Best family films for 2014
The Lego Movie, Rio 2, Mr Peabody and Sherman, Maleficent and more - we preview the top family movies set for release this year
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Mr. Peabody is the world’s smartest person, who just happens to be a little white dog.
He also happens to be voiced by Ty Burrell who you’ll recognise as Phil Dunphy from US TV comedy Modern Family.
He takes on a ‘pet’ boy Sherman who uses his time machine to try and impress a girl.
Breaking the first rule of time travel – don’t change anything – Sherman messes up the space-time continuum and it’s up to the unlikely duo to put things right.
Expect a lot of laughs from the makers of Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
Cinema release: 7 February 2014
The Lego Movie
The Lego Movie is the first ever full-length Lego film.
The original 3D computer animated story follows a familiar tale. Emmet, a perfectly average Lego minifigure finds himself mistakenly identified as 'the Chosen One', and joins with minifigure heroes foi an epic quest to save the world.
The cast is packed full of big names including Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson.
As expected, it's got lots of jokes for parents as well as children. It's been getting some great reviews, with film critics running home to pull out their children's boxes of Lego, and fall in love with the humble brick all over again. You have been warned!
Cinema release: 14 February 2014
Rio 2
This colourful carnival-filled sequel sees city bird Blu swap the urban life in Rio for a journey to the Amazon with Jewel and their two chicks.
The family meet long-lost relatives and ruffle a few feathers on the way.
This adventure story is from the creators of Ice Age and features the voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Bruno Mars and Will.i.am.
Cinema release: 4 April 2014
Maleficent
We all know Maleficent as the evil witch from 1959 Disney classic Sleeping Beauty.
But now the iconic villain’s untold story will be told in live action, with Angelina Jolie playing the creepy lead role.
Elle Fanning also stars in the film that reveals the events that caused the Mistress of All Evil to curse the baby Princess Aurora.
Cinema release: 30 May 2014
How to Train Your Dragon 2
This sequel reunites viewers with Hiccup and Toothless 5 years after they’ve successfully united dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk.
The island’s favourite new sport is dragon racing which should make for some thrilling action scenes.
Meanwhile, Hiccup and Toothless explore new worlds together and happen across a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons.
The two find themselves caught in another epic battle to save their friends.
Cinema release: 4 July 2014
Other films out this year
Disney Muppets Most Wanted
The Muppets go on a global tour and mayhem follows. Commedians Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey star.
Cinema release: 21 March 2014
Postman Pat: The Movie
The helpful postman finds his beliefs challenged after he enters a TV talent show competition. Stars David Tennant, Rupert Grint and Jim Broadbent.
Expected in cinemas: May 2014
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
This latest reboot is directed by Michael Bay, who directed Transformers.
Expected in cinemas: 17 October 2014
Paddington
This upcoming family film is based on the original books and stars Colin Firth as the famous bear.
Expected in cinemas: December 2014
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