Mapping out your movie calendar for 2024? Allow us to step in and do the job for you. Here's your essential round-up of this year's family movie releases – scroll down beneath the bullet-pointed list for more details of the specific movies.
Be sure to return to this post for regular updates to the film slate.
(Release dates are correct at the time of writing and are susceptible to late changes.)
- November 22nd: Wicked
- November 29th: Moana 2
- December 20th: Mufasa: The Lion King
- December 27th: Sonic 3
1. The Wild Robot (on release now)
Lilo & Stitch director Chris Sanders fashions a gorgeous-looking ode to compassion and the wonders of nature in this feature-length CG adventure, based on Peter Brown's book series of the same name. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o voices the titular robot Rozzum 'Roz' 7134 who washes ashore on a seemingly deserted island. There she becomes the unexpected protector of an orphaned gosling, which she names Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor).
2. Paddington in Peru (on release now)
The Paddington movies carry the delicious tang of a marmalade sandwich, sweet and somehow spicy in equal measure. The previous two movies, helmed by director Paul King, adapted Michael Bond's original stories with a startlingly assured touch, beautifully melding whimsy, humour and an array of memorably scene-stealing performances, notably Hugh Grant's villainous Phoenix Buchanan.
King has stepped aside for the third Paddington movie, which takes Ben Whishaw's well-meaning ursine back to his home country for another adventure that's sure to be laden with laughs and pathos.
BOOK PADDINGTON IN PERU TICKETS
3. Wicked (released November 22nd, 2024)
We've been waiting a long time for stage phenomenon Wicked to make it to the big screen. Now it's finally happened, and it's going to be a two-part extravaganza (part two is due to arrive in 2025). Discover how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be as her origin story plays out to the memorable show tunes devised by noted composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba Thropp, the woman destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande plays Galinda Upland (later to become Glinda), Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero Tigelaar, Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum plays the Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself. Can you imagine a more perfect casting line-up?
4. Moana 2 (released November 29th, 2024)
Disney's eagerly awaited sequel to their 2016 hit reunites us with the plucky Polynesian hero Moana and her loveable goofy demi-god sidekick Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Expect more breathtaking sights and sounds as the waves crash over us and the story takes us to the very edges of the much-mythologized Oceania.
5. Mufasa: The Lion King (released December 20th, 2024)
Discover the origins of Simba's father Mufasa in this live-action/CG prequel to the studio's 2019 reboot of The Lion King. Acclaimed filmmaker Barry Jenkins (Moonlight; If Beale Street Could Talk) dramatises the initial conflict between noble Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) and his scheming brother Scar (Kelvin Harrison Jr) and how it set the stage for the ultimate Pride Rock battle many years later between Simba and his nefarious uncle.
6. Sonic 3 (released December 27th, 2024)
The two Sonic movies have been a blur of fan-pleasing references and quick-fire humour from actor Jim Carrey. The Sega icon is now back for third helpings, once again voiced by Ben Schwartz and once again battling Carrey's maniacal Doctor Robotnik.
Remember, Cineworld's new Family Ticket allows adults and kids to be more childish together. Click the following link to find out more.
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