Spider Man 3
Now Playing

Currently playing in theaters, Spider Man 3 stars Tobey Maguire as the famed New York City superhero. In this installment, Spider Man, otherwise known as Peter Parker, has gotten some much needed balance into his life. He is easily managing to be both a superhero and a boyfriend to Mary Jane, played by Kirsten Dunst. But then, a comet falls in the city—and not just a regular one. This one is particularly troublesome because it overpowers everything it touches. As if that wasn’t enough, a criminal who killed Parker’s uncle is on the loose, and he’s become a terrifying entity known as the Sandman. I think we can safely guess Spidey will save the day. One note: This is rated PG-13, so you may not want to take the really little ones.

Shrek the Third
Out: May 18

Everyone’s favorite green ogre is back. Scheduled to hit theaters in just a few days, Shrek features Saturday Night Live alums Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, voicing Shrek and Donkey. For those not familiar with the plot—though if you have a little kid, that’s probably impossible—Shrek is married to Fiona, a beautiful human princess who turned into an ogress. In this film, Shrek’s father-in-law, King Harold, has died, and Shrek is in line to be the next king, but it’s not what he wants. Fiona’s cousin, highschooler Artie, is a possibility, but also a problem, as he’s not the most enterprising of sorts. Though the Shrek films are mostly for kids, they have enough intelligent jokes that adults can appreciate them too.

Nancy Drew
Out: June 15

Here’s a name you’ll remember from your childhood, and your mother will remember from hers too. It’s good old Nancy Drew, the best girl detective ever, from the series of books written by Carolyn Keene. She’s played by Emma Roberts, a rising kid star who has acting in her genes. (Julia Roberts is her aunt.) In this version, Nancy goes with her dad, Carson, played by Tate Donovan (who you might remember from his brief role on Friends) to LA and encounters a mystery involving a movie star. Nancy has to keep her head and try to solve the mystery in the shallow environment that is Hollywood.

Ratatouille
Out: June 29

The promotion is full steam ahead on this one, so you’ve probably already seen the trailer. This animated film is a G rated movie—so rare nowadays—featuring the vocal talents of Janeane Garofolo, among others. Though the idea of a rat cooking your food will probably make you want to hurl, that’s the dream of one very special rodent named Remy. His family isn’t too keen on it and of course, neither is society. But Remy doesn't give up, traveling to Paris and hanging out by a restaurant featuring the magnificent human chef Auguste Gusteau. He befriends the garbage guy, who sees something special in the plucky rat. Will Remy be able to become the world’s only rodent chef? And is he willing to leave being a regular rat behind?

The Transformers
Out: July 4

Remember The Transformers, the TV cartoon that was huge back in the 80s? (Late at night, when I close my eyes, I can still hear that haunting “more than meets the eye” theme music.) Twenty years ago, this was made into a movie, and now it’s back for a whole new generation to discover. This sci-fi film features the Autobots and Decepticons fighting for AllSpark, the Transformers’ afterlife. But their battle is destroying Earth, and only one boy (played by popular teen star Shia LaBeouf) can save the planet.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Out: July 13

This is the fifth time Harry comes to the big screen, and in this outing, he and Dumbledore get Hogwarts ready for Voldemort’s returning visit. But certain figures in the Wizard world are not happy with Harry’s activities.

The Simpsons Movie
Out: July 27

Featuring all the same voices you’ll hear in the series, this film gathers Homer, Marge, and their family for a funny round of adventures. (As this film is extremely anticipated, plot details have been kept hush-hush.)

Bratz: The Movie
Out: August 10

Your kids probably already have the dolls, which are similar to Barbie but a little more trendy. Bratz has American Idol judge Paula Abdul starring in a live-action feature with four teenage girls who create a group in which popularity isn’t as important as friendship. Expect lots of music and dancing. (And lots of time at the store buying new Bratz products.)

Until next time!