Spring may be here, but winter’s gray chill is still lingering in the air, and this weather just calls for cuddling up at the movies! Here’s our pick of international family-friendly movies that are playing in the cinemas, or will be very soon, to catch this spring.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Everybody’s favorite black and white Dragon Warrior returns in the fourth instalment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, and this time he’s fighting everyone he’s ever fought before! Villains from the first three films – Tai Lung, Lord Shen and General Kai – are all brought back from the Spirit Realm by the new Master Villain Chameleon in an all-out battle with Po. Beyond the action, the plot centers around Po seeking a replacement Dragon Warrior as he is needed to take on the role of leader of the Valley of Peace. Enter Awkwafina, who plays sly fox bandit Chen in the film. Chen is poised to take the position if only she can decide on the right path. Definitely a family-pleaser, Kung Fu Panda 4 is now playing at movie theatres across China.
We highly recommend catching Kung Fu Panda 4 at the Kids Cinema (亲子厅) at HOPSON ONE. Read all about this toddler-friendly cinema complete with ball pit and slide inside the cinema here!
Dune: Part Two
Best for tweens and teens who still dare to be seen in public with their parents, Dune: Part Two is a great follow-up to its cinematic IMAX predecessor. This action-packed sequel gives plenty of screen time to gorgeous award-winning actors Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya and, of course, Timothée Chalamet – whom tweens might recognize most from his recent role as Willy Wonka in the movie musical Wonka last Christmas. Dune: Part Two also reveals Christopher Walken as the face of the mysterious emperor, and his daughter, played by Florence Pugh. The stellar cast and incredible cinematography will keep you on the edge of your seat, even if the political/religious plot may leave you wanting more answers, which we can expect in the final movie installment next year. Dune: Part Two is currently playing at major movie theaters near you.
We recommend catching Dune: Part Two in IMAX at the Universal CityWalk Cinema. Being relatively new and well-maintained, it tends to be less crowded since people don’t usually travel all the way to Universal just to catch a movie. But here’s why you should.
Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire
Make sure you catch up on all the previous Kong and Godzilla films before you head into the cinema for this one, not because you’ll miss out on any critical plot points, but so that you’ll in the right headspace to appreciate the spectacular special effects and CGI action that’s promised in this fifth sequel film in the MonsterVerse franchise by Legendary Pictures. The film is rated PG-13 just like the other films in the franchise starting from 2014’s Godzilla reboot, so if your kids could handle those, then they’ll good to go for this latest one. I’m just going to watch it to find out why Godzilla’s turned pink.
Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire comes out in cinemas Mar 29.
Hot Tip: Buy movie tickets ahead of time in three easy steps! Go to the “Me” tab in WeChat under “Services” and scroll down to the “Event Tickets” option. That will bring you to movies straight away. The family-friendly cinema option is 亲子厅 qingziting and movies in English are listed as 英语 yīngyǔ English-language.
Images: Unsplash, Internet
