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The allure of being a small actor in a vast, familiar world is a potent narrative trope, appearing everywhere from Japanese anime to European folklore. Misc. A Tiny Tale taps directly into this fascination. The game introduces us to Buddy, a diminutive robot, and his friend Bag Boy, whose quiet existence is shattered by a skyward explosion.

This event scatters golden cogs and refuse across their land. At Bag Boy’s behest, Buddy’s quest begins: to gather the cogs, repair the gates linking their communities, and assist the peculiar robots he meets. The initial presentation suggests a gentle, family-friendly adventure.

There are no true fail states, and the robotic “enemies” are more mischievous than menacing. This accessible entry point creates a comfortable space before the game reveals its more complex layers, presenting a seemingly simple journey that speaks a universal language of curiosity and aid.

The Choreography of Care...

A massively underrated Studio Ghibli film is heading back to theaters this month for a limited-time run, both in its original Japanese with English subtitles and in English dubbed form.

As announced via Gkids Films' official X (formerly Twitter) account, Studio Ghibli's anime movie The Secret World of Arrietty will be heading back to theaters as part of this year's Ghibli Fest. The critically acclaimed fantasy film will be available in select theaters beginning June 22, though fans will have to hurry to catch The Secret World of Arrietty on the silver screen before it completes its run on June 24.

15-Year-Old Studio Ghibli Movie With 94% on Rotten Tomatoes Returns to U.S. Theaters The Secret World Of Arrietty from Hiromasa Yonebayashi returns to theatres for Ghibli Fest June 22-24. 🌱https://t.co/40Gh3kdYP5pic.twitter.com/wsQJCjbHix— Gkids Films (@GKIDSfilms) June 12, 2025

Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi from a screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa,...

Reacher star Alan Ritchson has confirmed what fans of the Lee Child novels have been buzzing about for weeks: Season 4 of Prime Video’s hit action series will adapt Gone Tomorrow, one of the author’s most nerve-wracking and conspiracy-laced thrillers. Ritchson himself revealed the news on Instagram following a tease from Child himself last night. The actor posted a selfie in which he was holding a copy of the novel in his comically giant hand, making it seem like a tiny book for The Borrowers. Ritchson's caption included this tease:

“The thing about subway cars is you step on one and you never know what’s going to happen.”

In Gone Tomorrow, Reacher’s instincts prove tragically correct when a woman he’s observing on the train suddenly dies in front of him, but something about the aftermath doesn’t add up. Driven by his gut and armed with...

A Look At Studio Ghibli’s 10 Highest-Grossing Movies! (Photo Credit – Netflix/Instagram)

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is the world’s most acclaimed and famous animation studio. The studio has entertained global audiences for several decades now and is renowned for its sheeny hand-drawn artistry and imaginative storytelling.

Studio Ghibli has changed the global dynamics of the film industry with its numerous critically and commercially successful movies, and its works have transcended age and culture. Below are the top 10 highest-grossing Studio Ghibli movies of all time, a testament to the studio’s global influence and enduring legacy.

1. Spirited Away ($358M)

At the top of the list sits Hayo Miyazaki’s most famous masterpiece, Spirited Away. It is the story of a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. There, she encounters a host of enchanting and eerie characters...

Studio Ghibli's North America-based film distributor, Gkids, has revealed its official theatrical slate for Ghibli Fest 2025. Starting next month, anime lovers will get to see some of the studio's biggest hits -- and some of its most underrated -- return to U.S. and Canadian theaters.

Gkids' official X (Twitter) page showcases the selection, which includes seven anime films directed by world-renowned Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. In addition to several of the studio's most well-known movies, the lineup also features comparatively lesser-known works such as The Secret World of Arrietty -- an adaptation of The Borrowers novel series by Mary Norton. This movie was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Mary and the Witch's Flower). Ponyo -- Hayao Miyazaki's imaginative retelling of The Little Mermaid -- will also be shown. Screenings of both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions will be held from May to November 2025. The full...

Few anime filmmakers can rival Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Their films are breathtaking works of art captivate and inspire, appealing to audiences of all ages with their diverse stories and stunning animation. However, anime isn’t for everyone.

Some find the style too exaggerated or dislike the recurring tropes often seen in the medium. Yet even those who claim anime isn’t for them may reconsider after watching these Studio Ghibli films, realizing the genre is far more diverse than they ever imagined.

Ponyo Will Bring the Entire Family Together for a Wondrous Studio Ghibli Adventure Streaming On Hulu

One extreme misconception those who dislike anime have is that films are for adults only. They've seen genres like ecchi and harems, and have decided from that information anime won't fit their lifestyle. However, some Studio Ghibli films are perfect to watch with the whole family.

Ponyo is the adorable...

Studio Ghibli is one of the most well-known and beloved anime studios in the medium's history. Since its formation in 1985, the studio has produced some of the best and most beloved films in movie history, to the point that the studio's name and logo are instantly recognizable, even to people who have no interest in or knowledge of the anime industry.

Many fans often describe Studio Ghibli's output as "cozy," with many considering them the perfect films to watch when someone wants to relax and unwind. However, what makes Studio Ghibli's films so interesting is their variety. While the studio has produced many cozy movies, they're all comforting for different reasons, be it due to their retro feel, hopeful central message, or emotional honesty.

From Up on Poppy Hill Is a Drama With Plenty of Heart From Up on Poppy Hill Captures a Community Coming Together; Streaming on Max

Directed...

Robert Harris’ novel “Conclave,” a political papal thriller set in the Vatican as cardinals jostle and conspire to elect a new Pope, was released in September 2016, coincidentally just weeks after House Productions, which would produce the film adaptation, had been officially launched by Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell.

Some eight years later, and “Conclave” — directed by Edward Berger and with Ralph Fiennes in the lead role — is now one of the titles to beat in awards season, going into the Oscars with eight nominations (including best film) and the BAFTAs with leading haul of 12, and with a box office already approaching $90 million.

For House, which worked on several noted film and TV projects in the meantime, producing the Zac Efron-fronted wrestling drama “The Iron Claw,” exec producing last year’s Oscar winner “The Zone of Interest” (considered by many to be one of the top films of 2023) and being...

Some Studio Ghibli movies are sweet coming-of-age stories and tales of childhood whimsy, and they're all fully encapsulated narratives. Others cover more intense and complex topics like war, pollution, and human violence. The best ones, however, are often a blend of magical realism and emotional depth. That said, each Ghibli story comes full circle, offering thoughtful conclusions about difficult topics and hopeful happily ever afters after a hard-won character arc.

Studio Ghibli has a stellar reputation, even for audiences who don't really watch anime, although their offerings are generally more complex than the average anime series. In fact, most of their films are considered classics of the wider animation genre that includes Western movies. Even the more open-ended Ghibli films are satisfying and beg further thought. Studio Ghibli movies often work on more than one level — one that younger audiences will enjoy, and one that more mature viewers will appreciate.

Wall Town Wonders has a compelling notion that flawlessly combines mixed reality and the allure of small worlds. Players are responsible for layering a tiny civilization that lives within the walls of their homes, reminiscent of beloved childhood stories like The Borrowers.

This wonderful notion appeals to a common sense of wonder, allowing players to imagine an elaborate universe coexisting with their mundane reality. The game generates a nostalgic familiarity that resonates with anybody who has ever dreamed of magical, small beings inhabiting their place as buildings grow from walls and tiny citizens go about their daily lives.

The game’s popularity is broad, attracting casual gamers and those who prefer greater interaction. Casual players may find satisfaction in the simple act of developing and monitoring their townspeople, while devoted gamers can explore the complex intricacies of resource management and minigames.

The ability to control the game using hand tracking provides a layer of accessibility,...

Tom Felton quickly became one of the most popular young British actors after his longstanding role in the Harry Potter franchise. The performer secured his place in the wizarding world due to his portrayal of the antagonistic Draco Malfoy. Still, Tom Felton has gone on to prove that he can turn his hand to various other genres, in both film and TV.

Since 1997, Felton's career started at a young age and shows no signs of slowing down. With more upcoming projects like the 2025 sci-fi movie Altered, Tom Felton continues to hone his craft and entertain audiences in a range of roles. Some of Felton's best work is when he takes the lead, but he also impresses audiences in supporting roles, showcasing his acting abilities.

Updated on October 5, 2024, by Lynette Guzman: Tom Felton's career has evolved since his days as a child actor, with the British star taking on several projects...

Since its founding in 1985, Studio Ghibli has remained one of the animation industry's most prolific and innovative studios. Led by the work and vision of Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has produced almost two dozen features, nearly all to critical acclaim. Despite its reputation for producing anime features with rich, fully realized, imaginative worlds, Studio Ghibli films never compromise on telling emotionally grounded stories.

Each melodramatic and multidimensional Studio Ghibli release helps the company and its catalog endure, leaving another indelible mark on audiences of all ages worldwide. Whether an isekai-esque journey like Spirited Away or a folklore-inspired story like Princess Mononoke, all Studio Ghibli films are imbued with profound human emotions and stakes that transcend their moody fantasy settings. With myriad memorable exchanges and moments, there's no shortage of motivational Studio Ghibli quotes fans can revisit for a bit of comfort in times of need.

Updated on August 14, 2024, by Natasha...

Studio Ghibli is arguably responsible for some of the most iconic heroines in anime history. Now, the studio's official online shop is honoring several of these beloved characters with a fashionable new dress line inspired by the female leads of Castle in the Sky (1986), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) and The Secret World of Arrietty (2010).

Via Donguri Sora, Ghibli recently unveiled the aforementioned apparel line as part of its exclusive Donguri Closet collection. As shown below, the site's new "relaxwear" dress collection allows Ghibli fans to become the spitting image of their favorite anime heroines. Arrietty's "Blooming Garden" dress is the same rich crimson sported by the film's titular hero. For an added touch of "cuteness," the hem and sleeves feature the same red and green pattern shown on Arrietty's bedsheets. Kiki's dress -- notably the only one made with "ponte" fabric -- is the same rich ebony color worn by its namesake.

Studio Ghibli's Arrietty is a faithful adaptation of The Borrowers, with some minor changes to the setting and character names. The anime version stays true to the heart of the story, focusing on the relationship between Arrietty and Sho, with a touching, ambiguous ending. The Secret World of Arrietty is praised for its beautiful animation and emotional depth, making it one of the best adaptations of Mary Norton's novel.

Studio Ghibli is known for several iconic and beloved anime movies, with many of these being full of deep and universal themes. From Howl's Moving Castle to the beloved Kiki's Delivery Service, these films, many of which are directed by Hayao Miyazaki, have cemented the studio as the Pixar of Japan. The studio's most recent success was The Boy and the Heron, but a somewhat overlooked Ghibli film from 2010 was, unbeknownst to some, an adaptation.

Arrietty, released in the...

Co-founder Hayao Miyazaki and other Studio Ghibli directors masterfully illuminate the complexities of connections between all living things throughout the studio's classic filmography. Studio Ghibli films stand out among other animated fare, partly for bravely featuring characters who defy traditional expectations. Unlikely allies, whether it's a spirited young heroine embarking on a perilous journey alongside a reclusive wizard like in Howl's Moving Castle or a demi-god and a prince navigating an industrial onslaught like in Princess Mononoke, Ghibli characters challenge traditional notions of friendship, loyalty, and appearances.

Transcending initial appearances to become sources of support and enlightenment for the protagonists, these characters play crucial roles in both the Ghibli canon and in the narratives where they're are featured. In the darkest moments, Studio Ghibli protagonists are only able to persevere and achieve their necessary enlightenment through these unexpected norm-defying alliances.

Arrietty & Shawn Look Past Their Differences and Connect Through Similarities...

Tom Felton has become an iconic figure through his work in the Harry Potter franchise. Playing a character that basically created the morally gray bad boy trope, his performance as Draco Malfoy is still influential. Delivering an excellent, yet incomplete arc, the part that he played in the eight films was significant, to say the least.

Felton in his iconic role of Draco Malfoy

Recently, the actor was asked about his favorite movie, and many would expect the answer to be the series he starred in for a huge chunk of his life. Unfortunately for fans, his answers were quite different. However, it did not stray too far away from his childhood and his iconic role.

Tom Felton’s Comfort Movie is Not Harry Potter

Tom Felton recently gave an interview with Brit, where he went into great detail about his personal and professional life. When the interview started, one...

Corridor Crew praises The Borrowers VFX for its exceptional ambition in creating detailed scenes. The movie marked a unique comedic role for John Goodman, known for his versatile acting talent. The Borrowers showcased impressive VFX ahead of its time while also broadening Goodman's acting career.

VFX artists have offered praise to the effects of a cult classic family comedy starring John Goodman, titled The Borrowers. The 1997 fantasy film follows the titular group, people who are only four inches tall, as they try and oust a corrupt lawyer (Goodman) from the home owned by the Lender family. The film has been praised by critics as charming and comedic, becoming a classic over time.

Now, Corridor Crew has reacted to the funny John Goodman movie The Borrowers, praising its VFX for the level of details it entails.

At 8:37, the group is shocked by a scene of a tiny character running across a kitchen counter,...

In the past year, many of the series crowned the best of TV have concluded. As Succession, Atlanta, and Ted Lasso ended, we were left wondering, what’s next? The golden age of TV might be coming to a close, but the golden age of auteurism might be making its way from film to TV. I’m A Virgo is objectively one of the weirdest things you will find on TV and thrives in that space. Writer-director-creator Boots Riley has expanded his vision to seven episodes of extremely strange TV and the result is fascinating. The show does not live and die by the acting, the writing, or the “giant in a normal-sized world” trope. Riley has made sure that the ideas are front and center and everything else is working in concert to bring them to life.

Cootie (Jharrell Jerome) is 13 feet tall. His parents Lafrancine (Carmen Ejogo) and...

To mark the release of The Borrowers on 27th March, we’ve been given DVD copies to give away to 2 winners.

The Borrowers follows the adventures of the dauntless tiny Clock family, parents Pod (Jim Broadbent), Homily (Celia Imrie) and their kids Peagreen and Arrietty – a family of tiny four inch tall people who live under the floorboards of a big house, surviving by “borrowing” from the “Human Bean” family upstairs. The Borrowers turn dental floss into tightropes, toaster handles into catapults, socks into beds, stamps into wall posters, and when their world is facing extinction – in the form of Ocious P. Potter (John Goodman) their resourcefulness knows no bounds.

Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only

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The Small Print

Open to UK residents only The competition will close 30th March 2023 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No...

Bob Goody, veteran British stage and screen actor and co-writer of 1985 BBC1 comedy Wilderness Road, has died at age 71.

He passed away March 5 after a long battle with cancer that he chronicled in a book of verse.

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Born in Brighton in 1951, Goody trained at Rada and became known as a charismatic actor and poet. He fronted his own ITV children’s sketch show, Smith & Goody, in the 1980s with writer and comedian Mel Smith before penning Wilderness Road, a sitcom set in a seedy London pub, with Richard Cottan.

Goody’s TV acting roles included appearances in Bleak House, EastEnders, Lovejoy, the Lock Stock and Two...

Apple TV+ has renewed “Tehran” for a third season, in which Hugh Laurie will join the cast as Eric Peterson, a South African nuclear inspector.

“Tehran” follows Tamar (Niv Sultan), a Mossad hacker-agent who infiltrates Tehran under a false identity. After going rogue at the end of Season 2 and reeling from the loss of her closest allies, in Season 3, Tamar must find a way to reinvent herself and win back the Mossad’s support if she is to survive. Shaun Toub and Shila Ommi return to play Faraz and Nahid, respectively, while Sasson Gabai, Bahar Pars and Phoenix Raei are new additions to the series.

Laurie is best known for starring as Dr. Gregory House in the Fox medical drama “House” for eight seasons, with other prominent credits including BBC One and AMC’s “The Night Manager,” HBO’s “Veep” and the films “Sense and Sensibility,” “The Borrowers” and “The Personal History of David Copperfield.

(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)

The Movie: "Small Soldiers"

Where You Can Stream It: HBO Max

The Pitch: Two iterations of toy lines that reigned over the 1980s — G.I. Joe and Masters of the Universe — go head-to-head in a battle for American dominance in "Small Soldiers," Joe Dante's 1998 skewering of an American public obsessed with make-believe fantasies of war. Its Everytown, USA is filled with characters concerned more with might and supremacy than community; Manifest Destiny materializes in neighbors' lopped-off tree limbs that block satellite reception. Leavened with Stan Winston-crafted animatronics and the dark comedy of "Gremlins," Dante's "Small Soldiers" contains one of the most acerbic portraits of gung-ho America to be found in the decade's cinema.

Denis Leary injects his signature cynicism into Gil Mars,...

A big screen reboot of the little people known as The Borrowers is on its way courtesy of Universal Pictures and Working Title, who have announced that an updated feature version is now in development. Potentially at the helm is Sausage Party and The Addams Family director Conrad Verno, who is currently in talks and will be working from a screenplay by Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway writer Patrick Burleigh.

The new Borrowers project is believed to be live action and will be based on the children's fantasy novel by the English author Mary Norton, which was first published in 1952. The story features a family of tiny people, The Borrowers, who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and "borrow" from the big people in order to survive. The Borrowers' adventures were then continued in several follow-up novels, The Borrowers Afield (1955), The Borrowers Afloat (1959), The Borrowers...

Exclusive: Universal Pictures and Working Title have an updated feature version of The Borrowers in development, based on the Mary Norton book series of the same name. Sausage Party and The Addams Family filmmaker Conrad Vernon is in talks to helm off a screenplay by Patrick Burleigh.

The Borrowers is an action adventure that follows a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and “borrow” from the big people in order to survive. Working Title and Polygram, which was later absorbed by Universal in 1998, originally released a live-action feature adaptation in 1997 starring John Goodman and Jim Broadbent, and directed by Peter Hewitt. The pic grossed close to $23 million at the domestic box office. Similar to the first movie, the new version will be a live-action take, I hear.

Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are producing. Alexandra Loewy, president...

The headline news for fantasy fans on Netflix UK this month is the arrival of eight-part adaptation Shadow and Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha trilogy. It’s the story of Alina, a girl who discovers she wields a mighty power that sees her targeted by a covetous foe. You can read more about the cast here. For families, at the end of the month there’s Sony’s latest animated feature The Mitchells Vs the Machines, which is made by the creators of excellent animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Comedy-wise, Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer co-star in regular-Joan-gets-superpowers movie Thunder Force. And for anybody looking to brush up their Spanish for a summer holiday, Netflix has the latest Harlan Coben mystery thriller, The Innocent.

On top of that, there’s a clutch of older films, from John Carpenter’s They Live to the Coen Bros.’ The Big Lebowski...

Sir Ian Holm, an Oscar nominee for Chariots of Fire and the star of the Lord of the Rings film franchise, died on Friday morning after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 88.

“He died peacefully in the hospital” in the company of his family and caregiver, his agent said in a statement. “Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”

More from TVLineThe Politician Finale Recap: Season 2 Ends on Another Game-Changing TwistSuperstore Star, Ep Look Ahead to an America Ferrera-less Season 6: Will a New Cloud 9 Hire Replace Amy?Grey's Anatomy: Burning Questions That Season...

Ian Holm, the classically trained Shakespearean actor best known to film audiences for his performances in films including the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies, “Chariots of Fire” and “Alien,” has died. He was 88.

A rep for the actor has said Holm died in hospital on Friday morning. The actor had been battling Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years. However, as recently as January, Holm appeared in person to collect the Newport Beach Film Festival’s Icon Award in London.

Holm, who was celebrated for interpretations of most of the Shakespeare canon, including a towering “King Lear,” also excelled onstage in the original production of Harold Pinter’s “The Homecoming,” which he also brought to Broadway. He began working in films only midway through his career, debuting with an adaptation of his stage performance in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 1968.

In later years, however, he worked increasingly...

Veteran British actor Ian Holm, star of Lord Of The Rings and Alien, has died aged 88.

In a message to the Guardian, Holm’s agent said: “It is with great sadness that the actor Sir Ian Holm Cbe passed away this morning at the age of 88. He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer…Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”” He said that Holm’s illness was Parkinson’s related.

Holm was an instantly recognizable face in the industry, considered equally adept on stage and screen. He won a BAFTA and was Oscar-nominated for his role in the 1981 hit Chariots Of Fire and played Bilbo Baggins with aplomb in the epic Lord Of The Rings trilogy and Hobbit films.

One of his most iconic performances was as malfunctioning android Ash in Ridley Scott’s Alien.

Born in 1931 in Essex, UK, Holm excelled on stage...

The vision of humanity threaded throughout “Rick and Morty” is wild, strange and, occasionally, deeply empathetic. Since its 2013 debut, the Adult Swim show has engendered a fiercely devoted fanbase as it spins off to the furthest reaches of time and the galaxy with its odd couple pairing of a belching genius and his dweeby grandson, whose adventures in space often end in existential disaster and/or sudden slashes of terrible violence. It’s neither quite as brilliant as its most devoted acolytes insist nor as base as its frustrated detractors claim, but at the very least, there’s nothing else quite like it.

“Solar Opposites,” from “Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland and producer Mike McMahan, can’t quite claim the same. For one, it feels remarkably similar to “Rick and Morty,” albeit from the perspective of aliens trying to understand humans rather than humans who keep messing with aliens.

Sky Studios, the production arm of Comcast’s European pay-tv operator Sky, has taken a minority stake in The Lighthouse. The drama series production outfit was founded last fall by Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts – three of the U.K.’s most experienced television professionals.

Salmon, former head of drama for BBC Studios, has developed and produced many hit dramas, including “Luther,” “Three Girls,” “MotherFatherSon,” “Rillington Place” and “Silent Witness.” Prior to this she was executive producer on both the BAFTA award-winning series “Criminal Justice,” and the multi-Emmy winning U.S. reversion of the show for HBO – “The Night Of.” Salmon has also co-produced other shows with HBO, including “Five Days” and “House of Saddam,” which won a Grierson Award.

Neville was previously managing director of drama at BBC Studios, and prior to this worked as head of production in drama, overseeing international hit series including “Doctor Who...

Madrid — Zdf’s “La Señora: The Woman Who Defied The Inquisition,” Invercine & Wood’s “An Ordinary Soldier” and “Día Cero,” from Spain’s Versus Ent., feature among 10 projects to be presented at the 2nd Pitch Copro Series, the biggest industry event at this year’s Conecta Fiction.

A co-production forum for European, Latin American and Latino U.S. drama series whose project competitions are backed by Spanish TV giants Movistar + and pubcaster Rtve, Conecta Fiction established itself in a vibrant first edition last June as Spain’s premiere drama series event.

Unspooling June 18-21 in Galicia’s Santiago de Compostela, at the end of the St. James Way, 2017’s inaugural edition caught the modern miracle of the international drama series scene where many titles now have a market outside their country of origin and companies team to share IP and divvy up release windows. The 10 projects to be profiled...

Alex Westthorp Sep 19, 2016

We revisit Tom's Midnight Garden, Moondial, The Chronicles Of Narnia and a few lesser-known UK children's TV series...

Read our look-back at UK kids' fantasy dramas 1980 - 1984 here.

By 1985 British TV's children's drama had really hit its stride, achieving "a balanced diet of programmes" as Edward Barnes, the head of the BBC children's department observed. The late 80s, arguably, saw a new golden age for spooky and magical kids drama. Excellent production values, improved significantly by well-honed special effects work using Quantel, Paintbox and Harry, and moreover some interesting casting - often of very talented newcomers - produced some of the most memorable dramas of the era.

The second half of the decade saw the BBC riding high on the back of the success of their state-of-the-art adaptation of John Masefield's Box Of Delights. Meanwhile, anthology series Dramarama was going from strength to strength on ITV.

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From Flushed Away and Hunchback to Titan A.E. and Sky High - the family movies that don't get the love they deserve...

When I sit through a film such as Zootropolis, Rango, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Eddie The Eagle or Coraline, I can’t help but be thankful somebody has bothered. As a parent as well as a movie lover, I’ve grown to really dislike family movies that just turn up to act as a surrogate babysitter for 90 minutes, with no intention of becoming anybody’s favourite film. The films I'm going to talk about are the family movies therefore that I think both try and do something a bit more, yet continue to fly under many people's radar.

A bonus mention before we get going, and number 26 in the list, much to my surprise: Alvin & The Chipmunks 4. I was expecting next to zero from it, courtesy...

Hollywood went hunting for lots of British comedy talent in the 1990s - and lured the likes of Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson...

For some reason, Hollywood fell in love with British actors again in the 1990s. Sparked by Alan Rickman's turn as Hans Gruber in Die Hard at the back end of the 1980s, many movie villains were either Brits, or in the case of Cliffhanger, John Lithgow taking on the mannerisms of a British antagonist.

Yet in particular, Hollywood went recruiting British comedy talent, with faces then mainly - but not exclusively - known for their small screen work getting roles of various sizes in Hollywood productions. Here are some who racked up the air miles - starting with the man who arguably became one of the most successful...

Hugh Laurie - 101 Dalmatians

Laurie is a man of many talents, who ultimately cracked America with...

Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise star in the family adventure that will shoot spring 2015.

A new spin on the Heidi franchise, starring Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise, has been sold throughout the world by Carnaby International.

Family adventure Heidi and the Magic Pool has been snapped up by one major distributor, which Carnaby declined to name, that comprises the UK; Australia and New Zealand; France; Benelux; the Czech Republic; Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland; Greece; Portugal; Slovakia; Scandinavia; India, Israel, South Africa, Turkey; Hong Kong; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Taiwan; Thailand; Vietnam; and all of Latin America.

Carnaby International’s director of international sales, Tania Sarra, has also concluded deals with the Middle East (Gulf Film), Indonesia (Pt Prima Cinema), Spain (Flins y Piniculas) and the countries of the former Yugoslavia (Discovery).

Carnaby has also announced an April 2015 start for the film, a UK-Hungarian co-production filming in both those countries. Discussions are ongoing...

Heidi and the Magic Pool – a family feature based on the durable ‘Heidi’ children’s franchise – has cleared territory sales across most of the world, and will start production in April with Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise in the cast, Carnaby International’s Tania Sarra announced at Afm today. The company said it also is in discussions with Jim Broadbent (Iris, Gangs of New York) for a role.

The film follows 12-year-old Heidi when she’s taken from her grandfather to live in the city as a companion to Clara, who is being poisoned by a governess with designs on Clara’s father. Clara and Heidi flee to a mysterious grotto called the Magic Pool.

Sarra said the territories sold to one big distributor include the UK, Australia and New Zealand, much of Europe, India, Southeast Asia and all of Latin America. Other deals will cover the Middle...

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Tom Felton turns a ripe old 27 today — so, yeah, Harry Potter fans, you’re going to be middle-aged soon. That also means it’s been years since he’s had to bleach his hair that awful Draco Malfoy blond. Sorry, some of you were perhaps drawn to that ‘do, in all its evil glory. We can’t really imagine spending our entire adolescence defined by such a distinctive style. (Though there are probably some perks that made up for it.)

He’s now starring in the TNT series Murder In The First. But before the next episode, let’s celebrate his birthday by looking back at his many hairstyles — from that weird mop of curls in The Borrowers to today. We’d like to lobby for him to return to that longer hipster flop. How about you?

[Photos: Warner Bros., Getty Images]...

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Tom Felton turns a ripe old 27 today — so, yeah, Harry Potter fans, you’re going to be middle-aged soon. That also means it’s been years since he’s had to bleach his hair that awful Draco Malfoy blond. Sorry, some of you were perhaps drawn to that ‘do, in all its evil glory. We can’t really imagine spending our entire adolescence defined by such a distinctive style. (Though there are probably some perks that made up for it.)

He’s now starring in the TNT series Murder In The First. But before the next episode, let’s celebrate his birthday by looking back at his many hairstyles — from that weird mop of curls in The Borrowers to today. We’d like to lobby for him to return to that longer hipster flop. How about you?

[Photos: Warner Bros., Getty Images]...

A slew of classic Disney movies are hitting for the first time on Blu-Ray, including one double-pack release, and you’re going to want to make sure to pick these up. You haven’t paid attention to some of these titles for a while, and it’s about time you got the chance to catch them on Blu-Ray. The best part is that there’s a great mix of releases hitting. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is all but lost in the cultural consciousness, and it deserves a return. The Academy Award-winning movie from the year I was born is filled with a lot of fun and adventure, and like most Disney films, holds up well for a whole new generation.

The rest of the group covers a great spectrum, including two animated “big” titles, and a 10th Anniversary release. There’s a lot to expose your family to here, so check out all the info below,...

Over here in the UK, we know how to make great writers. We gave the world J.K Rowling with her Harry Potter series and, among many others, we gave the world the author that Rowling is often compared to – Enid Blyton. We are also, apparently, about to give the world Blyton’s work on film, as Working Title has acquired the theatrical rights to The Famous Five. You’re welcome.

With global sales estimated at over 600 million books, Enid Blyton is one of the biggest-selling children’s authors in history. The Famous Five series first appeared in 1942 – with the first book entitled Five On A Treasure Island – and eventually ran to 21 full-length novels. The stories focus on a group of children and the adventures they have during each school holiday, when they return from boarding school. The group – comprising of three siblings, their cousin and her dog – find themselves...

As a trailer for Studio Ghibli's latest and possibly final feature When Marnie Was There emerges, Ryan ponders company's uncertain future...

Feature

When Hayao Miyazaki retired last year at the age of 73, animation lost one of its most accomplished and dedicated practitioners. His work, comprising 11 features and numerous shorts, needs little introduction: films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle have long since etched themselves on the minds of audiences all over the world.

Miyazaki's final film, The Wind Rises, was a bravely individual parting shot. A drama about the designer of the legendary Japanese fighter plane, the Mitsubishi Zero, it felt like a final, heartfelt statement from a truly great artist - and a fitting capstone to a remarkable career. But with Miyazaki having set aside the painstaking work he put into animating his films over the course of some 48 years, the inevitable question...

21 Jump Street star Rob Riggle has joined the ensemble cast of director Terry Jones' Absolutely Anything , Deadline reports. The film, first announced in 2010 , features nearly all of the surviving members of Monty Python, including John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and Jones himself. Unfortunately for Python fans, Eric Idle (the only other member of the troupe outside of the late Graham Chapman) is sitting this one out, but the production is also set to feature Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Robin Williams, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Eddie Izzard and Joanna Lumley. Jones wrote the screenplay for Absolutely Anything alongside Gavin Scott ( The Borrowers , Small Soldiers ). The plot is said to follow a schoolteacher (Pegg), who is given the incredible power to make his every...

Underworld franchise star Kate Beckinsale has joined the ensemble cast of director Terry Jones' Absolutely Anything , Deadline reports. The film, first announced in 2010 , features many of the surviving members of Monty Python, including John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and Jones himself. Unfortunately for Python fans, Eric Idle (the only other member of the troupe outside of the late Graham Chapman) is sitting this one out, but the production is also set to feature Simon Pegg, Robin Williams, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Eddie Izzard and Joanna Lumley. Jones wrote the screenplay for Absolutely Anything alongside Gavin Scott ( The Borrowers , Small Soldiers ). The plot is said to follow a schoolteacher (Pegg), who is given the incredible power to make his every wish a reality...

Happy birthday to Christopher Eccleston, who turns 50 today (Sunday, February 16).

A stalwart of television, film and theatre, Chris has played some of television's most iconic characters (from Our Friends in the North's Nicky Hutchinson to Doctor Who's titular hero), brought life to numerous 'everyman' roles with extraordinary performances and used his work to explore themes of justice, loyalty and friendship.

To celebrate Christopher's half-century, Digital Spy has chosen ten standout performances from his film and television work, presented in chronological order. Given his acting career spans almost 25 years, a few didn't make our personal top ten, but as always, do tell us about your favourites in the comments section...

Shallow Grave (1994)

Danny Boyle's dizzying breakthrough movie Shallow Grave not only launched the career of Ewan McGregor, it propelled Christopher Eccleston - already an established TV star - into the big league.

Chris's portrayal of chartered accountant...

Happy birthday to Christopher Eccleston, who turns 50 today (Sunday, February 16).

A stalwart of television, film and theatre, Chris has played some of television's most iconic characters (from Our Friends in the North's Nicky Hutchinson to Doctor Who's titular hero), brought life to numerous 'everyman' roles with extraordinary performances and used his work to explore themes of justice, loyalty and friendship.

To celebrate Christopher's half-century, Digital Spy has chosen ten standout performances from his film and television work, presented in chronological order. Given his acting career spans almost 25 years, a few didn't make our personal top ten, but as always, do tell us about your favourites in the comments section...

Shallow Grave (1994)

Danny Boyle's dizzying breakthrough movie Shallow Grave not only launched the career of Ewan McGregor, it propelled Christopher Eccleston - already an established TV star - into the big league.

Chris's portrayal of chartered accountant...

Willem (age 10) and Miranda (age 9) put a capstone on their extended marathon of Studio Ghibli viewing. After taking both the heaviest Studio Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies, and the lightest entry, The Cat Returns, they end the 15 film marathon with The Secret World Of Arrietty. The 2010 film is one of the studio's most recent films, directed by Yonebayashi Hiromasa, vividly adapted by Miyazaki Hayao from Mary Norton's series of novels, The Borrowers. The kids talk about the eponymous heroine's relationship with her parents, the proximity of the 'tiny' family to the human 'beens' who live above them, as well as the all encompassing natural world which threatens to engulf them. Lastly, they marvel at the small-scale physics realized by the animation house...

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

New Tricks

Kieran Kinsella

Costume drama lovers are in for a treat as Acorn Media are set to release the 2007 multi-national production of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace on DVD on 24 September. Originally broadcast in France and Belguim, the production has never aired in the U.S. although it was available on Acorn’s streaming service earlier this summer. While there have been many adaptations of this Russian classic, few if any can boast a cast that includes such luminaries as Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Clemence Poesy (Birdsong) and Brenda Blethyn (Vera). The director, Austrian film-maker Robert Dornhelm is no slouch either, having been been behind the lens for hits including the Oscar nominated The Children of Theatre Street.

War and Peace is so long and so impressive that it makes “epics” such as Dr Zhivago look like short children’s stories. It features a colorful cast of...

Exclusive: Chinese film producers Chun-Yi Yueh and Changyu Li and UK writer-producers Robert and Ashley Sidaway together with the UK’s Iain Brown and Brown Films have launched the $5m funded Sz Wonder Pictures.

The new outfit will produce five feature films over three years based out of Shenzen, China and Auckland, New Zealand.

The first title is $18m family fantasy adventure The Wonder 3D, directed by BAFTA Award-winner Peter Hewitt (Garfield, The Borrowers) which will start principal photography in October 2013 in Auckland and Shenzhen. The Chinese and Western cast will be announced shortly but Karl Urban and Willow Shields were previously understood to be attached to the project.

Us-based Hyde Park International will handle sales and distribution on the film outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Production partners include venture capital company RuHing Partners in China, New Zealand Film Commission and Film Auckland. Bonding the film in both China and New Zealand is European Film Bonds...

Feature Ryan Lambie 2 Aug 2013 - 06:15

We're putting on a special Studio Ghibli screening later this month. And you have the chance to vote for the film you'd most like to see...

In partnership with Studio Canal, Den Of Geek has a very special evening lined up later this month. We'll be screening one of five classic Studio Ghibli movies - and we're giving you the chance to vote for which one you'd most like to see. The event will take place in a London location, and we'll be announcing the date, venue and details of how you can attend later in the month. Oh, and there'll be some fabulous prizes for some lucky readers on the night, too.

To get involved, all you have to do is head for the comments section and provide the name of the Ghibli film you'd prefer to see on the big screen - a tricky choice,...

Director: Chris Wedge; Screenwriters: Tom J Astle, Matt Ember, James V Hart; Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell, Beyoncé, Jason Sudeikis; Running time: 102 mins; Certificate: U

Blue Sky Studios may be plucky underdogs when measured next to the brilliance of Pixar, but their ongoing Ice Age series and 2011's Rio show they know a thing or two about putting together bright and buoyant animated adventures.

Their latest offering Epic takes inspiration from William Joyce's book The Leaf Men and the Grave Good Bugs, bringing to life a miniature forest world populated by warriors riding atop hummingbirds, an evil tribe of Boggans led by Mandrake (Christoph Waltz) and a Mother Nature ruler called Queen Tara (voiced by Beyoncé).

There's a human component to the story, too, with Amanda Seyfried providing the viewer entry point as teen Mary Katherine (she prefers to go by Mk). The death of Mk's mother...