Family Movies

The family movie set is always lighter than either the action or comedy sets, but each month features at least one or two gems for the younger set. In the past, that was good for parental wallets, because matinees are typically cheaper, but now many family movies are being released in 3D or IMAX, which can rack up quite the bill. Read this guide and plan your family movie days carefully!

Shrek Forever After - May 21
Shrek returns to the big screen in the fourth installment of this fun franchise. As is the trend now, this movie will be available in traditional format and IMAX 3D. In this one, Shrek is miserable family man and ogre-about-town until he makes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin and winds up in an alternate universe where he’s not so happy after all. The same cast as always returns, and we’re sure it will be fun for the whole family.

Marmaduke - June 4
The canine cut-up from the comics finally makes the leap to the big screen in this live-action PG movie. Owen Wilson provides the voice of the Great Dane struggling with life as a teenage dog who recently moved from Kansas to California.

The Karate Kid – June 11
Parents will remember the Ralph Macchio/Pat Morita classic. This is an updated version about a 12-year-old whose mom moves him to China. He finds a Kung-Fu coach in the form of one Jackie Chan. Now that’s a coach. As with the original, there’s a warm-hearted message and we’re sure it will result in lots of kids heading to Kung-Fu class. Rated PG.

Toy Story 3 – June 18
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen team up again to provide the voices of Woody and Buzz. This time, they must finally face the fact that Andy is all-grown-up and ready to head to college. Shown in traditional 35 MM, as well as 3D and IMAX 3D, this answers the question: what happens to our toys when we grow up? In this version, they get donated to a preschool. Every toys worst nightmare!

Despicable Me – July 9
Ever wanted to use a freeze ray to get to the head of the line at the coffee shop? Gru can, and does. He’ll use any number of freeze rays, shrink rays, and supergadgets to get his way, and will eliminate any obstacle preventing him from accomplishing his evil plans. Gru and his minions are on a mission to steal the moon but he now faces his greatest challenge: three orphan girls who see his inner dad potential. Steve Carrell voices supervillain Gru in this new animated tale from Universal presented in 3-D. Kristen Wiig, Jason Segal, and Julie Andrews also voice characters. Rated PG.

Ramona and Beezus – July 9
Beverly Cleary’s classic character from her childrens’ books, Ramona Quimby, finally makes her big screen debut. Fall in love all over again with the imagination and antics little Ramona. The movie follows the mishaps, adventures, and relationship of Ramona and her older sister Beatrice, or Beezus, as Ramona started calling her when she was younger and couldn’t pronounce “Beatrice.” Watch the sisters get in and out of trouble, on each other’s nerves, and learn how great a sister’s love can be. Rated G.

With a bunch of promising kid-friendly flicks and some beloved children’s books coming to the big screen, it’s a great time to take your whole family out to the movies!