It’s the festive holidays soon, are you ready for some fun activities for the little ones? If you are not, I highly recommend the good old movies at Apollo cinemas.

There is nothing like watching a favourite or anticipated premiere on the big screen. Netflix and Disney just do not provide the same experience for me. Then again, it all depends on the movie and the company. Also, have you seen a movie with two hundred Samoans? Where the sad scenes are funny, the funny scenes are funny, and the adult scenes still make others blush next to their spouses?

We were treated to a colorful, happy, good feel DreamWorks cartoon on Sunday evening with ‘Trolls Band Together’ movie. A delightful, animated adventure bringing back the loveable trolls celebrating family, friendship and the universal magic of music.

This cartoon does not disappoint. Branch the main character just wants his family together again. Themes of sibling, family saving each other and wanting a sibling. One of his brothers is imprisoned by the sibling robots and exploited for his singing talent. Villains are fame hungry siblings. An overbearing sister and a brother that complies. The only key to complete freedom is a perfect harmony by family.  

The character designs are well thought out. You’ll see pink, green and purple hair with lots of sparkles. Key features of the Troll franchise. The unlikely friendships between a troll and her sworn enemy shows that a giant can indeed change. That we do not have to repeat what our parents did in the past. That kindness matters and things will turn out alright if you open your heart and accept others.

Some of the punch lines aren’t G rated but that is okay. It is fast paced, has plenty of characters to keep things interesting. There are some funny trauma and counselling moments that aren’t too life altering. For me, the music makes the movie. It takes me right back to the pop hits of 90s. The days of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. If you were a teenager in the 1990s, you’ll get it and even if you weren’t, you’ll recognise the beats. “I want you back” has a different ring when it’s belted by a colourful troll.

“Everything is better with you. A brother is a friend who can never leave you, it’s the closest bond in the world”. “Family is always worth it”.  There are recurring themes of kindness, acceptance, leaving old thoughts of the past, letting go of fear, accepting the unknown and the unfamiliar. The little diamond character, the silver guy with lots of sparkles is a good addition.

If you love fast paced, action packed, laughter, this is the movie for your little ones to watch. “Our stories aren’t perfect but who cares as long as we are together”.

A summary from my five-year-old “Mum this is one of the best movies ever!”, “What was your favourite part about the movie?”, “When the girls were singing and then the boys started singing. This was my favourite.”

Take your family to see a movie and say hello to Arnold at the counter for me. Always great customer service. Enjoy the rest of your week Samoa.

Enid Westerlund is a regular columnist for this newspaper. She is an aviation specialist, business consultant, author and loves teaching children to read on the weekend.