Upcoming Blockbusters & Must-See Movies

Whether it's family time, date night, or an evening out with your besties, these are the films you won't want to miss this winter and spring.  Need help deciding which movies to allow your child(ren) to watch?  Check out our Movie Resources Page for links to family-friendly reviews and entertainment information.

Selma (PG-13) - Opened 1/9

Drama. During the height of the American civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) led marches from Selma, AL to the state capitol of Montgomery to secure voting rights for black people. If your kids are old enough to see this with you, it should be a great way to start (or continue) an important discussion on the topics of racial discrimination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6t7vVTxaic

Paddington (PG) - 1/16

Animated Comedy. Based on the beloved children's book series by Michael Bond, Paddington tells the story of a young Peruvian bear who travels to the city in search of a home. Let the fun begin!  See the Kids First! reviews here.

Strange Magic (PG) - 1/23

Animated Comedy-Adventure. This madcap musical inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream" tells the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies, and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Created by Lucasfilm Ltd. (you may have heard of some of their earlier works, Star Wars and Indiana Jones), the special effects and animation are sure to be world class!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wv7Li2V7S8

Still Alice (PG-13) - 1/23

Drama. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) is a happily married linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's, Alice and her family are tested as never before. Everywhere I turn, critics are raving about Moore's performance.

Project Almanac (PG-13) - 1/30

Sci-Fi/Thriller. A group of teenage friends come across plans to build a time machine. Together they construct one, and use it to solve the problems they are dealing with. But if you change your past, could it affect your present and risk your future, or even create a larger ripple-in-the-pond effect?

Black or White (PG-13) - 1/30

Drama. Based on true events, this is the story of a grandfather (Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter. When her paternal grandmother (Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother, the little girl is torn between two families who love her deeply. Both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqlE-7PP7Ho

Jupiter Ascending (PG-13) - 2/6

Sci-Fi Adventure. Set somewhere in the distant future, Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is an average girl with a destiny to end the reign of the Queen of the Universe. Caine (Channing Tatum) is the ex-soldier pinning all his hopes on her. Fast-paced action and good-looking stars. Nuff said.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (TBD) - 2/6

Animated Comedy. In this sequel to the 2004 film, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, the world's favorite sea dweller comes ashore for his most super-heroic adventure yet. For families who can't get enough of the TV show, a full-length 3D movie is sure to satisfy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSHmnvYRGT4

Accidental Love (PG-13) - 2/10

Romantic Comedy. A small town waitress (Jessica Biel) gets a nail accidentally lodged in her brain, causing unpredictable behavior. Without insurance, she heads to Washington DC for help from Congress. A young senator (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes up her cause, and the sparks begin to fly.

McFarland, USA (PG) - 2/20

Sports Drama. I love an inspirational sports drama based on a true story! Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) leads a group of high school students in an economically-challenged California town to build a championship cross-country team.

Cinderella (PG) - 3/13

Drama/Fairy Tale. The classic fairy tale is brought to life for a whole new generation. Lily James makes a lovely Ella, but I'm really looking forward to seeing Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20DF6U1HcGQ

Insurgent (PG-13) - 3/20

Action. The Divergent trilogy, based on the popular young adult books, continues in this sequel. Tris and Four are fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine, the leader of the Erudite elite. I'm a fan of the books, but was disappointed with the first film. I'm sure I'll see this movie anyway, along with nearly every teen in the US.

Home (PG) - 3/27

Animated Adventure. Oh, a loveable alien, and Tip, and adventurous girl, form an unlikely friendship and have a series of comic adventures. Together, they discover the true meaning of the word "home."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyqZf8LiWvM

Monkey Kingdom (TBD) - 4/17

Nature Documentary. Once again, DisneyNature brings us an amazing film to celebrate Earth Day! Set among ancient ruins in the jungles of South Asia, the film follows the adventures of a blonde-bobbed monkey named Maya, her newborn son, and her extended family. Monkey Kingdom also features a mischievous mongoose, simple-minded langur monkeys, predatory leopards, and monitor lizards. See the movie in its opening week and DisneyNature will make a donation to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwh6_bMcGl4

Avengers: Age of Ultron (TBD) - 5/1

Action/Adventure. When Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry. Captain America (Steve Rogers), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) must join the battle to save the planet from destruction. You had me at "Tony Stark"!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmeOjFno6Do

Pitch Perfect 2 (PG-13) - 5/15

Comedy. OK, awesome nerds! The Barden Bellas are back and they're entering an - a ca-scuse me? - international competition that no American team has won, like, ever! Directed by the fabulous Elizabeth Banks and starring our favorites from the first film, including Anna Kendrick as Beca, Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy, and Brittany Snow as Chloe (could anyone be more gorgeous?), this is a Happy Mother's Day present to me! If you haven't seen the first film (gasp!), rent it immediately! If you like it, then I know we can be friends forever!