Children's Movies for 2011: February-April

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 February to March 2011.

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

Gnomeo & Juliet (February 11)
G

The classic Shakespeare story dons yet another guise in the form of garden gnomes in this children's movie from the co-director of Shrek 2 (Kelly Asbury). James McAvoy and Emily Blunt take on the voices of the title characters and are accompanied by everyone from Michael Caine and Patrick Stewart to Jason Statham and Ozzy Osbourne. At the very least, if this adaptation has parents wriggling in their seats, they can enjoy the soundtrack by Elton John.

View the trailer here.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (February 11)
Rating Not Available

Just when you thought you'd had enough of Justin Bieber, the love of tweens everywhere will star in a movie about his very young life. Featuring home videos and performances from his latest concert tour, the 3D biopic follows the life of Bieber from when he was a tiny tot all the way up to his big break.

View the trailer here.

Rango (March 4)
Rating Not Available

The fantastical story of a chameleon with an identity crisis has been largely shrouded in mystery, keeping audiences and critics in the dark until only recently when the trailer was released. Helmed by Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski and starring Johnny Depp, the chameleon Rango stumbles upon the gritty desert town of Dirt, a place right out of your favorite Western film, except all the townspeople are animals ala The Wind in the Willows, that is if Willows was placed in a crazy-surrealist, Old West setting. As timid Rango tries to decipher who he is and who he's supposed to be, he takes on the role of sheriff in the town and finds out he's more brave than he ever thought he could be.

View the trailer here.

Mars Needs Moms (March 11)
PG (for sci-fi action and peril)

The latest from the creators of Disney's A Christmas Carol and The Polar Express introduces audiences to the world of Mars--a place that has everything, except Moms. After dropping his stubborn attitude, young Milo (Seth Green) finally realizes that he actually does need his Mom (Joan Cusack) when she is kidnapped by Martians who need Moms to take care of their young. With the help of underground rebel human Gribble (Dan Fogler) and the Martian girl Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), Milo goes on a mission to find his Mom before it's too late.

View the trailer here.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (March 25)
PG (for some rude humor and language)

The sequel to the first film based on the best-selling "Wimpy Kid" series written by Jeff Kinney brings all the gang back to the big screen, with the spotlight, of course, being on the coolest wimpy kid ever, Greg Heffley. This film throws brothers Greg and Rodrick together as their parents try their hardest to get them to bond. Never mind that Rodrick isn't about to give up his role of chief tormentor of his seventh grade brother.

View the trailer here.

The Lion of Judah (March 25)
Rating Not Available

A unique film by independent studio Animated Family Films, The Lion of Judah tells the story of a group of stable animals set in historic times. When the young lamb Judah is captured and faced with the possibility of being sacrificed at an annual festival, the barn animals leave their home to find and rescue their friend. When they do so, they come across a familiar face--the King who was born in their stable over 30 years ago.

View the trailer here.

Hop (April 1)
Rating Not Available

Fred, a young bunny with a penchant for drums and for being a slacker, finds himself in a pickle of a predicament when he accidentally hurts the Easter Bunny and must take care of him as he recuperates.

View the trailer here.

Rio (April 15)
Rating Not Available

The creators who brought audiences the Ice Age trilogy have a new offering, this time in a completely different time and setting. Taking us away from the frozen tundra and plunking us down in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and the rainforest of Brazil, Rio tells the story of Blu, a rare macaw who believes he is the last of his race. However, when he discovers that he's not alone and this other macaw is also a she, he leaves his home in Minnesota and sets out for Rio. He quickly learns that he and Jewel are polar opposites, despite being the same species. As Blu takes in the lush world that is Rio, he begins to discover that there's more to life when you leave your cage and open up to all it has to offer.

View the trailer here.

African Cats (April 22)
Not Rated

The latest from Disneynature comes to theaters on Earth Day and follows the lives of the young lion cub Mara, Fang, the leader of his pride who is fighting to protect them from a banished lion and the cheetah Sita, a single mother of five babies. In many ways, The Lion King is brought to life with this documentary, providing audiences with a stunning look inside the lives of Africa's felines.

View the trailer here.

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