8 movies your kids are going to want to see this summer
The 2017 summer movie season is packed with goofy family comedies, action-packed animations, and lots of superheroes. Here are 8 of the most anticipated kids’ releases of the summer.
”Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” (June 2)
Target Age: Kids
What’s the buzz? “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” is an animated comedy based on the first book in Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular series about a nearly naked superhero. In this wacky tale, fourth graders George Beard (voiced by Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins (Thomas Middleditch) hypnotize their mean-hearted principal and turn him into Captain Underpants (Ed Helms). The book series is known for its action sequences and gross-out/potty humor, so expect plenty of rude language and cartoonish violence.
”Cars 3″ (June 16)
Target Age: Kids
What’s the buzz? “Cars 3” is the latest installment in Pixar’s “Cars” franchise. The third “Cars” film returns to Radiator Springs to shine its headlights back on Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson). Once a champion racer, McQueen is now being pushed out of the sport he loves by younger, flashier cars like phenom Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer). There may be some intense scenes — including a serious crash for Lightning — as well as some product placement and the occasional rude joke from Mater. But overall, this Pixar outing should be family friendly.
”Transformers: The Last Knight” (June 21)
Target Age: Tweens and teens
What’s the buzz? “Transformers: The Last Knight” is the fifth movie in the violent, action-packed series about alien robots that can disguise themselves as cars. Following the events of “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” humanity is under attack from the evil Decepticons. Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) tries to lead a seemingly hopeless resistance with the help of a tech-savvy girl named Izabella (Isabela Moner). Meanwhile Optimus Prime, the “good guy” Autobot and Earth’s last hope, is off on a distant planet. Expect explosion-filled CGI battle scenes and some objectification of women. Like its prequels, this movie will likely be best for teens and up.
”Despicable Me 3″ (June 30)
Target Age: Kids
What’s the buzz? “Despicable Me 3” is the third movie in the hit animated series about reformed supervillain/happy adoptive father, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell). This “threequel” brings back old favorites as well as introduces new characters, including Gru’s twin brother, Dru. And, of course, there’s a new villain out for world domination: Bathalzar Bratt (Trey Parker). Expect some comic pratfalls, cartoon violence, and creative but minor insults, but overall, this promises to be a fun choice for kids and parents to enjoy together.
”Spider-Man: Homecoming” (July 7)
Target Age: Tweens and teens
What’s the buzz? “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is the latest take on Marvel’s popular web-slinging teenage superhero. This movie directly follows the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” in which Peter Parker (Tom Holland) was recruited to help the Avengers. Still flying high on the idea of being Spider-Man, Peter returns home to his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and tries to settle back into high school. Expect lots of comic book-style action violence, some light romance, and a bit of swearing. Spidey fans know the drill by now, but this will hopefully be fine for tweens and up.
”The Emoji Movie” (July 28)
Target Age: Kids
What’s the buzz? “The Emoji Movie” is an animated comedy about the tiny faces and pictures that everyone loves to text. The movie imagines the world of Textopolis, a colorful city inside the messaging app where all the emojis live and wait to be texted. But while all the other emojis only have one expression, overly enthusiastic Gene (voiced by T.J. Miller) has too many — because he lacks a filter. The cute, colorful emoji characters will likely appeal to kids, but don’t be surprised if there’s a lot of rude language and potty humor.
”The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature” (August 11)
Target Age: Kids
What’s the buzz? “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature” is the sequel to animated animal comedy “The Nut Job.” Following the events of the first film, Surly the squirrel (voiced by Will Arnett) and his friends are back and looking for a new home after a fire burns down “The Nut Shop,” where they were living. They find the perfect park, only to learn that the evil mayor wants to bulldoze it. The original movie was so-so (and scarier than advertised!), but kids will probably still want to see the sequel. Expect some potty humor and lots of cartoonish violence played for laughs.
”Leap!” (August 30)
Target Age: Kids
What’s the buzz? “Leap!” is an animated story about two French orphans who will do anything to pursue their dreams. Felicie (voiced by Elle Fanning) and Victor (Nat Wolff) escape their overbearing orphanage caretaker (Mel Brooks) and head to Paris. Victor wants to be an inventor, while Felicie dreams of being a ballet dancer. Although the main focus is on a ballerina, this movie about two adventurous 11-year-olds looks like one that will appeal to both girls and boys. Expect some action, tension, and rude language that might be too much for the littlest kids.
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Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.


