animation – Kids' Blog

Top 10 Children’s DVDs September 2016

Dusty5 October, 2016

Unpredicatble weather predicted for the school holidays? Set yourself up with some great movies and favourite series incase you get stuck indoors!

The Disney movie Zootopia has placed soooo many different animals together in one city. Rookie cop, Judy, is the first bunny on the force meeting a huge range of characters that have their own ideas of who Judy is. The directors of Tangled and Wreck-it Ralph have created a movie that looks at how different people treat each other. Worth a watch this holidays.

1. Octonauts

2. My little pony, friendship is magic

3. Peter Rabbit

4. Zootopia

5. Bananas in pyjamas

6. Fireman Sam

7. Inside out

8. Minions

9. Thomas & friends

10. Strawberry Shortcake

Movie recomendations and reviews : Walt Disney from E to H

Katie26 September, 2016

Continuing the list of must-see Walt Disney DVDs, in alphabetical order, this covering movies from E to H. Looking for A-D? Here it is! Check out the list and see what movies tickle your fancy and that you want to watch during the drizzly spring weather and during the next round of school holidays.

image courtesy of amazon.com Enchanted. Prepare to go on a journey where the world of animation and live action collides. Giselle (Amy Adams) finds herself in a bit of pickle when she torn away by the “love of her life”, Prince Edward and banished from the animated “fantasy” land of Andalasia by the evil queen into a “harsh reality” in the form of the gritty streets of the real, modern-day Manhattan that does not abide by the principles of happily ever after.

So now this pampered princess must rely on her wits alone, (no fairy god mother, fairy dust and enchantments to help her out of this one) survive in the real world and figure out how to get back home, but add further complication, Giselle begins to fall in love with the cynical, no-nonsense divorce lawyer who has come to her aid, making her question her choice of who Prince Charming is in her eyes.

What I love about this movie is the transition that Giselle under goes from pampered princess waiting for a knight in shining armour to sweep her off her feet to a tough, no-nonsense heroine that must save the day, not to mention the world and her true love from the evil clutches of the wicked queen. I think girls will really enjoy this movie.

Frozen. I never get sick of this movie, nor do I ever get sick of renditions of “Let It Go“.

Frozen takes you on magical and icy journey where fearless optimist Anna, teaming up with Kristoff, his reindeer Sven and a hilarious snowman named Olaf must find Anna’s sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

I cannot stress enough how fantastic this film is! I absolutely loved it! This is a very entertaining girls movie and a celebration the bond of friendship, sisterhood and the Scandinavian culture that is sure to thaw a frozen heart. I haven’t enjoyed a Disney film this much since The Lion King.

The Good Dinosaur. If you loved the movie, The Land Before Time, then this is the movie for you.

What if an asteroid never hit earth and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.

While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Quasimodo, after being trapped and ridiculed by his guardian, the sinister Frollo, for the way he looks, finally ventures from his tower to take part in the joyous festival of fools.

However things go pear shaped when the crowd cruelly rejects him because of the way he looks. But he finds a likely friend and ally in the equally persecuted, gypsy Esmeralda, who rescues him in knight in shining armour style. Together, as well as joining forces with dashing soldier and three comical gargoyle statues, named Victor, Hugo, and Laverne. They have to do battle with Frollo to save the people and the city of Paris.

This film is a reminder to see people as they are rather than how they appear and that sometimes beauty is held in the eye of the beholder. Another great family movie about the true meaning of friendship and celebrating individuality!

Upcoming movie releases for the school holidays

Katie21 September, 2016

The next round of school holidays are coming up, we thought you’d appreciate watching the latest trailers for movies that are due to be released!

You are in for a treat with this lot!

The Secret Life of Pets

The secret life of pets takes you into a world of what your pets REALLY get up to when you leave the house. Very hilarious moments in the trailer includes a poodle that is into heavy metal music, a psychotic bunny and a dachshund using a cake mixer as a DIY massager. you’ll laugh yourself silly.

Pete’s Dragon

The adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. A live-action reboot of the beloved 1977 Disney classic with a fantastic cast, shot in New Zealand!

Location spots to keep an out for while watching movie includes:

Redwoods Forest in Rotorua (Where the forest scenes were shot), McLaren Falls Park in Bay of Plenty, Queenstown & Paradise, Tapanui, and Wellington. (Stone Street Studios in Miramar.)

Storks

Where do babies come from? Surely this a question you have asked Mum and Dad. One possible place is… Storks deliver them or at least they used to! Which is the case in this lovable, upcoming movie where the storks deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Trouble brews when the Baby Factory produces an adorable but wholly unauthorized girl. Now it’s a race against time where a stork, Junior and a human, must make their first unofficial baby drop. Let operation baby drop commence!

Check out this sneak peek as well!

Trolls

Two things came to mind when I watched this trailer:

1) This is a movie that makes me want to get up and dance!

2) This movie is probably the most fun, uplifting film since Shrek.

So here’s a question, in what event would a pink Smurfette look-a-like and a grumpy troll, (who would give Shrek a run for his money), joins forces to save the day? Well, this is the case in Trolls. Join Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the optimistic leader and princess of the trolls, and Branch (Justin Timberlake), her polar opposite on a quest to save Troll Town’s population from the Bergens. TROLLS is a fresh, broad comedy filled with music, heart and hair-raising adventures. Sorry kids, you’ll have to wait until December to see this movie. But something to look forward to before Christmas. Start saving your pocket money! Also check out Cant’ Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake from the Original Motion Picture “Trolls”. This song DEFINITELY wants to make you get up and dance your socks off, and a song I dance regularly during my evening dance fitness class.

Movie recomendations and reviews : Walt Disney from A to D

Katie15 September, 2016

Since the 1920’s. Walt Disney has brought some fantastic movies to for families’ enjoyment and entertainment, whether it is in a busy movie theatre or in the quiet comfort of your own home. I have put together a list of must see Walt Disney DVDs, in alphabetical order from A to D. Check out the list and see what movies tickle your fancy and that you want to watch during the drizzly spring weather and during the next round of school holidays.

A is for Aladdin

This movie will take you on a journey of wonders, non stop laughs, thrills and magic carpet rides. In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin battle to save (and win the heart of) 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, voiced by the late Robin Williams, appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery, love and true meaning of friendship. This movie is 100% recommended! Robin Williams owns the role of Genie and brings a comical and warm hearted presence to the story and absolutely love Princess Jasmine, who is the embodiment of a tough, no nonsense free spirit feminist who refuses to settle for less and abide by the traditions and expectations set out for her, I still recall when my best friend and I went to saw this in the movie theatre, then watched it home on video (Yes, in my day it was video cassettes instead of DVDs), singing along to the songs and wishing we too could soar away on a magical carpet ride.

B is for Brave

Another movie about another tough no nonsense Scottish heroine, named Merida, who determined to be in control of her own destiny sets off a catastrophic chain events that could affect her destiny, as well as the destiny family forever. Now this brave beauty must keep her wits and rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. Seriously, I don’t words can stress enough how much I love this film. As I have mentioned in previous posts, this is one of my favourite Pixar/Walt Disney films and a tribute to my Scottish ancestry. Have a read of my review and my post of Pixar films to be furthered sold on why this is a great movie.

C is for Cinderella and… Cinderella

There’s a saying I am very fond of, courtesy of a wise Chinese philosopher, which is “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In Walt Disney’s animated adaptation, originally released as a motion picture in 1950, the story of Cinderella is told in that context, where she undertakes a magical journey to the palace ball, taking her first step in glass slippers, to escape the life of servitude, the clutches of her abusive step-family and win the heart of the prince that begins all before the clock strikes midnight. Also you might want to check out the live-action reboot of the animated version, have a read of my review to get an idea on why this is a great DVD to watch.

D is for Dumbo

A favourite childhood classic of mine, not to mention one that I cried buckets over! A baby elephant named Dumbo is ridiculed because of his enormous ears, despite his mother’s best efforts to protect him. However a guardian angel arrives in the form of Timothy the mouse, who puts Dumbo’s tormentors in their place and helps Dumbo achieve his full potential and soar to fame as the world’s only flying elephant. A great family movie about the true meaning of friendship and celebrating individuality!

Children’s DVD Reviews: Meet the Robinsons and Maleficent

Katie20 July, 2016

The school holidays are almost done. And while we have some pretty nice days so far, doesn’t mean good old Jack Frost isn’t going to pay Wellington a visit. So if are looking for some more DVDs to watch over the blistery cold periods, why not have a read of my latest reviews of Walt Disney’s movies: Meet the Robinsons and Maleficent, (which aired on TV 2 last weekend),and see if they appeal to you. But you better get your hands on these DVDs quick … before someone else does! I promise you these movies deliver on what Disney does best: Excitement, adventure, action and… a happy ending!

Meet The Robinsons

If you have seen and liked The Incredibles, then this is another Disney movie you must see.

Described as the ‘Back to the Future’ for kids, Meet the Robinsons takes you on a journey that the whole family can enjoy. Lewis is an orphan and brilliant inventor who meets mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, whisking Lewis away in a time machine and together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy, who wants to destroy Lewis in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate that has a huge impact on Lewis’, Wilbur’s and even the Bowler Hat Guy’s future.

I found the film very funny and exciting. The Robinsons are an eccentric family headed by the mysterious patriarch and tech mogul genius, Cornelius Robinson, who Wilbur jokes looks like Tom Selleck. Everyone is strange and unique in their own way, from Frannie – Wilbur’s ‘no-nonsense’ Mum, who conducts frog band, Grandpa who wears his clothes backward, twins Dimitri and Spike who stay in flower pots and Carl a talking robot like C-3PO. But what touched me most about this film the “keep moving forward” motto throughout the film.

I rate this movie: 7/10

Extra: The movie also features a fantastic quote from Walt Disney himself: “Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Walt Disney, Film Producer, Director, Animator, Entrepreneur

Maleficent

This is Sleeping Beauty as you have never seen it before.

The story of Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” is different from its predecessor. But more importantly this story focuses on the evil fairy/villain in the original story, Maleficent. In this version, Maleficent, (Angelina Jolie), who was originally a good fairy and protector of the fairy lands called the Moors, becomes a vengeful, bad fairy, (or ‘turns to the dark side’ in tradition Darth Vader style), after she is betrayed by King Stefan.

To pay him back, she curses his daughter, the infant princess Aurora to a ‘sleep like death’ which she can only awaken from by ‘true love’s kiss’. However things become complicated when Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well. To add more complication to the mix, Maleficent, acting as a surrogate mother, becomes fond of Aurora!

Throughout the film, 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 I found the film very entertaining and without question, does it’s predecessor justice. Lots of things you can expect from a Disney movie: Excitement, adventure, action and… a happy ending!

I rate this movie: 7/10

Extra: While you’re at it, why not grab Sleeping Beauty to watch alongside this movie:

5 Pixar Movies to watch these school holidays

Katie6 July, 2016

Just in time for the wintery-est of school holidays. With the release of Finding Dory, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, why not go down to your local library and check out some other DVDs released by the same companies:

Finding Nemo (2003)

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.

The Incredibles (2004)

Looking for a DVD where action, Superheroes and Disney are combined? Look no further, Check out The Incredibles, a movie that follows a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life. Mr. Incredible’s desire to help people draws the entire family into a battle with a villain and his killer robot.

Cars (2006)

A hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets waylaid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true meaning of friendship and family. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

WALL-E (2008)

In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot named WALL-E, inadvertently embarks on a space journey, to reunite with new found friend, fellow robot named EVE, that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

Up (2009)

Seventy-eight year old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his home equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway named Russell. This is the movie that came up with sayings and references such as ‘Adventure is out there!”, “the cone of shame.”, and where Kevin can be a girl’s name and Dogs can talk, not meaning woof, woof but actual words like: “My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you.”

Top 10 Childrens DVD’s May 2016

Dusty15 June, 2016

Monsters and dragons and minions, oh my! There are some great favourite movies amongst the DVD listings for May.

Adventures abound for Geronimo, the popular mouse hero of middle fiction continues on his world wide escapades. Fancy writing your own article for The Rodent Gazette? What adventure would you report to the editor? Let us know your ideas in the comments.

Here’s your Top 10 for last month:

1. My little pony, friendship is magic

2. Inside out

3. Strawberry Shortcake

4. Minions

5. Hotel Transylvania

6. Dragons

7. Geronimo Stilton

8. Legends of Chima

9. Home

10. The new adventures of Peter Pan

Enjoy a cosy family film night with a Disney classic

admin2 June, 2016

Sick of the cold weather? Snuggle up on the couch with one of these classic Disney flicks!

The Princess and the Frog (2009) rated PG

Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog! Enter Tiana’s world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Spurred on by a little courage and a great big dream, these new friends come to realise what’s truly important in life.

The Lion King (1994) rated G

Simba is a lion cub who dreams of succeeding his father and becoming king of the Pride Lands. But tricked into thinking he is responsible for King Mufasa’s death, Simba runs away, leaving his cruel uncle Scar in charge. As he grows up, and with some good advice from his jungle friends, Simba realises he has to return to the Pride Lands. But will Simba be able to defeat Scar and take his rightful place on Pride Rock?

Tangled (2010) rated PG

When the kingdom’s most wanted (and most charming) bandit hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited young woman with 20 meters of magical golden hair. Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with unexpected heroes and lots of laughter!

Hercules (1997) rated G

Bestowed with superhuman strength, a young mortal names Hercules sets out to prove himself a hero to his father, the great god Zeus. Tricked by Hades, the evil god of the underworld, Hercules is forced to choose between his legendary strength and his one true love, but in the process learns that it is the strength of your heart that matters most.

The Little Mermaid (1989) rated G

Ariel is a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid who loves all things human, including Prince Eric, the man of her dreams. Determined to become human, she makes a deal with the sea witch and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. With her best friends by her side, Ariel must win the prince’s love and save her father’s kingdom before it’s too late.

Top 10 Childrens DVDs for January 2016

Dusty11 February, 2016

Road trips with DVDs? Turns out that it’s now a thing! There are some great DVDs in the Childrens collection to while away the easy summer hours. Our collection has classic series like Scooby-Doo and newer cartoon series following the Lego heroes of Chima, the ponies from the world of Equestria or the Strawberry shortcake gang. Inside out from Pixar has had some great reviews, from the writer of Monsters, Inc., Wall-E and Up, Pete Docter, the little voices in Riley’s head are brought to life as she struggles with the move to a new city. The animation deserves a mention as Pixar uses a more cartoonish style this time round. Heading to Tokyo in the next few months? you can catch the Pixar exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art

1. My little pony, friendship is magic

2. Minions

3. Inside out

4. Home

5. Dragons

6 . Cinderella

7. Scooby-Doo! 13 spooky tales

8. Strawberry Shortcake

9. Legends of Chima

10. Paper planes

Top 10 Children’s DVDs for September

Dusty9 October, 2015

Just in time to finish up the school holidays!

The favourites are holding strong in the latest top ten. Paddington just scrapes in.

If you enjoyed the Paddington movie take a look at the books we have by the original author Michael Bond. A brand new piece of work from the venerable 88 year old author, Love from Paddington has just arrived in the library and is being prepared for borrowing! The book is filled with letters of Paddington’s impressions of London life. The Peruvian bear is a bit of a mascot for Paddington railway station in London, U.K. Last year celebrity painted versions of the famous statue were dotted all around London fro the Paddington Bear trail. Take a look at these designs and see if they inspire you to create your own!

1. My little pony, friendship is magic.

2. Legends of Chima.

3. Home

4. Cinderella

5. Strawberry Shortcake.

6. Shaun the Sheep.

7. Dino Dan.

8. Dragons

9. Scooby-Doo! 13 spooky tales.

10. Paddington.

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