This week, we feature a quest undertaken by two unlikely friends in a new animated film and revisit 17 Cherry Tree Lane for a sing-along family classic.
New Release
‘Tafiti: Across the Desert’
Tafiti (Cosima Henman), a meerkat, sets out from home to search for a rare flower to cure his grandpa, bitten by a snake. Bristles (Steve Hudson), a bush pig, tags along to show that tasks are easier when shared. As the duo traverse the rugged terrain, they begin to forge a surprising bond.
The trip stays lively with fast pacing, strange encounters, and plenty of humor built around Tafiti’s determination versus Bristles’s happy chaos. It’s an easygoing watch that works well for families and anyone wanting a light animated escape.
Animation
Release Date: Jan. 30, 2026
Director: Timo Berg, Nina Wels
Starring: Cosima Henman, Steve Hudson, Jeremiah Costello
Running Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Mary Poppins Returns’
Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) faces losing 17 Cherry Tree Lane unless he finds a missing share certificate, with help from his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) and lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda). As bank president Wilkins (Colin Firth) closes in, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) returns to steer the Banks family forward.
Blunt steps in as Mary Poppins with a playful authority, and her singing sounds better than expected. The film trades big risks for charm and nostalgia, making it a pleasant family watch that smiles more than it surprises.
Comedy | Family | Musical
Release Date: Dec. 19, 2018
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw
Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+, YouTube, Amazon
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Love and Loss With a Twist of Fate
‘Return to Me’
After losing his wife in a car accident, Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) is nudged back into dating and meets Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver), a waitress who has a transplanted heart. Their growing relationship carries an unseen bond, since Grace’s new heart holds a secret.
The film leans on families and friends to keep things light, letting humor share the room with loss. The mix of food, faith, and found connection makes this a good-natured watch that plays better than many rom-coms from its era.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: April 7, 2000
Directors: Bonnie Hunt
Starring: David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carroll O’Connor
Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Tubi TV, Plex, YouTube
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
One Inspector, No Breaks
‘Gideon of Scotland Yard’
Inspector George Gideon (Jack Hawkins) juggles one relentless day at Scotland Yard. His wife Kate (Anna Lee) manages family life as his badge keeps pulling him deeper into a never-ending job.
Hawkins carries the film with dry wit as director John Ford keeps things snappy, making this lesser-known entry an entertaining watch that balances procedural bustle with comedy.
Comedy | Crime | Thriller
Release Date: June 22, 1958
Director: John Ford
Starring: Jack Hawkins, Anna Lee, Anna Massey
Running Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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