Your Family Movie Guide for School Holidays at EVENT Cinemas

Woody, Buzz, and the beloved toy gang return for another adventure that proves why Toy Story remains the gold standard of family filmmaking. When Woody's identity is challenged by a new threat to the playroom, the toys must band together to protect what matters most — friendship, loyalty, and the bonds that define them.

Pixar continues its tradition of creating films that work brilliantly on multiple levels. Kids are entertained by colorful adventures, physical comedy, and familiar characters they've grown up with. Adults find themselves genuinely moved by themes about identity, growing up, and what it means to be valued. The animation is stunning — every frame could be a painting.

What makes this entry special is how it respects the franchise's legacy while pushing the story forward. There's genuine emotional depth alongside laugh-out-loud moments. Some scenes explore themes of loss and change that might resonate deeply with older children. Overall, it's heartfelt family cinema at its finest.

Perfect for: Toy Story devotees of all ages, families who've watched the previous films together, children seeking emotional connection alongside adventure, multi-generational cinema trips where grandparents and grandkids both laugh and feel something real.

The mischievous Minions stumble into a monster-filled adventure where things aren't quite what they seem. This vibrant, chaotic comedy delivers exactly what Minions fans crave — nonsensical humor, slapstick antics, and those distinctive gibberish conversations that somehow communicate everything.

The animation is bright and energetic, the pacing is perfect for younger attention spans (85 minutes hits the sweet spot), and the monster theme adds just enough spooky atmosphere without being genuinely scary. Monster designs are silly rather than sinister — think goofy creatures rather than terrifying villains. The Minions' attempts to communicate with monsters leads to situations that are genuinely hilarious, even for parents who've seen countless Minions films.

There's no complex plot or emotional journey — it's pure fun. Kids leave with Minion gibberish stuck in their heads and smiles on their faces. Parents appreciate the clean, straightforward humor and the fact that the film respects kids' intelligence without preaching.

Perfect for: Minions franchise fans, younger children (4-8) seeking silly, colorful fun, families wanting zero heavy themes and maximum laughter, children who appreciate slapstick comedy over dialogue-heavy storytelling.

When mysterious crimes plague their peaceful wool farm, a determined flock of sheep must solve the mystery before the farm's reputation is destroyed. Part mystery, part buddy comedy, this clever film teaches problem-solving and deduction while delivering genuine laughs and surprising plot twists.

The premise alone is charming — sheep as detectives — but the film executes brilliantly. The mystery is genuinely engaging (kids will try to solve it before the sheep do), the characters have personality beyond their woolly exterior, and the humor works for both kids and parents. Animation captures the adorable quirks of sheep while making them expressive and relatable.

What elevates this beyond typical kids' films is the genuine mystery structure. There are real clues, legitimate red herrings, and a conclusion that feels earned rather than predetermined. Kids leave wanting to solve mysteries themselves — the mark of great adventure storytelling.

Perfect for: Children who love mysteries and problem-solving (Cluedo fans, Scooby-Doo enthusiasts), families appreciating clever humor over slapstick, primary-aged kids ready for slightly more complex narratives, families seeking films that encourage critical thinking.

Moana returns for an epic new adventure as she answers the ocean's call once more. Sailing beyond the reef with new companions and old friends, Moana faces mythological creatures, navigates dangerous waters, and discovers that the greatest adventure lies in honoring her heritage while forging her own path.

The original Moana set the bar impossibly high — stunning animation, incredible music (Lin-Manuel Miranda returns), cultural authenticity, and a heroine who defines herself through courage and connection rather than romance. This sequel somehow matches that energy. The ocean itself becomes a character again, the creature designs are imaginative and visually spectacular, and the songs are instantly memorable.

What makes Moana special is how it balances spectacle with genuine heart. Kids are dazzled by visual sequences (the ocean transformations, mythological encounters). Parents appreciate the cultural respect, the themes about honoring lineage while creating your own identity, and the unshakeable message that girls define their own destinies.

This is the kind of film worth seeing on the biggest screen possible — the animation demands it. Suitable for sensitive younger children (no genuinely scary content, just adventure peril). Older kids and adults will appreciate layers of storytelling and cultural meaning woven throughout.

Perfect for: Original Moana fans, families appreciating Polynesian culture and representation, children loving ocean adventures and mythology, music lovers (the soundtrack is instant karaoke gold), multi-generational audiences seeking films everyone genuinely enjoys.

If you've got kids 8 and under, you know the cinema struggle: arrive early to avoid the rush, then spend 30 minutes managing restless children who don't understand why they have to sit still before the movie even starts. EVENT Cinemas solved this with EVENT Junior — a dedicated cinema experience designed specifically for young families.

Now open at EVENT Cinemas Macquarie (Sydney) and EVENT Cinemas Shellharbour (South Coast NSW), EVENT Junior features an actual playground built right into the cinema precinct.

What makes EVENT Junior brilliant:

🎠 Purpose-built playground — Designed in collaboration with actual children, featuring slides, a netted climbing gym, digital interactive games, and age-appropriate play equipment

⏰ Arriving early = bonus time — That 20-30 minutes before the movie starts? No longer wasted. Kids play, burn energy, and arrive at their seats actually ready to sit

🎟️ Dedicated space for littles — Everyone here has young kids. The vibe is relaxed, understanding, and genuinely family-friendly

🔊 Adjusted sound levels — Loud enough to be exciting, not terrifying for sensitive ears

💺 Smaller seating — Designed for little bodies so kids can actually see comfortably

The EVENT Junior model recognizes what parents have known forever: young children need to move before they can sit still. The result? Kids who actually watch the movie instead of squirming or asking "how much longer?" fifteen minutes in.

Currently available at:

• EVENT Cinemas Macquarie (Macquarie Centre, Sydney)
• EVENT Cinemas Shellharbour (Shellharbour, South Coast NSW)

EVENT Cinemas has been rolling out significant upgrades across Australia that make family cinema trips genuinely better:

Premium Format Expansion

• IMAX Sydney (Darling Harbour) — Reopened October 2023 after complete rebuilding, featuring 4K IMAX with Laser projection, premium recliner seating, couples' seats, and Private Box options (book a box for up to 4 guests). This is cinema as spectacle.
• EVENT Innaloo (Perth) — Just underwent major refurbishment with IMAX with Laser (opened December 2025), ScreenX 270-degree viewing, upgraded Gold Class, and 4DX. One of Australia's most feature-packed cinema locations.
• EVENT Marion (Adelaide) — Now home to Australasia's largest 4DX screen (opened October 2025), delivering moving seats, wind, fog, water, and scents synchronized with the action.

4DX — Immersive Cinema

First launched at George Street Sydney in 2018, EVENT now operates 7 4DX locations across Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide). The moving seats and environmental effects (wind, water spray, scents) transform blockbusters into theme park rides — perfect for action films and Marvel movies, though maybe skip it for quiet dramas!

Gold Class — Luxury Seating + Service

Available at 30+ EVENT locations nationwide, Gold Class offers fully reclining armchairs, exclusive lounge access, and in-seat waiter service delivering chef-prepared food and drinks. For families celebrating special occasions or wanting to elevate the experience, Gold Class transforms cinema into a genuine luxury outing.

V-Max — Big Screens Done Right

V-Max auditoriums feature 20-meter screens, stadium seating, and ultra-comfortable seats. It's the sweet spot between standard cinema and premium formats — bigger impact without Gold Class pricing.

Recliner Seating Upgrades

Many EVENT locations now offer recliner seat upgrades in standard and V-Max auditoriums — meaning you don't need Gold Class to get comfortable. Choose full recliners or double daybeds when booking online.

Candy Bar Evolution

EVENT has introduced Parlour Lane Company gourmet popcorn (four flavors) and choc tops (five flavors), expanded food menus including healthier options, and crucially — online pre-ordering so you skip queues entirely.

Choose sessions strategically:

• 9-10am weekend sessions = Fresh kids, empty cinemas, easier parking
• Weekday school holiday sessions = Avoid weekend crowds
• After-lunch sessions = Post-nap for toddlers, post-energy-burn for older kids

EVENT Junior hack:

• Arrive 30-40 minutes early
• Let kids play in the EVENT Junior playground for 20-25 minutes
• Grab snacks 10 minutes before session starts
• Everyone arrives at seats calm and ready to watch

Snack strategy:

• Pre-order candy bar items online (skip the queue)
• Choose combo deals for better value
• Accept that cinema popcorn is overpriced and buy it anyway (it's part of the experience)

Smart booking hack: 
Don't pay full price at the box office. SPARK POP's Family Movie Pass gets your whole crew into EVENT Cinemas for just $45 — that's cheaper than buying individual tickets and means more budget left for popcorn (which, let's be honest, is non-negotiable). Book your $45 Family Pass through SPARK POP and you're sorted.  

Seating wisdom:

• Book aisle seats (easier for bathroom runs mid-movie)
• Sit toward the back (less neck strain, easier to leave if needed)
• For EVENT Junior, center seats give best screen view for little ones

Age-appropriate selection:

• Under 5: Keep it under 90 minutes, bright/colourful, familiar characters
• 5-8: Can handle 90-100 minutes, simple plots, clear good vs. evil
• 9-12: Ready for 100+ minutes, complex stories, mild intensity

The reality check: You might not watch the entire movie uninterrupted. Someone will need the bathroom. Someone might get scared. That's okay. You tried, they experienced cinema, and sometimes the popcorn and the outing is the win, not actually seeing the full film.

In an era where every movie eventually hits streaming platforms, why bother with cinema trips? Because the experience itself matters. There's something about the bigness of cinema — the screen, the sound, the communal laughter, the ritual of it all — that streaming at home simply can't replicate.

What cinema gives families:

✨ Shared cultural moments — Everyone sees the new Pixar film together, talks about it at school, references it for months

✨ Undivided attention — No one's checking phones or getting distracted. You're all watching together.

✨ Scale and spectacle — Animation and visual effects are designed for big screens. TV doesn't deliver the same impact.

✨ Event status — "We're going to the movies!" feels special in a way "Let's watch something on Disney+" doesn't

✨ Creating memories — Kids remember cinema trips far more vividly than home streaming sessions

With EVENT Cinemas' improvements — especially EVENT Junior for young families — the barriers that made cinema stressful (arriving early with restless kids, uncomfortable seating, chaotic candy bars) have been addressed. Cinema is becoming genuinely family-friendly again, not just family-tolerant.

For too long, cinemas felt like they were designed for adults who happen to bring kids along. EVENT Cinemas' recent upgrades, especially EVENT Junior, signal a genuine shift: families aren't just tolerated, they're actively welcomed with infrastructure designed for how children actually behave.

The playground before the movie. The age-appropriate seating and sound. The premium format variety. The pre-ordering convenience. These aren't revolutionary concepts — they're common-sense solutions that should have existed years ago. But now they do, and cinema trips with kids have gotten significantly better.