Children's Movies for 2010: May-July

When you have children, it's hard enough to get out of the house, let alone find a weekend outing to satisfy everyone. Movies, possibly one of the most popular weekend activities, are often hard to find, especially ones appropriate for children. Here are the films for children (G and PG only) that will be released from May to July 2010.

Though these films are rated G and PG, parents should still investigate the films themselves. Learn as much as you can about it by reading articles and reviews and speaking with other parents who have seen the film.

Shrek Forever After (May 21)
PG (for mild action, some rude humor and brief language)

The fourth installment in this famous DreamWorks series sees our ogre-turned-hero looking back at the good old days a little too fondly. Unhappy with the way his life has progressed (no one is afraid of him anymore!), Shrek decides to make a deal with the wily Rumpelstiltskin to experience just one day of his former terrifying ogre glory. But when the deal goes bad, Shrek must experience Far Far Away with a very It's a Wonderful Life twist and strive to turn things back the way they were.

Marmaduke (June 4)
PG (for some rude humor and language)

This reinterpretation of Brad Anderson's classic comic strip transforms the world of the mischievous Great Dane Marmaduke into a live action flick with Owen Wilson voicing the pooch alongside other characters voiced by George Lopez, Fergie and Kiefer Sutherland. When the Winslow family moves to California, Marmaduke finds himself in whole new territory as he deals with the trends, dogs and people of this new world.

The Karate Kid (June 11)
PG (for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language)

Unlike the relatively unsuccessful sequels to the original film, this revamped version of The Karate Kid looks like it just might stand on its own. Starring Jaden Smith (yes, that's Will's son) and Jackie Chan, the film follows the adventures of young Dre Parker who moves from Detroit to China due to his mother's (Taraji P. Henson) job. In no time at all, the cultural differences between Dre and his peers puts them at odds, especially when he makes an enemy of the class bully. Though he knows a little karate, Dre is easily bested by the bully, who is skilled in kung fu. With not many options left, Dre turns to a mysterious maintenance man named Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) who just so happens to be a kung fu master. Learning all he can from Han, including the fact that the art of kung fu isn't about the violence as much as the maturity and calm to dole out the punches, Dre emerges stronger and wiser.

Toy Story 3 (June 18)
Rating Not Available

The third film of the beloved Toy Story series, Disney creators take us back to the world of our favorite toys, a world that is rapidly changing. Andy is all grown up and going to college, leaving the toys to wonder what will happen to them when he is gone. When a series of events sees them dropped off at a day care center full of children, the toys strive to stick together amidst the chaos and try to make their way back home.

The Last Airbender (July 2)
Rating Not Available

Directed by the creator of The Sixth Sense and Signs M. Night Shyamalan and starring Slumdog Millionaire actor Dev Patel, Shyamalan ventures into the world of kids movies, reinventing the incredibly successful Nickelodeon animated TV series of the same name. The live-action film follows young Aang as he realizes that he is the only Avatar with the ability to manipulate all four elements of Air, Water, Earth and Fire. Alongside his friends, he strives to revive his war-torn world with the help of his powers.

Despicable Me (July 9)
PG (for rude humor and mild action)

An interesting tale that may be a tongue twister for children to pronounce, Despicable Me follows self-proclaimed super villain Gru (Steve Carell) who is planning to steal the unstealable -- the moon. However, before he and his minions can put his plan into action, he "inherits" three orphaned girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes who not only are annoyingly drawn to him, but see him as a potential father, a role Gru had never dreamed of playing.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (July 16)
Rating Not Available

The creators of the National Treasure franchise are attempting to strike gold with this story of a modern-day sorcerer (Nicolas Cage) and his reluctant apprentice (Jay Baruchel). Setting the stage in modern-day Manhattan, sorcerer Balthazar Blake recruits Dave Stutler as his apprentice to assist him in the fight against evil -- in this case, arch-nemesis Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). But will bumbling Dave even survive his training, let alone help save the city from the forces of darkness?

Ramona and Beezus (July 23)
G

This film based on the popular "Ramona" series written by Beverly Cleary, brings young Ramona and her wild imaginings to life. Though Ramona (newcomer Joey King) dreams and creates adventure out of everyday life, she is still just an exasperating little sister to older sister Beezus (Selena Gomez).

Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (July 30)
Rating Not Available

This sequel to the popular Cats and Dogs film once more brings together state-of-the-art puppetry, live action and computer animation to create the world of dog and cat spies. In this film, cats and dogs have to learn to work together when one crazy feline called Kitty Galore goes rogue and attempts to take over the world and make everyone her minions -- even the cats! Featuring a star-studded cast including Christina Applegate, Neil Patrick Harris, Bette Middler and Nick Nolte, these felines and pooches do their best to fight back and reclaim their world.

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