From the epic conclusion to a sci-fi saga like no other to the next instalment in the rebooted Jumanji franchise, there is something for everyone at the movies this festive season.
Queensland marketing and events manager for Limelight Cinemas at Riverlink, Roshon Georgas, said while Boxing Day releases were traditionally the biggest of the season, the release of blockbusters had started early this time around.
The highly-anticipated children’s movie Frozen 2 is screening after releasing in late November, while Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opened on Thursday and is expected to be strong across the holiday period.
“Frozen 2 has been the number one kids’ film of this festive season so far. Actually, it’s been interesting to see the audience it is drawing,” Ms Georgas said.
“It’s not just families with young children, but we’re finding a lot of teenagers and people in their early twenties who perhaps grew up with the first movie, are coming in to see it.
“Pre-sales for Star Wars have been very strong and we’re expecting it to remain popular throughout December and into January.”
Ms Georgas expects Jumanji: The Next Level, which releases Boxing Day, to be a big hit with families.
“It was a surprise hit last time around because I think being a reimagining of the original, which featured Robin Williams, there were some questions over whether it would find a new audience but it absolutely did,” she said.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is expected to be a big hit this holiday season.
“The other major Boxing Day release this year is the big screen adaptation of the musical Cats. It has an all-star cast including Rebel Wilson, Taylor Swift and Ian McKellen.”
Movies releasing on January 1 include Little Women, the animated movie Spies in Disguise starring Will Smith, and the crime comedy The Gentlemen.
Other noteworthy January releases include children’s movie A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, war movie 1917, Bombshell, Go! and Bad Boys for Life.
“Little Women is just such a classic story and this retelling of it with Emma Watson is just beautiful,” Ms Georgas said.
“I’ve been fortunate to already see 1917 and it’s very well crafted. The way it was shot makes you really feel like you are right there in the trenches.
“If you’re looking for an escape and something that is a bit of fun with some action, Bad Boys for Life is worth a look.
“The Australian film, Go!, also looks terrific. It’s a fun, family movie about go-karting and reminds me of the movie Paper Planes from a few years back.”
Throughout the school holidays, Limelight Cinemas at Riverlink is offering $6 kids’ tickets to selected family films, including Frozen 2, Spies in Disguise, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Go! and My Spy.
Ms Georgas said with plenty of hot days expected during Christmas and into the New Year, the movies would be a good place to be.
“It’s a great bit of escapism and the perfect way to beat the heat. Grab the kids, see a movie and have a great experience.”
What to watch these school holidays
Jumanji: The Next Level – PG
In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.
In cinemas: Boxing Day
Running time: 123 mins
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, Jack Black
Cats – Check the classification in cinemas
A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.
In cinemas: Boxing Day
Running time: 111 mins
Cast: Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Judi Dench
Spies in Disguise – PG
Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is… not. But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and invention, creating the awesome gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions. But when events take an unexpected turn, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril.
In cinemas: 1 January
Running time: 102 mins
Cast: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan, Rashida Jones
Little Women – G
Acclaimed actress, writer and director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) brings together a stellar cast in a new adaptation of the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott.
In cinemas: 1 January
Running time: 135 mins
Cast: Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Meryl Streep
Bad Boys for Life – Check the classification in cinemas
Marcus Burnett is now a police inspector and Mike Lowery is in a midlife crisis. They unite again when an Albanian mercenary, whose brother they killed, promises them an important bonus.
In cinemas: 16 January
Running time: TBC
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
Go! – PG
Jack, 14, is a charismatic larrikin who has just discovered the one thing he is really good at – go-kart racing. With the support of his mentor, Patrick, 55, an old race car driver with a secret past, and his best mates Colin and Mandy, both 15, Jack must learn to control his recklessness if he is to defeat the best drivers in Australia, including the ruthless champion Dean, and win the national title.
In cinemas: 16 January
Running time: 102 mins
Cast: Richard Roxburg, Frances O’Connor, Dan Wyllie, Will Lodder
