Smurfs, Superman and Jurassic World Rebirth
LEIGH PAATSCH takes an in-depth look at the diverse array of family-friendly movie releases in cinemas as the school holiday season approaches …
Mason Thames, right, and Nico Parker in How to Train Your Dragon.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (PG, 125 min)
In cinemas now.
Who: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost
What: Fantasy action-adventure. On the isle of Berk, the friendship between a resourceful young Viking and a Night Fury dragon points the way to an end to the hostilities between Vikings and dragons.
Well … It is hard to fault this reboot of the franchise on any level (with the possible exception of the two-hour run time). A genuinely family-friendly storyline keeps viewers connected, while the spectacular aerial sequences delivers plenty of excitement.
Which age group?
under 5yo: *
5yo – 8yo: ***1/2
9yo – 12yo: ****
13yo+: ***1/2
Stitch and Maia Kealoha as Lilo in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch
LILO & STITCH (PG, 108 min)
In cinemas now.
Who: Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Zach Galifianakis
What: Family adventure. All hell breaks loose on a Hawaiian island when a lonely little girl becomes best friends with a chaotic creature from outer space.
Well … Already one of the biggest box-office hits of 2025, this irresistible live-action remake of the classic Disney 'toon is the safest choice for parents with a spread of age groups and tastes to cater for. Stands up well to repeat viewing, too.
Which age group?
under 5yo: ***
5yo – 8yo: ****
9yo – 12yo: ****
13yo+: **1/2
Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Karate Kid: Legends.
KARATE KID: LEGENDS (PG, 94 min)
In cinemas now.
Who: Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio
What: Martial-arts action. After kung fu prodigy Li Fong relocates to New York City, he is bullied by a local karate champion before clashing with him in a high-stakes competition.
Well … The Karate Kid franchise never fails to have kids urging on an underdog to triumph against huge odds. The combat scenes are authentic without being too violent, but are best appreciated by late-primary schoolers and above.
Which age group?
under 5yo: *
5yo – 8yo: **
9yo – 12yo: ***
13yo+ : ***1/2
Sir David Attenborough in the fascinating marine documentary, Ocean. Picture: Conor McDonnell
OCEAN with DAVID ATTENBOROUGH (PG, 95 min)
Selected cinemas, and also now streaming on Disney+
Who: David Attenborough
What: Marine documentary. An exploration of our planet's many undersea habitats, and their role in sustaining life in a multitude of forms.
Well … Telling the kids you're taking them to a documentary is right up there with asking them to eat more greens. Nevertheless, this sublime affair is one of the finest nature docos to hit the big screen in years, and will definitely make a huge impression with youngsters curious about the world around them.
Which age group?
under 5yo: *
5yo – 8yo: ***
9yo – 12yo: ***
13yo+: ***1/2
Elio, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, left, and Glordon, voiced by Remy Edgerly, in Pixar's Elio.
ELIO (PG, 98 min)
In cinemas now.
Who: voices of Zoe Saldana, Yonas Kibreab, Brad Garrett
What: Animated adventure. A teenage space fanatic with an active imagination finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where alien lifeforms hail him as a leader sent from Earth.
Well … This endearing effort from Pixar Animation becomes something special when it leaves Earth behind for a fantasy world in deep space. Characters are lively and well defined, and story is easy to grasp for all ages.
Which age group?
under 5yo: **1/2
5yo – 8yo: ***
9yo – 12yo: ***1/2
13yo+ : ***
Scarlett Johansson is skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in Jurassic World Rebirth.
JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH (M, 133 min)
In cinemas now.
Who: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey
What: Action adventure. In pursuit of a groundbreaking medical breakthrough, an unorthodox team hits the equator in a bid to extract the DNA of three massive dinosaurs.
Well … Now in its fourth decade, the long-running dinos-dining-on-humans series returns with a stirring instalment. Does get quite graphic when its prehistoric protagonists get munching, so the M-rating is deserved (and should count out younger age groups without question).
Which age group?
under 5yo: *
5yo – 8yo: **
9yo – 12yo: ***
13yo+: ***1/2
No Name, voiced by James Corden, and Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna in Smurfs.
SMURFS (G, 92 min)
Opens in cinemas this weekend.
Who: voices of Natasha Lyonne, John Goodman
What: Family animation. When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him.
Well … Yet to be previewed to media. Factoring in the contents earlier Smurfs movies – all of which did extremely well with early-primary and preschool audiences – it's hard to envisage anything much will have changed.
Which age group?
under 5yo: ***
5yo – 8yo: ***
9yo – 12yo: **
13yo+: **
David Corenswet as the Man of Steel in Superman.
SUPERMAN (M, 130 min)
Opens in cinemas July 10.
Who: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult
What: Superhero adventure. As the world around him changes, Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent.
Well … Yet to be previewed to media. An M-rating and a rather gloomy trailer suggests this blockbuster return of the most iconic of all superheroes is not for the little ones.
Which age group?
under 5yo: *
5yo – 8yo: *1/2
9yo – 12yo: **1/2
13yo+: ****
Originally published as From Superman to the Smurfs: How to pick the best family-friendly films for the school holidays
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Courier-Mail
6 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Can ‘repulsive' Diddy stage a career comeback after his bombshell verdict?
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' supporters chanted 'Free Puff!' — and poured baby oil over themselves — outside Manhattan federal court on Wednesday after the stunning verdict in his bombshell weekslong sex trafficking trial was revealed. But could he really make a comeback? A jury convicted the once-renowned music mogul, 55, of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted him of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have landed him in prison for the rest of his life. Combs is now facing a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison on the two prostitution charges. His sentencing is scheduled for October 3. Before he was arrested in September, the three-time Grammy Award winner was riding high as one of the most powerful men in music. And while his career quickly came tumbling down, the jury's shocking decision opens the door to the possibility that Combs will try to rejoin the industry and fix his battered reputation. 'I do not think the court of public opinion will be forgiving,' Ann Olivarius, the founder of the McAllister Olivarius law firm and an lawyer focused on women's rights, told The Post in a statement. 'The damage to Diddy's reputation is real, and demonstrates that the world is watching and survivors matter, even if their abusers are powerful.' Experts have weighed in on the likelihood of a career comeback for the music mogul. Picture: Mark Ralston/AFP David B. Allan, a professor of music marketing at Saint Joseph's University, similarly believes Combs can't make a comeback. 'Once the wave of getting off on the more serious charges settles, the music business will pass judgment and his reputation will be done,' Allan exclusively told The Post. 'Sean has always been great at p.r. and publicity, but there's no coming back from this, as this is his legacy. 'There will always be an asterisk by his name and his hits,' Allan stated. Ana Garcia, host of 'True Crime News: The Podcast,' shared a similar sentiment about Combs' future in the industry. 'Combs may have been spared life in prison but I am not so sure his career can be saved,' Garcia exclusively told The Post. 'How can you look at Diddy and not think this man is repulsive? The public cannot unsee Cassie's beating or the vile things he made her do.' 'I think Diddy's image and endorsements are ruined,' Garcia continued. 'This trial didn't up Diddy's gangsta cred. Instead, it revealed a pathetic and violent man who gets off on seeing his beautiful girlfriend urinated on. Who wants that guy endorsing your product?' Meanwhile, Tyrone Blackburn, a lawyer who is representing Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones and others in civil suits against Combs, believes the star could make a grand return. 'Because these are not viewed as the really serious claims, or serious charges, I think he may be able to come back,' Blackburn exclusively told The Post. 'I think if he shows some sort of remorse, I think if he submits an apology, I think if he falls on his sword and takes ownership for what he has done, thanks the jury for their thoroughness and says he will get some help, he possibly can,' Blackburn added. Lawyer Joel Denaro told The Post: 'Like always, people's memories will fade, and given Diddy's considerable talent, I'm sure he will flourish musically going forward.' A court sketch of Combs during the trial. Picture: Elizabeth Williams via AP, File Tony Dofat, for example, is up to collaborate with the embattled mogul again. He composed and produced hit tracks for Diddy and Bad Boy Entertainment in the '90s. 'I would definitely work together with him again. We made a lot of great records together,' he told The Post. 'Maybe going through these things will put them in a different perspective. It'll probably create a different type of art.' Jeff Apruzzese, who runs the music industry program at Drexel University, believes Combs will 'certainly try' to wiggle his way back. 'Diddy has always positioned himself as both a creator and a CEO. That said, a public-facing comeback, whether through performance or media appearances, would likely face steep resistance,' Apruzzese noted. 'If he returns at all, it's more likely to be behind the scenes in a production or mentorship role, though that still depends on whether business partners are willing to re-engage.' Combs wouldn't be the first once-disgraced celebrity to recover from a major scandal. Chris Brown was all but cancelled for getting into a domestic violence incident with then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. The Forever singer, 36, has also faced other assault allegations over the years. But Brown experienced a career resurgence with the release of his albums Breezy in 2022 and 11:11 in 2023, the latter of which won him the Grammy Award for Best R & B Album. He's also about to embark on the US leg of his Breezy Bowl XX tour from July 30 to September 20. Apruzzese doesn't think Combs can replicate what Brown has done. 'Chris Brown's return unfolded gradually and under very different cultural conditions,' the professor said. 'The nature of the allegations against Diddy and the current climate in Hollywood means people are far more cautious about public associations that could create long-term reputational risk.' Apruzzese also speculated that other famous names 'will likely keep their distance, at least publicly,' from Combs for now. 'Collaborators now have to think about brand alignment, audience expectations and potential backlash,' he noted. 'So even if relationships still exist behind the scenes, we may not see them out in the open.' Other celebrities are likely to keep their distance from Combs, according to one expert. Picture: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP File Along with the current lack of public support, Combs' finances have taken a hit since he became a pariah. Forbes last year estimated the rapper's net worth at around $400 million, down from the $740 million he was worth in 2019. Before his arrest, he reportedly stepped down and later fully divested from his cable television network, Revolt. He also settled a legal dispute with spirits company Diageo, which involved him relinquishing control of his alcohol brands Cîroc and DeLeón. Combs' record label, Bad Boy Entertainment, has also been affected by his legal troubles. In 2023, he returned the music-publishing rights to the artists and songwriters who helped build the company. At the time, Combs told Variety: 'It's just doing the right thing. I think that we as an industry, and as a people, have to look in the mirror and make a shift forward. It's about evolving, leading by example and reforming an industry that needs it, in a world that needs reform.' Bad Boy has not announced any major releases since Combs' arrest. The last album Combs put out was 2023's The Love Album: Off the Grid. However, Combs was recently featured on Kanye West's new song, which also included West's 12-year-old daughter, North. West, who has also been shunned for his own controversies, has voiced support for Combs and even made a brief appearance at the trial. Combs' legal costs have certainly added up over the past year, which could also endanger his potential resurgence. Before his trial began in May, an expert told Fox News that Combs' legal defence could cost him $15 million. After the verdict, legal expert Neama Rahmani told The Post that Combs' sex-trafficking case was the 'most expensive prostitution trial in American history.' In addition, Combs' ex Cassie Ventura claimed she received a $20 million settlement in her 2023 lawsuit against the hip-hop mogul. Video evidence of Combs physically assaulting Ventura, 38, from 2016 was released last year, before she testified against Combs during the trial in May. Ventura reacted to Wednesday's verdict in a statement via her lawyer, Doug Wigdor, who said she 'paved the way' for the jury to convict Combs on the prostitution charges. 'By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,' Ventura's lawyer said. This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission. Originally published as Can 'repulsive' Diddy stage a career comeback after his bombshell verdict?
Courier-Mail
6 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Kate Beckinsale breaks silence over concerns from fans over her weight loss
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. Kate Beckinsale addressed her dramatic weight loss after a fan weighed in on her appearance via social media. On Tuesday, the Underworld actress shared a since-deleted post that included several images of herself in bikinis. 'Oh sweetheart, I honestly think you have a problem!!!' one follower wrote in the comments. 'You don't look good. I think you honestly need help.' The star responded, 'Yes I do. I'm going through one of the most deeply painful times of my life. The body keeps the score.' Though Beckinsale, 51, did not elaborate further, she referenced Bessel van der Kolk's best-selling book on trauma, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Kate Beckinsale has sparked fears over her weight in recent weeks. Picture: Getty. I The actress responded to concerns with a post on social media. Picture: Instagram. n a video clip, the actress appeared extremely slim while walking her dog in a pair of daisy dukes, black platform boots and a black bikini top. The actress further hinted at turmoil in the caption of her post, which also included photos of her pets and lookalike daughter Lily Mo Sheen, 26. 'Girls trip with my girls,' Beckinsale wrote. 'This is not an accurate depiction of how life is right now but a brief and precious reprieve from other things for which I am extremely grateful x.' While some fans expressed concern, one fan emphasised, 'How about we stop talking about her weight because you don't know what's going on in her life. You're beautiful and you remind me of Audrey Hepburn.' The star said she lost weight due to grief. Picture: Instagram Beckinsale hit back at the fan that shared their concern. Picture: Instagram Another remarked, 'always love and respect you, Kate. I hope everything gets better soon.' Beckinsale previously clapped back at trolls who insisted she had lost 'too much weight.' In a since-deleted Instagram post from January, one person wrote, 'It's not a criticism, but I think you've lost too much weight lately.' The actress fired back, 'If it's not a criticism, it's a passive aggressive completely unnecessary opinion from someone I don't know who knows nothing about my circumstances. So next time you feel like commenting on someone's body, I suggest you keep it to your f–king self.' Beckinsale was hospitalised with a mystery illness in March 2024, which she later revealed to be due to a hole in her oesophagus. She got candid about her hospital stay via social media in July 2024 while clapping back at a troll commenting on her weight. At the time, Beckinsale claimed she lost weight due to the death of her stepfather, Roy Battersby, and her mom's stage 4 cancer diagnosis. 'I lost a lot of weight from stress and grief, quite quickly,' she told a commenter. This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission. Originally published as Kate Beckinsale breaks silence over concerns from fans over her weight loss
Courier-Mail
9 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Creative Australia apologise after Khaled Sabsabi reinstatement ahead of 2026 Venice Biennale
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. The head of Australia's arts funding body has backtracked and issued an apology to two artists who were sacked as representatives to the Venice Biennale, before being reinstated in a major backflip. Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were initially selected as the artistic team to represent the Australian Pavilion at the internationally-renowned 2026 arts festival held in Venice, Italy. But in February the pair were controversially dumped by Creative Australia after questions were raised in parliament about previous artworks by Mr Sabsabi. Michael Dagostino is the director of the Campbelltown Arts Centre. Picture: Supplied Khaled Sabsabi with his works at Mosman Art Gallery. Picture: Supplied Following a review released on Thursday that found 'a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities' in the decision-making process the artist and curator were reinstated. Opposition arts spokeswoman Claire Chandler cited the artworks in parliament, and hours later the creative agency had backflipped on the pair's appointment. One of the works showed footage of the September 11 attacks spliced with a clip of George W. Bush saying 'thank you very much'. Another contained depictions of then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Creative Australia acting chairman Wesley Enoch has since apologised to Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino for the 'hurt and pain that they've gone through in this process'. Wesley Enoch AM, Acting Chair of Creative Australia. Picture: Creative Australia He acknowledged the 'personal cost' that Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino had paid in this saga. Mr Enoch reiterated the board had gone through a 'very rigorous process' which found reinstating the pair was 'the best option'. One former board member, sculptor Lindy Lee, quit the board at the time in protest of Mr Sabsabi and Dagostino's sacking. She told the ABC because of Mr Sabsabi's background his artwork was misinterpreted as supportive of Nasrallah. Coalition Arts spokesman Julian Leeser has been critical of the decision to reinstate Mr Sabsabi, telling RN Breakfast he thought Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision' the reinstatement. Opposition arts spokesman Julian Leeser said he thought that Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision'. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman 'The representative of Australia on the world stage should reflect our values and to reinstate this artist as our representative at the Biennale and to give them taxpayer funds I think flies in the face of those values,' he said. Mr Leeser did not make clear which values he thought Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino did not represent, however he went on to reference the artists' works as having a 'history of presenting terrorist leaders'. He cited declining social cohesion as a reason that 'particularly at this time, this is the wrong person to be representing our country'. Mr Sabsabi has consistently maintained that his works do not promote terrorism – a view that was backed by Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke following the board's about-face. Arts Minister Tony Burke supported the pair's reinstatement. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman 'The report has shown that these works have not been regarded in any way, as promoting those involved with terrorism – the artist has made the same thing clear. 'If anything, the body of evidence says that these works are the exact opposite of something that could be seen to promote terrorism. 'Bearing that in mind, it makes complete sense that Creative Australia have recommissioned Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino. Their decision has my full support.' For their part, the artist-curator pair have accepted their reinstatement and said they will 'recommit ourselves fully to this project'. Originally published as Australia's arts council issues apology, backtracks after sacked artists reinstated as Venice Biennale reps
