The summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, go to a park, a beach, the pool and of course your local library for this year’s upcoming Summer Reading Club “Make a Splash, Read”! Of course there are many other things to get excited about when the sun climbs higher in the sky and the days grow longer. The summer means BBQ's with friends and family (YUM!), fireworks on the fourth of July (WOW!) and the numerous blockbuster movies that Hollywood has been saving to entertain us.
Here are a few children’s movies that should be fun for the whole family.
Here are a few children’s movies that should be fun for the whole family.
TOY STORY 3- June 18th marks the opening of Toy Story 3. The first two films in this series captured the hearts and imaginations of adults and children alike. Sure to display the same attention to detail and dynamite animation, Pixar brings the story of Woody, Buzz and their family of toys full circle when their beloved “child” Andy grows up and leaves for college! Donated to a Day Care center it seems as if Andy has no need of his childhood toys and the lively cast of characters must adapt to their heart breaking new situation. While the plot sounds depressing, sound bites of a young adult Andy declaring that Woody and Friends are more than just toys reassures us that our fondness for our childhood doesn’t have to fade when adulthood looms. I suspect a sweet reunion will bring this trilogy to a worthy close, after all how can Andy forget all that his toys have meant to him?
THE LAST AIRBENDER- Opening July 2nd is THE LAST AIRBENDER, although most fans of the critically acclaimed animated T.V. series (and I am one of them) know the original title for the film was changed from, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to avoid confusion with 2009’s blockbuster of a similar name. The story is set in a fantasy world where many of its inhabitants are gifted with the ability to “bend” the elements using martial arts skills based on various forms of Kung Fu. The story’s hero Aang is the last of the Airbenders, woken from an accidental hibernation which froze him in a glacier for 100 years. When Aang is discovered and rescued by two siblings (one of them a Waterbender) he realizes the world he had known has been destroyed as the nation of Fire and their Firebending armies have conquered and enslaved most of Earth and Water Nation and completely destroyed the world of Air. But Aang is more than just the last of the Airbenders, he is also the Avatar, a being with the ability to master all four elements and bring peace to the nations. While I have some personal concerns about the film as a fan of the original series, the special effects and martial arts look stellar. I also suggest renting the animated series from the library if you have not yet seen it.
DESPICABLE ME- Opening July 9th tells the story of Gru, a deplorable villain who lives with an evil lair hidden underneath his house in an unsuspecting suburban town. Gru has been plotting evilly to perform the greatest most evil heist the world has ever known; to steal the Moon itself from the sky. With the help of his small army of loyal minions, a few freeze rays and an evil laugh it seems nothing could stop Gru from his sinister aspirations. Nothing but a trio of orphans who see Gru as more than just a villain, but a potential father! Will Gru fulfill his wishes and carryout his fiendish plans or will he give in to Margo, Edith and Agnes and abandon his devious ways for a happy home life? With Steve Carell as the voice of Gru and smooth looking animation, this film’s giddy trailer looks like it will deliver the laughs and capture more than the Moon but the hearts of its audience.
RAMONA AND BEEZUS- Opening July 23rd is a welcome addition to this blog post as it is based on the popular book series by Beverly Cleary. The story follows grade school age, Ramona Quimby and her older sister Beezus (played by Selena Gomez) as they explore the trials and tribulations of sisterly love and sibling rivalry. Along with some of Cleary’s other characters such as Henry Huggins, this film looks like it will appeal to younger children, a solid “tween” audience and maybe even those adults who have been fans of Ramona since their own childhood. So if you are looking for a family film without the action and effects that summer brings, this could be just the ticket.
Of course these are only previews of some of the many child and family friendly films appearing on screens this summer. Will they live up to their hype? That is up to the audiences to judge. Don’t forget the Syosset Public Library also has a plethora of films in the children’s room available to rent and show on your own small screen. So if these are not your cup of tea there are plenty of choices from summers past to rent and watch indoors on a rainy day.
-Posted by Miss Jessikah
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