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School Holiday Movie Madness: What to Watch This Season

• Brent Harbour and Ross Churchouse

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Economic headwinds continue battering the cinema landscape as we head into the school holiday season. Even star-studded films like "The Roses" featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman are struggling to meet box office expectations, despite strong word-of-mouth driving second-week attendance. What's behind this trend? Is it the R-rating limiting audience size, broader economic factors, or perhaps shifting viewer preferences?

Relief may be coming with the wave of family-friendly releases hitting theaters for the school holidays. "Gabby's Dollhouse" targets the youngest moviegoers (ages 3-8) with its magical story about a girl who transforms into a cartoon character in a world of feline friends. Theater representatives report children being spellbound during screenings and immediately asking to return – a promising sign for exhibitors. Meanwhile, "The Bad Guys 2" brings back the popular animated crew now struggling with economic challenges themselves as they're forced back into action by a new squad called "The Bad Girls."

For those seeking heartfelt storytelling, "Kangaroo" delivers a beautiful Australian tale about an ex-TV personality who accidentally kills a kangaroo and adopts its joey, establishing a rehabilitation center with a young indigenous girl. With Rachel House among the talented cast and the stunning Australian outback as a backdrop, this film promises to connect with viewers of all ages. Other options include the fantasy "A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey" starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, the cheese-making drama "Holy Cow," and the upcoming "Tron: Aries." Whether these diverse offerings can overcome current economic challenges and bring audiences back to theaters remains the big question facing the industry. Will families make movies part of their holiday plans? The answer might determine the future health of cinema exhibition.

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!