Kids on the coast

Yogi Bear 3D

Release: January 13, rated G

Everyone’s favourite pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear, Yogi (voiced by Dan Aykroyd), and his fun-loving pal, Boo Boo (voiced by Justin Timberlake), come to the big screen in a 3D blend of live action and CGI. A documentary filmmaker travels to Jellystone Park and soon crosses paths with the fun-loving mischievous bears, as usual battling with Ranger Smith. But when a scheming politician gets ideas about selling Jellystone Park to loggers, Yogi has to prove he really is smarter than the average bear.

Tangled

Release: January 6, rated G

This is a wickedly funny animated modern re-imagining of Rapunzel, featuring a charming thief, a feisty girl with lots (and lots, and lots) of magical golden hair, a super-cop horse and a pub full of thugs with secret artistic ambitions. Throw in some catchy songs, a wicked witch (Rapunzel’s adoptive mother who keeps her in a tower), a cute little chameleon and some literally hair-raising action and adventure, all in Disney Digital 3D™ and you’ve got a highly-recommended family movie. Voice cast includes Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and Donna Murphy.

Gnomeo and Juliet

Release: February 17, rating TBA

The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? Shakespeare’s revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover, directed by Kelly Asbury (co-director of “Shrek 2”). When two garden gnomes are caught up in a neighbourhood feud, they have as many obstacles to overcome as the original star-crossed lovers. The all-star voice cast includes James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, Julie Walters, and Ozzy Osbourne.

EPONA YOGA

RRP $29.95. Available at Big W, Target, Myer, Sanity/Virgin, David Jones, Rebel Sport, Borders

If this is the year your kids are going to be calmer, more focussed, and healthier, then here’s a good place to start: an easy-to-follow yoga DVD for kids, starring Mali the Monkey, Sunni the Sunflower, Rafferty the Rooster and Tula the Turtle. Designed by certified and highly experienced yoga teacher Debra McCormick, the animated 60-minute DVD and accompanying storybook/instruction manual also features music to help kids relax and have fun. The book covers all you need to know including any cautions to be kept in mind for each pose. Even if your family don’t turn into double-jointed gurus overnight, you’ll get a taste of why yoga has proven mental and physical benefits and has been practiced for thousands of years. For more info go to www.eponayoga.com

RUBY WHO?

$19.95. Order online from www.iliketobeme.com

This short (six minute) film is designed to help kids, parents, and teachers discuss self-esteem, body image, and gratefulness. Like many of us, Ruby spends so much time wishing she has something more, and wanting to be like someone else, that she almost forgets how to be herself. This charming and thought-provoking independent Australian short film won an Audience Award at the BIFF Film Festival and Best International Family Short at the USA’s Garden State Film Festival. Optional extras include activity sheets and discussion points. Highly recommended for 6 to 10-year-olds, especially in today’s media-saturated and celebrity-obsessed culture.