Movies – Kids' Blog

Movie Review: Dumbo

admin5 April, 2019

Last weekend I went to see Dumbo at the movies and it is in a word, FANTASTIC!

This movie is a must see and has been worth the long wait.

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 , Holt Farrier 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 honourable, 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 hose down, the tender moments he had with his mother, the warm and loving relationships he had with the children and circus performers who become his surrogate family and advocates, and even (spoiler), where he saves the day!

This movie encourages the characters of the film and viewers to look beyond the “oversized ears” and to be compassionate, kind, curious, humble, and generous. To be accepting and appreciating of the unique qualities that all people, animals and creatures possess.

All the other characters, Holt, Milly, Joe, the circus performers, and 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, well deserved and surprising happy ending that Dumbo gets.

As promised, the film delivered at being amazing, entertaining, heart warming, and definitely heart breaking where it is recommended to have tissues on stand by.

A well deserved 9/10… and highly recommended movie that the whole family can enjoy at the weekend and Easter break!

Free Movie Night at Johnsonville Library!

debbie3 April, 2019

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.

Three Disney Live Action film movie trailers!

Katie27 March, 2019

The wonderful world of Disney comes to life, (literally) with the remake of three classic and entertaining animation movies to the big screen… and in live action. Three movies that I watched during my childhood and still remain favourite of mine to this day.

Warning: This blog post contains three movie trailers filmed in live action sequence, filled with cute baby animals, where there will be lots of “awwwwww’s” in unison, movies trailers filled with singing and dancing and a humanoid genie that grants wishes and at times acts as a surrogate parent.

Dumbo.

Release date: 28th March.

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 to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers that the animal can fly, 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 V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture. So far, looks like it’s going to be amazing, heart warming, and I suspect at times, heart breaking movie for the whole family to enjoy. Dumbo is the epitome of cuteness. The song, “Baby of mine” is eerily beautiful, haunting and makes you want to cry. Maybe best to have tissues on stand by.

Aladdin.

Release Date: 23rd May.

Guy Ritchie directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1992 Disney classic, with Will Smith the wish-granting Genie.

If this film is anything like the original, you will be taken 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, humanoid Genie, played by Will Smith, appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery, love and true meaning of friendship. The trailer is in a word… AWESOME! Will Smith owns the role of the genie!

The Lion King.

Release Date: 18th July.

The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau helms this CG-animated re-imagining of the 1994 Walt Disney classic. Stars Donald Glover as Simba.

The Lion King, based on the original animated movie… and one of my favourite films! It is scheduled to be released on July 18th 2019, which marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film. Exciting! While you’re waiting, why not come on down to your local library and rent the original film! As a recap, The Lion King, tells the story of Simba, a delightful lion cub who is heir to the throne of the pride lands. However, when Simba’s father is killed… by Simba’s treacherous uncle, Scar, poor Simba, feeling guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile until the moment where he must confront his uncle and reclaim his identity , as well as destiny as the future King. Another movie trailer filled with (wild) animals and cute baby animals!!! (Spoiler: Simba as a baby in his Mum’s arms and being presented to the entire African animal population)

Flicks @ Six at Tawa Library

debbie19 March, 2019

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

Free Movie Night at Johnsonville Library!

debbie28 February, 2019

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.

Flicks @ Six at Tawa Library!

debbie19 February, 2019

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

Free Movie Night at Johnsonville Library!

debbie30 January, 2019

Come along to our free movie night on Friday 1st February at 5.30pm at Johnsonville Library.

This month follow in the adventures and fun of a young musician named 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.

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.

5 New Non Fiction to read this summer.

Katie29 January, 2019

Hey kids! Check out the latest new non fiction at Wellington City Libraries. Check out books about the wonderful world of ballet, the Harry Potter universe, yummy easy peasy recipes and so much more.

Enjoy!

The Magical World of Ballet.

Calling all budding ballet and dancer enthusiasts! Check out The Magical World of Ballet! A beautiful book that showcases gives a unique insight into this beautiful art form, seen through the eyes of The Royal Ballet. A must read book for anyone interested in ballet and dancing.

Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts: A Spellbinding Guide to the Films.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is coming to theater’s November 16, 2018! Explore the new film series and it’s connections to Harry Potter with this beautiful handbook! Ages 8+

Easy Peasy!: Real Cooking for Kids.

Easy peasy real cooking indeed! Check out this amazing cookbook where Mary Contini and Pru Irvine provide over 60 recipes guaranteed to tickle the tastebuds, featuring a huge range of mouth watering recipes, including a selection from other countries, not just Britain. My personal favourites, found this book, include green pea hummus, cool as cucumber salad, and ‘shrooms on toast. Hmmm, is it lunch time yet? A librarian’s choice all the way!

Japanese Picture Dictionary.

Want to learn a language in the new year, Check out this Japanese Picture Dictionary. This dictionary contains more than 1,500 Japanese words and phrases you need to know, organised into 38 themes that range from “nice to meet you” to ‘At the market.” Another librarian’s choice all the way!

An anthology of intriguing animals.

Check out this amazing anthology of intriguing animals. Filled with amazing facts and eye catching illustrations about animals, including firm favourites such as dolphins, tigers and butterflies as well more unusual animals such as walrus, lemur and peacock. Highly recommended.

Flicks @ Six at Tawa Library

debbie16 January, 2019

Come along to our free movie event on Thursday 17th January starting at 2pm at Tawa Library

Its going to be Movie Mania with 3 movies in one day starting at 2pm and running through our library late night. Our last movie will begin at 6pm.

Starting our movie marathon will be a story of a big hearted bull who is mistaken for a dangerous beast and taken from his home. Come and see how he managed to make his way home.

Films are either rated G or 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

Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs for Children.

Katie18 December, 2018

Hey Kids!

Here’s another round of “Top 5 Christmas DVDs” for this week!

Enjoy!

1) The Naughty List.

A very cute story about two elves and a reindeer that land themselves on the dreaded “Naughty List.” But when the entire the North Pole comes down with food poisoning, they must redeem their Naughty List status by finding a way to save Christmas. This film will make you think again about doing anything naughty during Christmas.

2) Nativity!

What started as a simple school nativity play turns into a royal fiasco of quarrelling parents and over-excited children, when primary school teacher Paul Maddens boasts that his ex-girlfriend Jennifer, a Hollywood Producer, is coming to see his show with a view to turning it into a film. (Major lie!). Maddens’ only hope is to get back in touch with Jennifer and lure Hollywood to town so that everybody’s Christmas wishes come true.

3) Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas.

Join Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Peaches and Scat during this holiday season in Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas. When Sid accidentally destroys Manny’s heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa’s “naughty list,” he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right – and ends up making things much worse. Now it’s up to Manny and his prehistoric posse to band together and save Christmas for the entire world! Over 25 minutes of humour, laughter and holiday cheer from start to finish. Anyone who is a fan of the Ice Age movies will love this!

4) Santa Claws : it’s a holiday cat-astrophe!

If you are a cat lover, this is one movie to snuggle up with your kitty and some popcorn to watch! When Santa suffers a major allergic reaction where he can’t fly the sleigh or deliver presents anymore, it’s up to a litter of kittens to deliver the rest of the presents to all the boys and girls before sunrise and save Christmas.

5) The Cat in the Hat knows about Christmas.

‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through the yard the Cat in the Hat and his guests partied hard. When the party was over, and the guests all departed one poor baby reindeer was left broken-hearted! Can the Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick and the Fish help make come true little Ralph’s Christmas wish? To be with his family, in far-off Freeze-Your-Knees. Will you help see him home? Come be our guests, please!

Check out the trailer for “Elliot the littlest Reindeer“, and another Christmas themed movie to watch on the big screen this holiday season.

When Blitzen announces his retirement on December 21st, a miniature horse has 3 days to fulfill his lifelong dream of earning a spot on Santa’s team at the North Pole try-outs.

Meta