You know and love the penguins from Madagascar, but what you don’t know is that they have been living a double life. They began as four brothers who grew up to become masters of disguise, espionage and aerial assault. This super spy team of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private wasn’t born, they were hatched. And, for the first time, we get to experience the hilarious antics they experienced during their global espionage career.

It is an entertaining film, full of fast paced action and the humour is splendid. The vocal actors are excellent and it is impressive that DreamWorks did not call upon celebrities for their voices. There are some fun supporting performances from John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch and, for film buffs, a nice cameo by Werner Herzog as a documentarian.

Children will definitely enjoy Penguins of Madagascar and parents and animation lovers will like the film for its jokes. It is a very witty film.

So, as Kowalski says, ‘grab onto your coconuts and hold them tight’ because this film will have you in stitches.

We have all had, or probably will have, those times in our lives where things happen and we are forced to reflect, re-evaluate and make our way forward. Sometimes we choose the right way, and sometimes… well we probably should have made a better choice. This is the case for Cheryl. After the end of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl lost all hope and found that her way forward was one of reckless and destructive behaviour. Then she makes a rash decision and, with absolutely no experience, she hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone.

The story unfolds through the present day with recurring flashbacks which enrich the character of Cheryl and her journey. You’ll find you’re drawn in as much by the spectacular landscapes as you will be by the intricacies of the human spirit.

In our modern lives, with all the chaos of technology it can often be a fantasy to ‘go off the grid’. I’ve thought about it. But then, my ‘off the grid’ area would still need to have access to a cinema, YouTube and preferably places to stay that have enough temperature control options to keep my chocolate stash in an edible condition.

But in the end, whatever choices you make, life is a journey, and I definitely encourage you to come along and share the journey Witherspoon has created.