There was a stage when my youngest son was sleeping with his Lightning McQueen and Mater figurines clutched tightly in his hands, so it wasn’t hard to convince him to watch Cars 2 with me.
This film was eagerly anticipated by our whole family, and it didn’t disappoint. The main characters are still there, but this is definitely Mater’s turn in the spotlight. Part car race and part spy thriller, a sprinkling of new characters mean that the story can move out of Radiator Springs and across the world, with all the grace of a James Bond film. The Pixar aesthetic continues to amaze, with stunning representations of Tokyo, London and Italy, not to mention the way each character is imbued with their own expressions and unique movements.
Themes of friendship and teamwork are once again woven throughout the movie, along with a clever use of humour that parents will appreciate. The soundtrack also lifts the tone from a kids-only film to something the whole family can enjoy together. It’s already a favourite at our place.

Newcastle’s Child has two prize packs RRP $177.95 each to give away. Each pack consists of Cars 2 DVD and Blu-ray, a watch, a flash drive, a mini car toolkit, a spy ear phone and an invisible pen with UV light. Click here for your chance to win.

As I watched the Lion King with my children, I found I knew large chunks of dialogue and a surprising number of song lyrics. This was my youngest brother’s favourite movie, so I was exposed to it often. Watching it now, the animation seems much more basic than the 3D imagery today’s kids are used to. Despite this, the depiction of Africa as a setting is stunning in its colour and variety.
Elton John’s classic score has lasted the test of time, with such strong songs as Can You Feel the Love Tonight, The Circle of Life and the catchy Hakuna Matata slotted into the film without feeling like an awkwardly staged musical segue. Each character is strongly drawn, and the comic genius of Rowan Aktinson as Zazu and the double act of Timon and Pumbaa are highlights of the movie. This is the tale of a young lion’s discovery that he is part of something larger than just himself and that he has a destiny to fulfil, if only he can find some self-belief. A delightful coming-of-age story, this is one to keep on the family movie shelf.

Enter our great Lion King Pack giveaway here.

RRP $19.95

Toys are for kids, right? So what happens to his one-time favourite toys when Andy grows up and goes away to college? Buzz, Woody and the gang find out in this latest Toy Story installment. After a stop-over in a day care centre to meet some new friends - Barbie and a hilariously loud Ken amongst them - a few escape attempts and an encounter with the scarier side of some twisted toys, the gang’s arrival at its eventual destination will warm the hearts of young and old. This is Disney at its best - wholesome family entertainment with a real-life, modern edge.

Click here to win one of our of Toy Story 3 gift packs.