Children's Movies for 2011: 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--with a few exceptions) that will be released from May to 2011.

Though most of 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.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20 in 3D/2D and IMAX 3D)
PG-13

Note: Though this film is rated PG-13, it is still included in this list because of the popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean series and the likelihood that parents will still take their children to see the film. If you're concerned about its contents, investigate the film yourself and learn as much as you can about it by reading articles and reviews and speaking with other parents who have seen it.

The fourth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean series hits theaters May 20th and though it is lacking two of its main characters (Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, played by Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley), it looks like the adventures will still be plentiful. Captain Jack Sparrow returns to the high seas in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth. But the journey is not without its troubles, some of which come in the form of the dreaded pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and the lovely, but mysterious Angelica (Penelope Cruz).

View the trailer here.

Kung Fu Panda 2 (May 26 in 3D/2D and IMAX 3D)
PG (for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence)

Po the panda has fulfilled his dream. He is the Dragon Warrior and friends with The Furious Five kung fu masters. Unfortunately, danger is on its way in the form of a mysterious weapon determined to conquer China and do away with kung fu. Only Po and his friends can fight back, but what can they do against a weapon that can stop kung fu?

View the trailer here.

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer (June 10)
Rating Not Available

Based on the best-selling children's books, Judy Moody is determined to have the best summer of her life, even though it doesn't start out well when her parents leave her and her brother Stink at home when they go to California. But the arrival of Aunt Opal (Heather Graham) turns everything around and the family does everything in their power to make the summer one to remember.

View the trailer here.

Mr. Popper's Penguins (June 17)
Rating Not Available

This adaptation of the classic 1938 children's book, brings comedian Jim Carrey into the world of "Mr. Popper's Penguins." After a businessman inherits six penguins, he begins to transform his apartment to simulate the Arctic and his professional life begins to fall to the wayside as he accommodates the penguins.

View the trailer here.

Cars 2 (June 24 in 3D/2D and IMAX 3D)
Rating Not Available

The follow-up to the wildly popular Cars film reunites racecar Lightning McQueen Star and the tow-truck Mater as they head to Europe to compete in the World Grand Prix. But when Mater finds himself in the middle of an opportunity he can't refuse (international espionage), he realizes he has to choose between helping Lightning McQueen and a whole new world.

View the trailer here.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (July 1 in 3D/2D and IMAX)
Rating Not Available

Note: Though this film will likely be rated PG-13, it is still included in this list because of the popularity of the Transformers series and the likelihood that parents will still take their children to see the film. If you're concerned about its contents, investigate the film yourself and learn as much as you can about it by reading articles and reviews and speaking with other parents who have seen it.

The third film in the wildly popular Transformers series pulls its origins from a proud moment in U.S. history: man's first steps on the moon. But while viewers were watching at home and waiting for the astronauts to pass the dark side of the moon, in reality, the men were on a secret mission investigating possible life forms on the moon. The aftereffects of what they discover will rattle down to the present, where Sam Witwicky remains a reluctant ally of Optimus Prime in the battle of the Transformers.

View the trailer here.

Zookeeper (July 8)
PG (for some rude and suggestive humor and language)

This live-action film features Kevin James in the role of Griffin Keyes, a compassionate zookeeper with just one problem: he can't find love. Certain that it's his current job that's keeping him from his goal, Griffin decides that leaving the zoo and the animals is the answer, something that they are horrified to discover. In order to keep Griffin at the zoo, they break their cardinal rule: they tell Griffin that they can talk!

View the trailer here.

Harry Potters and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (July 15 in 3D/2D and IMAX 3D)
Rating Not Available

Note: Though this film will likely be rated PG-13, it is still included in this list because of the popularity of the Harry Potter series and the likelihood that parents will still take their children to see the film. If you're concerned about its contents, investigate the film yourself and learn as much as you can about it by reading articles and reviews and speaking with other parents who have seen it.

Part 2 and the end of the epic Harry Potter series arrives July 15th and the fate of the Wizarding world hangs in the balance as good and evil battle against each other. But only Harry Potter can challenge Lord Voldemort end the war once and for all.

View the trailer here.

Winnie the Pooh (July 15)
G

Disney goes back to its roots with this new adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood. Reuniting audiences with the charming and hunny-loving bear Winnie the Pooh and his friends, the film is produced while keeping in mind the original style of the beloved featurettes and the hand drawn animation that made Disney famous. This looks like a real winner for both children and fans of Winnie the Pooh.

View the trailer here.

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