Children’s films have come a long way in the last decade or so. These days, screenwriters and studios better understand the importance of representation on screen and the inclusion of characters that provide inspiring messages to the next generation.
These improvements are not only great news for kids, but for parents, too, who can find greater enjoyment in the movies they take their families to see.
With the Christmas holidays now within reach, and that pesky La Niña threatening a wet summer, we’ve rounded up the best kids films to see at HOYTS that feature strong or diverse role models.
Boss Baby: Family Business
In the sequel to the first Oscar-nominated blockbuster comedy, the Templeton brothers — Tim (James Marsden) and his Boss Baby little brother Ted (Alec Baldwin) — have become adults and drifted away from each other.
Ted is a hedge fund CEO while Tim is a married stay-at-home dad to daughters Tabitha, 7, (Ariana Greenblatt) and newborn infant Tina (Amy Sedaris). What is very cool about this family dynamic is that the girl’s mother, Carol (Eva Longoria) is the breadwinner, Tabitha is super smart and Tina… well, Tina is an actual boss (baby).
In fact, Tina is a top-secret agent for BabyCorp on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind Tabitha’s school and its mysterious founder, Dr Edwin Armstrong (Jeff Goldblum). This revelation will reunite the Templeton brothers in unexpected ways, lead them to re-evaluate the meaning of family and discover what truly matters.
In cinemas: Now
Encanto
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the genius behind the beautiful soundtrack to this film which tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.
The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal — every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.
In cinemas: December 2
Sing 2
In the follow up to 2016’s Sing, koala Buster Moon and his all-star cast of animal performers prepare to launch a dazzling stage extravaganza in the glittering entertainment capital of the world.
There’s just one hitch — he has to find and persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star, Clay Calloway, to join them. What begins as Buster’s dream of big-time success soon becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.
The all-star cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Nick Kroll, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Offerman and Garth Jennings, who all reprise their roles from the first film. Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti, and Bono join in the fun for the sequel.
In cinemas: December 26
Clifford the Big Red Dog
When bullied middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer (John Cleese) who gifts her a little, red puppy, her love of the little hound turns him into a giant ten-foot dog.
While her single mum (Sienna Guillory) is away for business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and potentially bring a tear to your eye as our heroes take a bite out of the Big Apple and remind us that love is more important than anything.
In cinemas: December 30
The Addams Family 2
Everyone’s favourite kooky family is back for more fun in The Addams Family 2.
In this all-new movie we find Morticia and Gomez distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally consumed with “scream time.” To reclaim their bond they decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation.
Their adventure across America takes them out of their element and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, It, as well as many new kooky characters. What could possibly go wrong?
Oscar Isaac, Chloë Grace Moretz, Bill Hader, Nick Kroll, Charlize Theron, Bette Midler, Snoop Dogg, Wallace Shawn and Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton lend their impeccable voice talents to this eccentric tale that is absolutely fun for all the family.
In cinemas: January 6, 2022
Catch all of these fantastic movies at HOYTS Cinemas this summer and save up to 25% on movie tickets with HOYTS Rewards. Check out the official HOYTS website for screening times at your local theatre and T&Cs.
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