Kid Friendly Summer Movies

Yes I know, the summer is already almost half over and I am only just getting around to the family friendly summer films. I do apologize. This is the summer and kids are off from school so there is plenty of mostly PG-13 rated fare out there for everyone. The question is, are any of them worth watching? The worst thing is a film that panders to a kid audience and leaves adults bored out of their minds followed closely by films that deliver an inappropriately adult film in a PG-13 guise. Not surprisingly there aren’t that many movies out there in this littered landscape that look any good.

Recommended:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (PG) - This is probably the must see kids film of the summer. Keep in mind it may be a beloved children’s book and it may be about candy, but that was before it met Tim Burton. The film is uneven but it is colorful and the study of good children versus rotten children has enough depth to keep parents mildly interested.

Batman Begins (PG-13) - one of the best films of the summer, keep in mind that this film does have some non-gory but still traumatizing violence. Probably not for the youngest of kids but entertaining fare for those old enough to enjoy the bloodless violence.

Fantastic Four (PG-13) - This comic book flick is probably not as good as Batman Begins but still in line with the action/violence. It should make a lot of money but there is some violence and some sexual situations to contend with.

Star Wars Episode III (PG-13) - Another of the best films available this year. The last Star Wars film is darker and more violent than the previous ones so be aware before taking easily scared young ones.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (PG) - The Ya-Ya sisterhood for the tween set. This one has a number of freshly established young actresses and should be a good girl empowerment film.

Robots (PG) - Probably no longer available in the theater, catch this one on video, smart and funny for the grownups but colorful and fun for the kids plus it marks Robin William’s triumphant return to animated form.

Herbie: Fully Loaded (G) - This one looks like wholesome family fun but is it as silly as the original? Lindsay Lohan delivers what might be her final family friendly Disney performance.

Sky High (PG) - This one could go either way, it looks cheesy but it could be good if the writing is half decent. Reviews so far have been positive that this film has enough laughs to entertain adults as well as children.

Other
Madagascar (PG) - This film may entice the young ones but it lacks appeal for adults.
The Dukes of Hazzard - not yet rated. This film cashes in on a show that hasn’t been on the air since kids were born and is sexually suggestive, even Cooter agrees.
Valiant - not yet rated. It remains to be seen whether kids will warm to a cartoon about pigeons. On the plus side this has really been Ewan McGregor’s year animated or not.
Bad News Bears (PG-13) - This probably would have been a better film if they had just gone for the R rating. Expect this one to push the envelope with kids and adults misbehaving and cursing up a storm.

Pass
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D - I just can’t get into the cheap look and feel of Roberto Rodriguez’s 3D films with almost no story.
Kicking and Screaming (PG) - There isn’t much to the premise of this juvenile film. If you have to get a Will Farrell fix watch the far more enjoyable Elf.
Rebound (PG) - Another along the lines of pro coach gets demoted to coach kids, these never end well. Oh wait, there was that one called Hoosiers.
Mr & Mrs Smith (PG-13) - A good film but there is a lot of violence and sexual tension.
Bewitched (PG-13) - This one is more of a film for the adults, the female adults, as the name Nora Ephron attached to the film should have clued you.