Looking for some upcoming animated movies to watch with your kids this summer?

Kids Movies

The Karate Kid

When a boy moves into a new home, he must find the strength to face his bullies. Set on location in China, Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan star in this heartwarming remake of the classic 1980’s film. Not only is the topic timely, but the resolution is inspiring.

Avatar

Even if you saw this blockbuster in the theatre, this groundbreaking sci-fi about life on a futuristic planet is so packed full of excitement and high-tech action, it’s nearly impossible to appreciate its full impact in one sitting. The artistry of this film is stunning and the evocative visual details will hold the attention of the entire family.

Toy Story 3

Toy Story is not just for little kids! The voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen help create a fully believable worlds of living toys, including beloved Woody and Buzz Lightyear. There’s a bit of drama and fear in this movie, enough to keep older kids engaged. Woody’s love and loyalty to his boy Andy results in all the toys trying to escape Sunnyside Daycare. An absolute delight!

Romona and Beezus

The classic Beverly Cleary book series is beautifully translated in this sweet film about two sisters. The movie stars the very popular teen actress Selena Gomez as Beezus. Joey King plays Romona. The sisterly relationship feels authentic and the antics in the movie will be familiar to Beverly Cleary fans. The movie is plenty sweet without being too sugary. Although appropriate for the entire family, Romona and Beezus is perfect for a girl’s night event.

Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration

Features the antics of thechipmunk gang and includes some terrific music and touching moments. Will the chipmunks help Dave survive his professional slump or will the wreak havoc on his life? A little of both! Dave and "kids" ultimately discover they all have much to be thankful for.

Bee Movie

Bee Movie is a comedy. When Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) graduates from college, he is does not want to begin working maging honey. He leaves the hive for the very first time, and violates one of the major rules of the bee world and talks to a person, a New York City florist named Vanessa (Renée Zellweger). Barry is surprized to find out that the people have been stealing and eating the bees' honey for centuries, and he dicides his true calling in life is to set things right by suing the human race for stealing honey.

Shek the Third

PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.When King Harold dies, it is up to Shrek to find a suitable heir or he will be forced to give up his beloved swamp for the throne. Recruiting Donkey and Puss, Shrek sets out to bring back the rightful heir to the throne for Far Far Away. The most promising candidate, Fiona's cousin Artie, an underachieving Medieval high school slacker, proves to be more of a challenge than they bargained for. "Bad Guy" Fairy tale characters take over the castle and inprison Fiona, who is expecting a baby, and the other pricesses while Shrek is away. Shrek, donkey and Puss get captured too while trying to rescue them. Surpize ending includes a great life lessons: violence is not the solution to problem solving, how to build self esteem, and girls are strong too.

Underdog Movie

PG for crude humor, mild language and action. A clumsy watchdog is exposed to a substance that provides him with superhero powers. A 12-year-old boy, who adopts him, then uses Underdon's superpowers to protect his friends and Capitol City from the evil Simon Barsinister.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

A good old-fashioned fun. The musical features Dick Van Dyke as the inventor of a magical flying car. Along with his lady friend and his two children, this film is full of fun, adventure, and music.

Charlotte's Web

Movie ecounts the adventures of Charlotte the spider and her friend Wilber the pig who come to life in this is a charming cartoon version of the beloved book. Younger kids will especially love the animation as well as the catchy tunes that add spunk to the story.

Tween Videos

Cheaper by the Dozen(PG)

Take two parents, add twelve children, and numerous pets and you have a recipe for non-stop, fun-filled chaos! This movie can't miss with Bonnie Hunt and Steve Martin playing the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, along with an assorted cast of teen favorites like Hilary Duff and Ashton Kutcher. When Mom leaves town to go on a book tour, Dad is in charge. Struggling with his new job as a college football coach, family responsibilities, and lots of creative scheming by his offspring, it seems like "normal is pretty much unattainable for this bunch. There is no doubting the underlying theme of family love and loyalty, which makes this a warm-hearted favorite among kids and parents.

Bewitched(PG13)

Although only somewhat reminiscent of the favorite TV show, the movie is fun for all ages. Those of us who are old enough to remember the original BEWITCHED will enjoy the trip down memory lane. The movie is about re-making the TV show. Looking to cast the perfect witch to play Samantha, they end up hiring Isabel (Nicole Kidman.) Unsuspecting Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is the fading movie star who plays Darrin. Expect classic witch antics throughout, against the backdrop of a romantic relationship between Isabel and Jack. Somewhat predictable, this movie would not be a first pick for the theatre. But for a rental, it is a sweet enjoyable film with a terrific cast, including Michael Caine and Shirley MacClaine

Teen Movies

Raise Your Voice

Sixteen-year-old Terri Fletcher (played by teen sensation Hilary Duff) is a passionate singer and the most picture perfect family girl. Her only wish is that she will be accepted into the super prestigious Bristol-Hillman summer music academy. But when tragedy occurs, the Fletcher family feels as if they cannot go on. Still traumatized by the frightening event, Terri soon finds out she was accepted into the school, and is very excited to be moving on. Her heart broken father forbids her to go. Mrs. Fletcher hatches a plan to send Terri to camp, but tells her husband that their daughter will be spending the summer with her Aunt Nina, and plans only to tell him the truth when "the time is right".

When Terri arrives at Bristol-Hillman, she soon meets another student, Jay (Oliver James), and instantly develops a crush. But what will happen when Robin (Lauren C. Mayhew), Jay's greedy ex-girlfriend finds out? After meeting an inspirational teacher and finding out the real reason why she was accepted into the school, Terri's only goal is to win the coveted scholarship by competing in a live musical competition against other hopefuls. Will Mr. Fletcher find out were Terri really is? And what will happen with Terri and Jay? You'll will have to pick up the DVD to find out!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Based on the top selling series by Ann Brasheres, this movie is the ultimate "chick flick". When best friends Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), Lena (Alexis Bledel), Carmen (America Ferrera) and Bridget (Blake Lively) find a pair of secondhand jeans that miraculously fit all of their very different shapes, they know that something big is in store for them during their upcoming summer vacation. Tibby, an aspiring director,is stuck at home working at the local discount center, Lena is headed to Greece to visit her Grandparents, Carmen visits her estranged father(who is hiding a huge secret), and Bridget is off to a Mexican soccer camp. Worried that they will lose touch over the hectic months, the girls make a plan to keep connected by mailing the pants back and forth to each other where each girl is required to write and doodle on the jeans all about the crazy things that happened to her while she was away from her friends. The girls each learn their own personal lessons that will last a lifetime; When Tibby finds and loses an unexpected friend, and Lena is faced with an important decision that may lose her family's trust forever. Whether you feel like laughing or crying, "Sisterhood" will satisfy both cravings like a chocolate covered pretzel. Between the emotional moments and the hilarious ones, there is no doubt you will realize that nothing can go wrong when you've got your loved ones close to your heart.

A Cinderella Story

Based on the familiar Disney Classic, this real life version is sure to keep you entertained. Sam ruled the city. Her talent on the baseball field was never ignored. Her Dad's popular Diner was the place to hang out, and Sam couldn't be any happier with her life. That is until her father decides to marry the atrocious Fiona (Jennifer Coolidge), who also comes with two horrific daughters. Feeling left out in her new family, she feels as if the only one that loves her is her father, but when he suddenly dies in an earthquake, Sam's life is crumbling just like the walls. Fast-forward ten years. Sam (Yep, another Hilary Duff) is now a senior in High School. Between dealing with her horrible stepsisters who treat her like a servant rather than a step-sister, and rigorously preparing to get into Princeton University, Sam is quite the patient one when Fiona's demands her to work as a waitress at the diner (with Fiona's own kitschy re-decorations) 24/7. This leaves little room for a social life, and it seems like the only friend Sam has is her Internet buddy, "Nomad", who attends her school. Not knowing who he really is, Sam decides to meet up with him at the Halloween Dance. With no costume, and only the help of a fellow "fairy godmother like" waitress (Regina King), Sam heads to the dance looking like a beautiful princess. But when it turns out that "Nomad" is actually Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray), the schools most popular guy, and quarterback, Sam is unpleasantly surprised. Things start to go awry when Sam ditches him, and he sets out on a chase to find his "Cinderella". But what happens when her greedy stepsisters find out that Sam is indeed the one Austin is looking for? Looks like you will have to rent the movie to find out!

What's Cooking?

A great movie with mature content, for teens and adults - a possible alternative to football games. This heartwarming movie features several families from different backgrounds as they celebrate and survive Thanksgiving. Tension and family drama is highlighted with food preparation. Not for younger viewers!

To Kill A Mockingbird

A movie classic, perhaps as significant to American culture as the book. With a cast including Gregory Peck and Robert Duvall, this movie won't disappoint. Although it is most appropriate for older children, the compelling story of injustice and racism in the South, is both heart wrenching and heart warming.

The Devil Wears Prada

When Andrea gets the job as the second tier assistant to Miranda Priestly, the impossible editor-in-chief at the world famous fashion magazine Runway, she is less than thrilled. Though she knows a million girls would kill for this job, she plans to only stick it out for a year, holding out for a writing position at the New Yorker. But soon, Andrea is swept into the whirlwind of the fashion world, as her relationships test the waters. Based on the best selling book, any fashion fiend will love this movie!

Accepted

Bartleby Gaines is a lazy high school senior who sadly gets rejected from every college he has applied to. His parents have high expectations, and can't bear seeing their son rejected. So with a little help from his friends, they create a website for a fake school, South Harmon Institute of Technology. They renovate a disgusting, abandoned mental hospital, and transform it into a decent looking school. All seems to go well for Bartleby, who is worried that his parents might catch on to his plan, until crowds of kids (who also didn't get into any other college) show up, thinking it's a real college. But what happens when they get discovered? This silly movie is perfect for the whole family!

You, Me and Dupree

Newlyweds Carl and Molly can't wait to start their lives together. A cozy little house and successful careers - it can't get any better. But when Carl's best friend, Dupree (who lost his job because he took time off to attend the couple's wedding) needs a place to stay, all goes haywire. Dupree causes much trouble for all including Molly's father (who is also Carl's boss) and the neighborhood kids. Carl and Molly become very annoyed and ultimately must test the strength of their relationship as Molly and Dupree become closer.

Family Movies - Musicals

Westside Story

This contemporary Romeo and Juliet love story starred the utterly charming Natalie Wood. Today's teens will be captivated by this musical about star crossed lovers.

My Fair Lady

Everyone in your family will love this rags to riches classic starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. "Wouldn't it be loverly" to watch with your kids?

Oliver!

For kids who love musical theatre, this is a perfect movie for family night! Familiar tunes such as "Consider Yourself," appear in this film adaptation of the much-loved stage show.

Sound of Music

Families have enjoyed this film since its initial release. If it has been awhile since you have seen Maria and her charges, get ready to sing, "My Favorite Things!"

Make a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy!

Favorite Christmas Movies

A Christmas Story

All Ralphie wants in the entire world is a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This 1940s family is hilarious. You’ll love Ralphie’s irritable father, his whiny brother, and his all-American mother.

Elf

What could be more fun for a kid to watch than a six foot tall elf? Between Will Farrell’s great performance and the wacky concept of an Elf on the loose in New York City, this is destined to become a Christmas classic.

It’s a Wonderful Life

No list of “Must See Holiday Movies” would be complete without this James Stewart and Donna Reed classic. Share this timeless story with your children.

The Santa Clause

Every kids dream is to go to the North Pole, but how many kids can say that Santa is their Dad? Watch an unwilling Tim Allen become Santa.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens? How can you go wrong? This lighthearted, humorous version is a perfect introduction to the classic Charles Dickens tale.

Christmas with the Cranks (PG)

You don't have to wait until December to enjoy this holiday flick. Mr. and Mrs. Krank (played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen) are modern day scrooges when they decide to forgo Christmas for a cruise, much to the chagrin of their neighbors. As they prepare for their cruise, including very humorous scenes about spray-on tans and botox injections, the community wages war against the Kranks. The Kranks re-think their position when their daughter comes home for a visit expecting a traditional Christmas celebration. This movie is fun for kids and adults of all ages.

Dog Movies

Hotel for Dogs

A heartwarming story of two foster kids who do all they can to save their own pooch, and in the process create a home for all the strays who need a home. There are some fun inventions, a few wacky moments, and lots of canine escapades in this movie. Lisa Kudrow does a great job as an updated Cruella-style rocker.

Marley and Me

Based on the real life trials and tribulations of a couple that bring a dog into their lives. The naughty antics of the adorable lab are laugh out loud funny. Despite the hardships and destruction, Marley is a loved member of the family. There are a few adult relationships issues addressed, but the movie is family friendly. A dose of Marley will help you appreciate your own imperfect pooch! A bit of a spoiler - Marley and me is a tearjerker. Probably not appropriate for the youngest viewers.

Because of Winn-Dixie

The classic heartwarming book from Kate DiCamillo is about when one summer's day, 10-year-old India Opal Buloni goes to the supermarket for some groceries - and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog, she's a best friend. Because of Opal's and Winn-Dixie relationship, Opal develops the courage dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal says, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.

All Time Favorite Dog Stories

Beethoven

101 Dalmations

Snow Dogs

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