Treats for the entire family
Finding the ideal family movie can be difficult.
Something where the jokes can be appreciated by young and old alike.
Fortunately, there are a few we can look forward to this year and after a year's absence, Pixar makes a return.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
Release Date: OUT NOW
Starring: Kevin James, Neal McDonough, Daniella Alonso and David Henrie
Why You Should See It:
Oh, you may throw shade at this film in public, but given the original's success, there must be a more-than-a-few who rank this as a guilty pleasure.
Critics hated Paul Blart: Mall Cop but the antics of the clumsy segway-riding security guard tickled those who watched it.
Kevin James is pretty good at the old physical comedy. Falling over takes some skill.
It's one of the few things both grown ups and children find funny. Though the former may not admit it.
Inside Out
Release Date: June 18
Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black and Diane Lane (Voices)
Why You Should See It:
Who doesn't love Pixar movies? Okay, as long as they're not pushing a Cars sequel, Pixar is generally fantastic.
The studio has tackled superheroes, toys, monsters and insects. This time round, it's telling a story about emotions.
Joy, sadness, anger, fear and disgust are actually mini people in our brains.
This looks like Pixar getting back to doing what it does best. And original concept, some excellent voice work (particularly from Saturday Night Live alum Hader and Poehler).
As those who are familiar with Pixar films would know, the studio can excel in telling heartwarming stories that are capable of reaching out to the entire family.
There's always something to be learnt from Pixar's animated films and chances are, Inside Out will not be an exception.
Minions
Release Date: June 18
Starring: Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton and Allison Janney (Voices)
Why You Should See It:
Minions are the Mr Beans of the animated world.
We don't understand anything they say, other than "banana", but they are adorable enough to get under the skin of many a cynic.
So spinning-off from Despicable Me, this is a prequel of sorts.
It's 1968 and minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by the super-villain Scarlet Overkill, who like any super-villain worth their salt, wants to take over the world.
The film taps the talent of Oscar winner Sandra Bullock as Scarlet, former Batman/Birdman and Oscar nominee Michael Keaton.
Jon Hamm plays Scarlet's inventor husband, Herb.
Pixels
Release Date: July 23
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Michelle Monaghan and Ashley Benson
Why You Should See It:
Ever wondered what would happen if your favourite retro video games came to life?
In Pixels, the answer is the end of the world.
The video game characters we grew up with are the villains in this film and gamers are the only ones who can stop them from tearing up cities.
The premise is interesting and this could be the best thing Adam Sandler has starred in for some time.
Adding to the interest is the wildcard inclusion of Game of Thrones and X-Men: Days of Future Past star Peter Dinklage.
Possibly needing a respite from his heavier, more serious dramatic roles, Dinklage sports a terrible mullet and like a lost remnant of the 80's.
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