Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom opens at Picturehouses in Southampton on Friday 18 September, with showtimes running from Saturday 19 September right through to Wednesday 18 November. It's a family film adventure that sits comfortably in the autumn season, and with the run stretching across two months, you've got plenty of time to fit it in around the school term.

The story starts at Mossy Bottom Farm, where the flock is looking forward to Halloween until the clumsy Farmer trashes their beloved pumpkin patch. Shaun takes matters into his own hands, turning himself into a mad scientist to set things right. But when the Farmer goes missing and a wild beast is spotted roaming the woods of Mossingham, the flock sets off on a monstrously fun family adventure to find him.

It's directed by Steve Cox and Matthew Walker, with Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes and Kate Harbour in the cast. The whole thing runs 80 minutes, which is a good length for a family outing — long enough to get the story told without overstaying its welcome, and short enough that it won't push your afternoon too late. It carries a U certificate, so it's suitable for all ages.

Since it's running from mid-September through to mid-November, it's a good one to keep in the back of your mind for a rainy weekend or a half-term treat. With showtimes starting from Saturday 19 September and continuing until Wednesday 18 November, you can pick a day and time that works for you rather than rushing to catch it in a single weekend. It's 80 minutes long, U rated, and playing at Picturehouses in Southampton.