Set in the city of Beaverton, we are introduced to Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda as a teenager and Lila Liu as a child), who spends her youth with her kind Grandmother (Karen Huie). Through her influence, Mabel learns to love the land and relate to the fauna of the area, especially a colony of beavers. It is an idyllic upbringing and leaves a lasting impression.

After losing her Gran, she is adrift until she is given a cause by the actions of the town’s mayor, Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm). He plans to destroy her favourite habitat to build a freeway overpass. After he drains the pond and drives out all the wildlife, the heartbroken teenager is given a cause to pursue and a galvanising purpose. This involves Mabel taking over the operation of a robot beaver and becoming part of the colony.

The message of the value of indigenous life forms is presented in an entertaining and less obtrusive way than most films of this ilk. Humour is used successfully and often to give the work a less strident tone. Mabel’s heritage is also used in a subtle and accessible way. The film’s success derives from a broadminded approach that puts entertainment first yet weaves in a message of value without the usual insolent approach.
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The underwater worry this time is Bob’s desire to become a big guy so he can ride a roller coaster at a local amusement park. When he grows to the required height and is admitted onto the ride, his bravery leaves him and sends him on a quest to become a swashbuckler. Even though these are well-trodden lanes, it’s still presented with such innocence that the appeal endures.

As the journey progresses, we meet a progression of weird and wonderful characters, even the bad guy, in this case, the Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill), is presented as a somewhat friendly foe. Relying on an impressive colour palette and an outlandish sense of presentation, the journey is never less than fun.

Filled with lysergic laughter and more than a few ribald moments, The SpongeBob world is one of inclusion and the relationships presented are based on acceptance and not being afraid of being yourself. With the current reality being about as bleak as memory serves, trading that for a cartoon land filled with humour, laughs, and love sounds like time well spent.
Rob Hudson
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The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world.

Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionise the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”

Starring Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, GOAT will be released in Aussie cinemas March 2026!
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The trailer provides a first look at the reimagined live-action adventure, introducing audiences to the majestic island and vibrant people of Motunui; the shapeshifting demigod Maui; the intimidating yet adorable tribe of Kakamora; and Lagaʻaia as wayfinder Moana, who sings the powerful line “I Am Moana.”

In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the “Moana” cast includes Auckland, New Zealand, native John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.

In Disney’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on July 9, 2026.
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Bluey’s house is ready for Verandah Santa’s big visit! Explore every corner as you hunt for Bingo’s favourite toy – Floppy – and discover delightful touches inspired by your favourite Christmas episodes.

Step beyond the house into the Neighbourhood, where the holiday cheer continues. Snap a photo with Bluey and Bingo in their Christmas cracker crowns, enjoy a holiday treat from the Golden Crown Takeaway, while you soak up the jolly sounds of the Bluey’s World carollers. As evening falls, see Bluey’s World and its surroundings light up with a special synchronised light and sound show.

Andrew Kay, Producer, Bluey’s World said “We’re thrilled to bring Christmas to Bluey’s World for the first time. Families can step into a sparkling wonderland filled with lights, music, and surprises inspired by Bluey’s favourite holiday moments. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Christmas together.”

What’s New for Christmas?
Light & Sound Show: Bluey’s World and its surroundings will come alive with a light and sound show featuring 35,500 shimmering pixels. Catch the show daily from 6:30PM AEST.

Carollers: Regular live performers will fill the Neighbourhood with Bluey-themed Christmas tunes spreading joy and seasonal cheer to all.

Seasonal Pop-Up Shop: Browse exclusive merchandise at a limited-time pop-up shop located on the outside deck.

Extended Hours: Enjoy even more Christmas magic with extended hours from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Named one of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places, a visit to Bluey’s World is the perfect way to make this Christmas extra merry for the whole family. For full details visit www.ticketek.blueysworld.com.au.

Renata Bisgaard, Senior Live Events Manager, BBC Studios ANZ said “Bluey’s World is all about creating moments of joy for families and fans, and this Christmas celebration takes that to a whole new level. We’re excited to bring fans an immersive experience filled with festive touches, inspired by the heartwarming stories they love. It’s a chance to step into Bluey’s world and make memories that will last well beyond the holidays.”

Bluey’s World continues to showcase Queensland as a world-class destination for family entertainment, according to Andrew Powell MP, Queensland’s Minister for Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and Innovation.

“Bluey’s World has quickly become one of Queensland’s most loved attractions, and this Christmas celebration will make it even more magical. This world-class event is a fantastic way for families to come together, create memories, and experience the joy of the holidays in the heart of Brisbane. Events like this showcase why Queensland is the ultimate destination for world-class entertainment and family fun.”

Adrian Schrinner, Brisbane Lord Mayor added that Christmas at Bluey’s World will be a highlight for Brisbane, attracting families from near and far.

“Brisbane comes alive at Christmas and experiences like Bluey’s World create even more for visitors and locals to see and do. From sparkling lights to carollers, Christmas at Bluey’s World adds to the city’s festive celebrations and showcases why Brisbane is the best place in Australia to spend the holidays.”

Bluey’s World is produced by BBC Studios and HVK World and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Bluey’s World Brisbane
281 Macarthur Drive, Northshore Hamilton
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“We have assembled a legendary cast for ‘Hoppers,’ and the voice talent really gave the film all they had. Be it uproarious humour, heartfelt emotion or crazy animal noises, they delivered beyond our expectations,” stated director Daniel Chong and producer Nicole Paradis Grindle.

The trailer provides a closer look at the animated comedy adventure which introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into a life-like robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. Using the technology, Mabel uncovers mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

“Hoppers” features the voice of Bobby Moynihan as King George, an undeniably optimistic, kind and larger-than-life beaver who is the leader of the pond and king of the mammals. Jon Hamm voices Mayor Jerry, a politician running for re-election in Beaverton. Under his shiny, perfectly coiffed hair and matching public persona, Jerry is losing his cool over the one thing he can’t control: Mabel.

“Hoppers” is directed by Daniel Chong (“We Bare Bears”), produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle (“Incredibles 2”) and features an original score by composer Mark Mothersbaugh (“Thor: Ragnarok”). Coming to cinemas this March.
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SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can’t miss cinematic event ever…The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.

Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before.

Starring Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, George Lopez, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola with Regina Hall and Mark Hamill, SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is coming to Brisbane cinemas this Boxing Day!
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Disney and Pixar have debuted the first teaser trailer for “Toy Story 5,” and this time, it’s Toy meets Tech.

In the teaser, fans are introduced to the new character Lilypad, a high-tech, frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee (“Past Lives,” “The Morning Show,” “TRON: Ares”) that makes Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs exponentially harder when they go head to head with the all-new threat to playtime.

Tom Hanks returns as the ever-loyal cowboy Woody, Tim Allen reports for duty as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack saddles up again as the rootin’-tootin’ cowgirl Jessie, and Tony Hale is back as the voice of the handcrafted toy Forky. It was recently announced that Conan O’Brien will also join the voice cast as the toilet training tech toy Smarty Pants.

Director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris state, “It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favourite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences. Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life — balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humour and heart — has been incredible.”

“Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton (“WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory”), co-directed by Kenna Harris (“Ciao Alberto”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (“Turning Red,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Dory”). The animated adventure releases in cinemas on June 18, 2026.
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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros., and follows The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was released in 2023 and earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide. Both the 2023 film and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie are produced by Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo.

The film will be co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and will be released worldwide by Universal Pictures.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is directed by returning filmmakers Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, from a screenplay by returning screenwriter Matthew Fogel, with Brian Tyler returning to compose the score.

Starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Kevin Michael Richardson, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is coming to cinemas April 2026.
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With the success, both box office and storytelling-wise, of the 2022 animated release The Bad Guys, a sequel was always going to be inevitable. Now that that moment has arrived, what are the end results? The charm of the first is mostly intact, but the storyline has been ramped up to the stratosphere, well, outer space, actually.

All the main voice actors and their characters have returned, and we get three new additions. The Bad Girls, made up of Doom (AKA Susan), voiced by Natasha Lyonne, Pigtail Petrova (Maria Bakalova) and the ring leader Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks). The arrival of the three happens mid-film and deprives the audience of an in-depth backstory.

The Bad Guys have now gone good, and with job prospects being nonexistent for ex-criminals, they are struggling to make ends meet. In the midst of all this, they are framed for a crime they didn’t commit and are forced back into the life. The story from this point on just gets more and more outlandish and eventually ends up in outer space.

Relying on the establishment of the characters and their appeal from the first film and putting almost all the onscreen effort into the new storyline leaves little further development to their ways. The set pieces are extravagant and spectacular, and the action never trails off. The appeal of the opening round has been somewhat muted with this approach. It’s still entertaining, but just not as memorable.
Rob Hudson
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