Kids' film round-up

Seen and not heard? Whatever the weather, keep the little darlings quiet these holidays with a trip to the cinema. Time Out rounds up the best of the kids films on offer

The Spiderwick Chronicles
Fantasy flick based on the best-selling kids novels by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi and starring Freddie Highmore as a kid who has to defend his country mansion from goblins and fairies. It pales a little next to something like ‘Harry Potter’, but if you do choose to see it, best head to the BFI IMAX to get the best from the effects.

Dr Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
Silly title aside, this trippily animated adventure should have your little ones smiling from ear to ear. Add to that some great voice work from stretchy leading man Jim Carrey.

Drillbit Taylor
Misc pratfalls with Owen Wilson as a failed bodyguard hired by a group of geeky kids to defend them against the bullies. Not the best option, but should keep the young ones amused.

The Game Plan
Former wrestler The Rock takes on the tough-guy role vacated by Big Arnie for this vaguely entertaining, family-friendly domestic comedy.

Hannah Montana
Unless your child is familiar with the Disney TV show, you might wish to give this live concert film a very wide berth. A day spotting trains might be more fulfilling.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Star-studded but daft treasure hunt film with very few redeeming features.

Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Quest
Slowly-paced but warm-hearted and charming ‘Arabian Nights’-style parable by the master of silhouette animation, Michel Ocelot. Recommended.

Alvin and the Chipmunks
Still doing the rounds having taken oodles of cash in London, this live-action comedy sees a return of the high-pitched, pop-singin’ animated chipmunks of the 1960s. Lighthearted fun for knee-highs; purgatory for parents.

Step Up 2 The Streets
Teen dance drama which sees a group of kids throwing shapes on the streets. Mindless fun.

Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia
A 3D history tour for budding paleontologists. Not suitable for smaller kids – they’ll just get bored.

Enchanted
This kitsch, tongue-in-cheek parody of ‘Snow White’, ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is still going strong, and deservedly so. A little gem of a fantasy, especially for girls. Mainly showing on weekend matinees and kids screenings, but worth searching out if you haven’t seen it.

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