As we head into the long weekend, take a look at some of our top family friendly TV and movie picks, the perfect way to unwind after a manic Easter egg hunt!
From the classics like Swallows and Amazons, Dennis the Menace, and The Borrowers, to modern live-action flicks like Shrek Forever After, Lightyear and Dumbo, there's something for everyone.
Good Friday
Dora and the Lost City of Gold, 10.20am, Channel 4
The 2019 live-action adventure comedy directed by James Bobin is based on the beloved animated series Dora the Explorer. The film stars Isabela Moner as a teenage Dora Márquez, who embarks on a thrilling quest to rescue her parents and uncover the secrets of the legendary Incan city of gold, Parapata.
The fun and spills come thick and fast as the foursome - along with Dora's animated bestie, Boots the monkey - try to escape from the baddies, while seeking out the eponymous Lost City of Gold. It's pretty much Raiders of the Lost Ark for the under-tens.
Eva Longoria and Michael Peña join in the fun as Dora's parents, while Benicio del Toro voices animated baddie Swiper the Fox - but Isabela Moner gets it pitch perfect as the irrepressible Dora in this fast-paced and snappy adventure that will entertain all but the hopelessly cynical. Read our review here
Shrek Forever After, 12.25pm, Channel 4
With mesmerising 3D effects and a subversive script, it is impossible not to be captivated by the fourth offering from DreamWorks productions.
In an attempt to become a real ogre again, a vulnerable and naïve Shrek (Mike Myers) signs an elusive contract with evil magician Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), allowing him one day to go back to his life as an intimidating, haughty mud dweller with an almighty roar. Needless to say, Shrek is in swampy ground as his plan backfires, leaving him far, far away from his family and in desperate need of some more time to break the contract.
All in all, it's a decent adventure that will hold the kids' interest while chucking a few identifiable references toward their folks. Shrek and his crew are some of the most memorable animated creations of recent years. Read our review here
Swallows and Amazons, 2.10pm, RTÉ2
The 1974 movie is a faithful adaptation of Arthur Ransome's beloved 1930 children’s novel starring Virginia McKenna, Ronald Fraser, Sophie Neville and Simon West.
Set in 1930s England, the story follows the Walker children - John, Susan, Titty, and Roger - who are on summer holiday in the Lake District. Their dream is to sail a little boat and camp out on a nearby island, away from the adults. Their mother allows it, and so begins a quiet but spirited adventure.
Once on the island (which they call Wild Cat Island), they set up camp and soon encounter two other children, the Blackett sisters - Nancy and Peggy - who sail their own boat. The Walkers and Blacketts become friendly rivals, playing pirates, explorers and engaging in an imaginative battle for control of the island.
Easter Saturday
Lightyear, 5.40pm, BBC One
After a turgid opening 30 minutes or so, the movie finally gets an injection of pace, storyline and supporting characters to liven up a rather dull Space Ranger called Buzz.
From that point on, it's a fun, if predictable adventure as Lightyear and a bunch of misfits join forces to take on the baddies, discovering stuff about themselves along the way.
A major plus is Sox, who is a great supporting character. This robotic cat is one of the film's two saving graces. The other is the visuals. Lightyear looks fantastic. Read our full review here
Dennis the Menace, 12.15pm, RTÉ2
Based on the classic Dennis the Menace comic strip by Hank Ketcham, the 1993 live-action outing follows a well-meaning little boy's inability to stay out of trouble consistently infuriates his curmudgeonly old neighbour.
Walter Matthau is a delight. His deadpan delivery as Mr. Wilson is hilarious and really elevates the film, while Mason Gamble's infectious grin and charm make him the perfect Dennis.
There's also a terrific supporting cast including Joan Plowright as Mrs. Wilson and Christopher Lloyd as the creepy villain 'Switchblade Sam'.
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, 6.35pm, RTÉ One
The truly great thing about this film of the musical of the book, is that its central character is superbly played by a young Dubliner, Alisha Weir. The then 13-year-old was born to be the eponymous Matilda.
There was a lot about this film that was a given before the first day of shooting had begun. For starters, it's one of the great Roald Dahl stories. Tim Minchin applied his melodic stardust to turn it into a hugely successful musical.
The whole thing is whipped into a celluloid song-and-dance storm under the precise eye of director Matthew Warchus. It rattles along at a pace, pauses when applicable, and clocks in just nicely short of two hours. Read our full review here
Easter Sunday
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, 2.20pm, BBC One
James Corden and crew are back for more fun and games between the humans and the furries - and this time Peter ventures out into the big, bad world.
It's finally safe to go back into the dark again. And here's a pretty good way to start if you’ve got young children.
Given how good the first Peter Rabbit movie was when it arrived in 2018, it's no surprise that director Will Gluck has returned to the subject matter, the life and times of the cheeky-but-lovable Peter, and his fellow furry friends, as well as the human pair, Rose Byrne as Bea McGregor and Domhnall Gleeson as Thomas McGregor. Read our full review here
Oliver!, 3.35pm, Channel 4
Directed by Carol Reed, the film is a musical adaptation of Lionel Bart's stage production, which itself is based on Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist.
The movie tells the story of a young orphan named Oliver Twist as he navigates the harsh streets of 19th-century London in search of a family and a better life. Ron Moody's portrayal of Fagin in the 1968 film is widely regarded as one of his most iconic performances
Known for its iconic catchy songs, the film was both a critical and commercial success, winning six Academy Awards.
Easter Monday
Mr Popper's Penguins, 10.35am, Channel 4
The 2011 film starring Jim Carrey is a loose adaptation of the charming children's book written by Richard and Florence Atwater, first published in 1938.
Starring Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, and Angela Lansbury, the family comedy follows a workaholic businessman as his life is thrown into turmoil when he inherits six penguins from his explorer father.
The penguins are cute and silly, while the comedy is sure to make your little ones giggle - cue penguins pooping on expensive furniture and waddling around causing mayhem.
Carrey's goofy facial expressions and charisma contribute to making this movie an absolute hoot.
The Borrowers, 12.25pm, Channel 4
This nostalgic 1997 outing, directed by Peter Hewitt, is based on Mary Norton's beloved 1952 children's novel.
The film follows the Clock family - tiny, four-inch-tall people who secretly live beneath the floorboards of a house, "borrowing" everyday items to survive. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a greedy lawyer, Ocious P. Potter (John Goodman), plans to demolish the house to build condominiums.
The Clocks, with the help of young Pete Lender (Bradley Pierce), embark on an adventure to save their home and uncover the truth behind the missing will that could save the Lender family's property
Dumbo, 7.20pm, BBC One
The floppy-eared pachyderm goes under the radar in a CGI adaptation from acclaimed director Tim Burton.
Much of the first half of this Ehren Kruger-penned stor recounts the tale of a baby elephant who is separated from his mother at a circus, and wins her back through the power of flight.
Setting the film around the world of a travelling circus gives Burton's fantastical eye-popping set-pieces and perfectly rendered animals (there isn't a crow in sight) the chance to dazzle.
Colin Farrell makes the most of the script as a father struggling to keep up with his kids. Read our full review here
