The year-end school holiday has already started and most working parents would probably be clearing annual leaves to spend some quality time with their children. Other than taking a long vacation or engage in outdoor activities, the next best alternative is to check out some movie offerings in our cinemas. And here are 5 Family-Friendly Films To Watch This Year-End School Holiday 2019!
1) Frozen II (November 21)
The Story: When the mysterious voice keeps calling out for her, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) decided to depart Arendelle on a quest to find out the truth hidden behind the enchanted forest. Joining her includes her sister Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his reindeer Sven as well as the talking snowman Olaf (Josh Gad).
Why Does It Matter: Two words: brand recognition. The first “Frozen” may already be six years old but fans and casual moviegoers alike are still talking about it. Frankly, it’s easy to see why. Not only was it one of the best Disney animated features (outside their Pixar territory, that is) ever made in recent years, but “Frozen” has delighted many moviegoers both young and old with iconic characters (Elsa, Anna and Olaf: take your pick) and memorable sing-along songs, notably the Oscar-winning “Let It Go”.
At the time of writing, the long-awaited sequel has already made a lot of money in the worldwide box-office. The sequel also retained all the tried-and-true Disney formula we come to love about the franchise in the first place. This includes new sing-along songs (e.g. “Into the Unknown”), strong bonding between Elsa and Anna, as well as Olaf’s obligatory comic relief. Fans of the first movie can look forward to the sequel’s breathtaking animation as well as the introduction of a cute salamander character nicknamed Bruni. Kristoff also (finally) gets his own song, so do check that out!
2) Ejen Ali: The Movie (November 28)
The Story: This big-screen version of “Ejen Ali” sees the titular 12-year-old character (voiced by Ida Rahayu Yusoff) and his team members embark on a new mission filled with interesting twists and surprises.
Why Does It Matter: Apart from “Upin & Ipin” and “BoBoiBoy”, “Ejen Ali” is currently among the most beloved local animations of today’s generation in Malaysia. To date, the animated series has run a successful two seasons. And not surprisingly, this big-screen debut has impressed lots of kids and adults alike since making a splash in our local cinemas nationwide on 28 November.
3) Jumanji: The Next Level (December 5)
The Story: The gang — Bethany (Madison Iseman), Martha (Morgan Turner) and Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain) — finds themselves re-entering the “Jumanji” game all over again after their friend Spencer (Alex Wolff) gets sucked into it as well. Only this time, the game has changed drastically and even their adult avatars (Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black and Nick Jonas) are mixed up as well.
Why Does It Matter: Back in 2017, nobody could have predicted that “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” would end up as one of Sony’s biggest moneymakers in the worldwide box-office. Remember how the naysayers screamed blasphemy over continuing the “Jumanji” movie previously immortalised by the late Robin Williams? Well, the tables has unexpectedly turned since then.
Given the previous movie’s huge success, it is inevitable that we were going to get a sequel. Returning director Jack Kasdan, of course, upped the ante by introducing new game environments including deserts and snowy mountains. And apart from the recurring all-star cast, we also get to see new additions in the form of Danny DeVito, Danny Glover and Awkwafina.
4) A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (December 12)
The Story: This time, Shaun the Sheep (voiced by Justin Fletcher) and the flock find themselves facing a new enemy in the form of invading aliens from outer space.
Why Does It Matter: Believe it or not, it has been four years since “Shaun The Sheep Movie” became a huge hit in the international box-office. If you love the first movie, you are most likely going to enjoy watching this sequel as well. Expect lots of sight gags, laugh-out-loud moments and of course, the mischievous return of that titular sheep on the big screen.
5) Spies In Disguise (December 25)
The Story: The world’s best super spy a.k.a. Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) teams up with an unlikely partner in the form of a nerdy inventor named Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) to save the world.
Why Does It Matter: So, what’s the big deal with such a premise anyway? Well, let’s just say “Spies In Disguise” isn’t your typical buddy movie about mismatched partners. The main hook of this upcoming animated feature is seeing Will Smith’s Lance Sterling turning into a pigeon. Yes, you read it right: Will Smith becomes a pigeon! Wacky entertainment ensues and it helps to see the inspired pairing of Will Smith and Tom Holland.
