang with short-term memory loss.

image courtesy of amazon.comFinding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo.

 

The Incredibles 1 and 2.

The secret life of superheroes comes to life with the Parrs aka The Incredibles, where you watch them balance secret identities, families and saving the day. Overall, both films are funny, action packed and will keep you entertained for hours on end.

image courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.com

image courtesy of amazon.comInside Out.

What happens when your emotions go into overdrive? They manifest in the form of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. This film is set in the mind of a young girl, Riley Andersen, where the five personified emotions try to lead her through life as her parents  move the family to a new city. Some very funny moments in the film, especially when Anger loses his temper, Disgust’s sarcastic and cynical behaviour and finding what role Sadness plays in our lives (Spoiler: Very important role).

 

 

Also check out the amazing books, ranging from official movie/character guides, stories and comics adapted from the Pixar movies such as:

Disney Pixar storybook collection.

This audiobook features retellings of all seventeen Disney-Pixar feature films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and much more!

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia.

Dive into the wonderful world of Disney.Pixar with this colourful, fact-filled guide to your favourite Pixar characters. Find out more about the greatest and funniest heroes, villains, sidekicks and oddballs from across all 21 movies- including the newest characters from Toy Story 4. For ages 7- 9.

Cars 3 : the essential guide.

Describes the memorable and ever-popular characters, including race car Lightning McQueen, plus key locations, themes, and iconic moments from the movie.

Incredibles 2 : heroes at home.

“Trying to help… Violet and Dash are part of a Super family, and they try to help out at home in two adventures! Can they pick up groceries and secretly stop some bad guys? And can they clean up the house while Jack-Jack is ‘sleeping?’ Find out in these Super stories! Also included in this volume are a variety of activities, and a special feature on how comic books come to life!” — From publisher’s description.

Incredibles 2 : the official guide.

“Discover everything you wanted to know about brave superheroes, dastardly villains and cool vehicles from Incredibles 2, the awesome new sequel to Disney-Pixar’s smash hit movie, The Incredibles. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the Parr family and their old friend Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. This book covers all the memorable and ever-popular characters, plus key locations, themes and iconic moments from the movie.” — Amazon.com.

Coco : the essential guide.

Explore the art of the Disney movie Coco! Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector. Follow along with word-for-word narration as, together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Toy Story: Woodys Augmented Reality Adventures.

Bring the world of Toy Story, one of the most beloved animated films of all time, off the pages of the book and into your room with Augmented Reality! Since it was first released, Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story has been a global phenomenon. For ages 6+

Flicks @ Six at Tawa Library

Come along to our free movie event on Thursday 20th June at Tawa Library. This month we have a double screening of the same movie You can choose either  4pm or 6pm.

This month our movie is set here on Earth in the very, very distant future. A small waste-collecting robot unexpectedly embarks on a space journey that will eventually decide the fate of mankind.

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

 

 

Keep warm this winter with Disney movies.

Hey Kids! Winter is around the corner and there will be more days spending indoors. To curb the winter’s blues… and boredom, why not head on down to your local library and rent some Disney movies to keep you entertained. Featured in this post are recommendations on classic and some what recent Disney movies, with some movie trailers of latest Disney releases coming to theaters later this year!

Enjoy!

 

Fr… Fr… Frrr…. Frozen

image courtesy of amazon.co.ukFrozen 

You can never go wrong with Frozen. Relive the magic and musical renditions of “Let it go” in this amazing classic about family, friendship and diversity.

Brace yourself, kids! The gang – Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven are back for a chilly instalment of Frozen 2. Judging from this trailer, looks like the sequel is going to be better than the first movie!


You might also like…

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk

Olaf’s Christmas adventure

Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates re-opened and Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realise they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends.

 

Also is Maleficent back to her evil ways? Find out by watching the official trailer to Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil.


 

Chase away the winter blues with some Polynesian themed movies, such as Moana and Lilo and Stitch:

image courtesy of amazon.comMoana 

Moana , a spirited teenager, who like most Disney princesses has a lot on her plate. This involves sailing out on a daring mission to save her island, restore the heart of Te Fiti – the island goddess, fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest and save the world. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures against impossible odds.

Check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack such as  How far I’ll go performed by Auli’i Cravalho and  You’re welcome performed by Dwayne Johnson.

 

image courtesy of amazon.comLilo and Stitch

They certainly didn’t get that wrong in the wonderful world of Disney with regard to Stitch, a genetic experiment who has escaped from an alien planet and journeys to the lush and tropical Hawaiian Islands. There he is adopted by a lonely tittle girl named Lilo, who thinks he is an innocent puppy.

Check out Walt Disney movies trailers where Stitch gate crashes classic Disney movies such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid! Man oh man, are they funny! A repetitive line throughout the trailers are “Get your own movie!” Hmmm irony?

Also check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack: Hawaiian Roller Coaster ride performed by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu and New Zealand’s own North Shore Children’s Choir and a cover of Elvis Presley’s hit song, Can’t help falling in love by A-teens.

 

Take a magic carpet ride into whole new worlds with Pocahontas and Aladdin

image courtesy of amazon.comPocahontas II, Journey to a new world

Escorted by dashing British gent John Rolfe, her oversized bodyguard Uti and stowaways Meeko, Percy and Flit, Pocahontas begins an important mission of peace. An eye-opening “new world” awaits her on the bustling streets of London – but so does a deadly new threat from Ratcliffe!

 

image courtesy of amazon.comAladdin

Soar away on a magic carpet ride of nonstop laughs and thrills in one of the most spectacular adventures of all time! Now meticulously restored and enhanced – experience the wonders of Aladdin like never before – In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin and his mischievous monkey Abu battle to save the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape shifting Genie appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery

Here is another trailer to the live action movie, Aladdin, which will be released in theater on May 23rd… not long to go.


 

Try Toy Story

Brace yourself for another Toy Story adventure with Toy Story 4! 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.

Check out the official trailer below!


In the meantime, why not watch the original movies back to back with Toy Story 1, 2, 3, and relive the magic of the Toy Story trilogy/soon to be quadrilogy. DVDs are available at various Wellington City Library branches.

These films are timeless classics that takes you on a journey into the world of the secret life of toys. Join Buzz, Woody, Jessie and lots of amazing toys that unexpectedly embark on adventures that challenge and change them. These films are full of excitement, adventure and will change the way you think of toys.

image courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.com

image courtesy of amazon.com

 

 


 

Get wild with The Jungle Book (Animated and Live Action)

An epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self discovery, guided by panther turned stern mentor Bagheera, and the free spirited bear Baloo.


 

And, finally, we love Pete’s Dragon

Pete’s dragon 

For years, Mr. Meacham has told tales of the fierce dragon deep in the woods. To his daughter, Grace, these stories are little more than tall tales, until she meets Pete. Pete is a mysterious ten-year-old with no family who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot.

Free Movie Night at Johnsonville Library!

Come along to our free movie night on Friday 7th June at 5.30pm at Johnsonville Library.

This month what do your toys get up to when they’re left on their own? A lot!

Life is pretty good for the favourite toy in the house, a cowboy, until a new, shiny spaceman arrives. When the astronaut is taken out with the family, the jealous cowboy stows away and both toys end up lost. How will they find their way home?

This film is rated G and runs for 77 minutes.

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.

Flicks @ Six at Tawa Library!

Come along to our free movie event on Thursday 16th May at Tawa Library. This month we have a choice of two movies and two times. You can choose either  4pm or 6pm.

At 4pm 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?

At 6pm a happy, hockey-loving 11 year old Midwestern girl, is uprooted from everything and everyone she’s ever known and moved to San Francisco. Overwhelmed by change, her emotions become real-life characters to help her cope with the move. Will her emotions be able to find common ground and eventually help her accept the big move.

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

New trailer of The Lion King released!

The countdown begins to the release of the live action film, The Lion King!

Released in theatres on July 18th and 25 years since the release of the original and animated film. Just in time for the school holidays!

A new trailer has been released and overall, it is amazing!

You will get to see all the beloved characters of the film, including Mufusa, Rafiki, Scar and Simba, (as a baby, child -EEEKK! Prepare for an overload of cuteness- and an adult), and of course, lovable duo: Timon and Pumbaa!

It shows promise that this film will be even better than the original, as well as the most anticipated movie of the year.

The Lion King boasts an all-star cast featuring Beyoncé as Nala, Donald Glover  as Simba, Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogan as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and James Earl Jones returning to his role as Mufasa.

So what are you waiting, check out the trailer!

Enjoy!

In the mean time…

Why not watch the original movie and relive the magic of a timeless Disney classic of all time. DVDs are available at various Wellington City Library branches.image courtesy of amazon.co.uk

I cannot recommend The Lion King enough! You will laugh. You will cry. You will be guaranteed to sign along to songs such as Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and Can you feel the love tonight.

Also check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack: Circle of Life and Can you feel the love tonight? by Elton John.

Free Movie Night at Johnsonville Library

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.

Children’s DVD Reviews and Recommendations.

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!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDespicable me. 3.

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.

I rate this movie: 7/10!

image courtesy of amazon.comThe Nutcracker and the four realms.

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.

I rate this movie: 7/10!

image courtesy of amazon.comMaleficent.

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.


image courteay of amazon.com

Mary Poppins Returns.

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.

I rate this movie: 7/10.

Flicks @ Six at Tawa Library

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