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Shrek Forever After 3D (U)
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Having a midlife crisis, bored with domestic life where everyone likes him, grumpy Shrek longs to be a ‘real ogre’ once again. Tricked into making a deal with the wily Rumpelstiltskin, he finds himself transported to a very different version of Far Far Away, where Rumpel rules, ogres are hunted, he’s never met Fiona (who now leads the resistance and can’t stand him), Donkey works for witches and has no idea who he is and Puss has really let himself go. Now Shrek has to undo all he’s done to save his friends, put the world to rights and reclaim his True Love with a kiss. Reuniting the original cast and playing more to the younger audience, this is (they say) the final Shrek movie. With jokes that include a very funny Wizard Of Oz send up, it’s a good way to bow out.
Toy Story 3 3D (U)
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11 years after Toy Story 2, Woody and Buzz are back, but not all the toys have survived the years. Bo Beep is missing and the soldiers have deserted. And now Andy’s off to college and he doesn’t need them anymore. Accident sees them wind up in a DayCare Centre with new friends like Ken, Barbie and Mr Pricklepants. It’s great to be played with again, but strawberry-scented pink plush Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear rules the place like a prison. Convinced Andy will want them again one day, Woody wants to persuade the gang to escape and make it back home.
The Karate Kid (PG)
A remake of the 1984 classic, this stars Jackie Chan as Mr Han, the reclusive handyman who’s a secret kung fu master. He comes to the aid of 12 year of Dre (Jaden Smith) who, having moved from America to China with his mother (Taraji P Henson), has become the target for the kung fu star school bully Cheng (Wang Zhenwei) who’s taken exception to his friendship with pretty violin student Meiying (ultra cute Han Wenwen).
Now Mr Han must teach Dre discipline and that kung fu isn’t just about fighting, so he can win the kung fu tournament where Cheng’s tutor, the brutal Master Li, has demand his pupils show no mercy.
At 140 minutes, it’s 20 minutes longer than the 1984 version, but never once does it drag. And, although there’s plenty of fighting – both as Mr Han sees off the bullies by turning their own kung fu skills back on each other and during the championship finale – it may surprise you to learn that the original film had a 15 certificate.
There’s a solid message about self-discipline and respect for others, humour and, of course, plenty of kung fu action. It’s easily Chan’s best performance in years, especially touching when he recounts his own tragedy, but, only just turning 13, Jaden Smith is a sensation who seems sure to become every much a star as his father Will.
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (PG)
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It’s a sequel but also a brand new storyline as cats and canines find themselves having to join forces for the first time when they and their humans are all threatened by renegade cat spy Kitty Galore who intends to make the world her personal scratching post.
The Last Airbender (PG)
The Fire Nation has launched a brutal war against those of Air, Water, and Earth. The opnly one who can stop them is Aang, a young boy who may be the promised reborn Avatar with the power to bend or manipulate all four elements. First, though, he must learn to use his powers while being protected by Waterbender Katara and her brother. Adapted from the animated TV series it is, quite frankly, a mess. Difficult to follow, poorly directed and badly written with weak special effects and acting and dialogue that is embarrassingly amateurish. It’s hard to recommend anything about it, but it proved a surprise hit in America, so maybe 9 and 10 year olds might like it here too |
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Tinkerbell and The Great Fairy Rescue (U)
Back in the days before she ever met the Lost Boys, Tink becomes friends with Lizzy, a lonely English girl who, neglected by her father, believes in fairies. But when dad finds out and captures one of Tink’s friends for the museum, she and the fairies of Pixie Hollow have to risk everything to rescue her and save fairyland.
From August 18
Marmaduke (U) The chaos-causing but lovable Great Dane has been a hit in newspaper comic strips for the past 56 years. Now, affectionately voiced by Owen Wilson, he comes to the big screen in his first live action feature film. When owner Phil moves home from Kansas to California for his new job working for a pet food company, Marmaduke finds it hard to fit in with his cliquey new neighbours down the dog park.
Despite some poor reviews, this actually isn’t that bad even if the plot is basically a four legged version of Mean Girls as Marmaduke tries to get accepted by the pedigrees, the top canine clique at the dog park, because he fancies the leader’s girlfriend, but turns his back on his real friends in the process. Meanwhile Phil’s work means he’s neglecting his wife, kids and dog.
There’s a lot of falling/being knocked down, getting dragged along and doggy toilet humour that had the kids – and several grown ups - giggling at the screening I saw and its message about family and priorities is always worth repeating.
Despicable Me 3D (U)
The big new animated hit, Steve Carell is the voice of Gru, a suburban supervillain whose little yellow Minions are more hindrance than help, whose evil assistant is a bit deaf, (instead of a dart gun he builds a….) and who’s constantly being nagged by his mom. He intends to steal the moon, but he needs money and the Bank Of Supervillains aren’t lending. So to help steal back his shrink ray, he adopts three cute orphan girls, Margo, Edith and Agnes. However, the girls, don’t see him as the bad guy, but as a new Dad who needs a little love.
Oct 15
Legend of the Guardians 3D (PG)
Adapted from the bestselling Guardians of Ga’Hoole books, when he and his brother are kidnapped by the evil Pure Ones and sent to an orphanage that turns owlets into soldiers, young Soren escapes and goes in search of the mythical Guardians. He and his new friends must journey across the sea and through the mists to find the Great Tree, home to the wise, noble owls who are the only hope of saving the owl kingdoms.
Oct 22
Alpha and Omega 3D (U)
Daughter of the pack leader, Kate is an Alpha wolf for whom discipline, duty and responsibility are everything. Humphrey is an Omega wolf for whom fun, friends and frivolity are what matter. Pack law says Alphas and Omegas don’t mix. But when they’re both moved from their Canadian park, they have to work together to return home so Kate can marry Garth and prevent a war between rival packs. Somewhere along the way they fall in love.
Oct 22
Ramona and Beezus (U)
Ramona Quimby is a little girl with a big imagination. Unfortunately, accidents just seem to happen around her. Even if she’s just washing the neighbour’s car. Which is all a big embarrassment to big sister Beezus; especially when she’s trying to impress the boy she has a crush on! When dad loses his job, well-meaning Ramona sets out to make money to save the family home. With plenty of disastrous results! A sweet slapstick comedy based on the children’s books by Beverly Cleary.
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