The Best Family Flicks of Summer 2010 (page 2)

Summer is in full swing and that means a slew of new movies are on the scene for family movie-going fun. But with so many films hitting theaters right now, how do we know which ones are actually worth seeing? And when we consider the cost of tickets, snacks, drinks and sometimes, the strategically located and hard-to-elude arcade games, going to the movies can become quite costly.  Fortunately, notable movie critic Jen Yamato from Movies.com has come to the rescue to help pare down the list to a manageable and worthwhile few. Here are her top picks in a nutshell, as well as one that wasn't quite up to her snuff.

Ages 5-8 (Rated G):

Ramona and Beezus. For younger kids, Yamato recommends "Ramona and Beezus," based on the Beverly Cleary book of the same name and features Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place, Princess Protection Program). "Gomez has managed to consistently retain a family-friendly audience and it's great to see her in a different role that's still age appropriate and on the big screen.” Now playing.

Ages 8-12 (Rated PG):

Toy Story 3. Yamato enthusiastically opines that, "Toy Story 3" has “transcended the realm of kids’ animated films to become the best all around movie of the season and possibly of the entire year. It’s headed for more Oscars and is sure to be the blockbuster of the year.” The only caveat is that it might not be appropriate for very young kids since “there are some terror elements and heavy themes. This one's great for kids 8 years old and up,” says Yamato. In her review of the movie, Yamato recommends seeing it in 2-D rather than 3-D:

"Some have pulled it off – for example, "How to Train Your Dragon" was amazing in 3-D, but this presentation is more distracting than enhancing. You don’t need a third dimension to be moved by the story or fall in love with the old or new characters. Pixar makes beautiful movies regardless of 3-D and it’s really moving and sweet to see the toys come to life. Parents will be moved by the subtext."

For Yamato’s full review, go here. Now playing.

Despicable Me. “This is a fun spy vs. spy flick that is a blast to see in 3-D" with things popping off the screen left and right!

Yamato continues, "a crazy and evil, but not too evil, villain named Gru," voiced by Steve Carell, discovers that he has a new super-villain nemesis, voiced by Jason Segal. "He’s a twisted version of Bill Gates," she says, "very nerdy with lots of gadgets." When Gru adopts three orphan girls, they teach him how to rethink his villainous ways. The eldest, voiced by Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly), is a very spunky guardian, who looks after her two younger sisters. Gru’s loveable sidekicks called minions are a cross between tater tots and Oompa Loompas. "Kids will fall in love with those guys," says Yamato.

The film's got some mild action and a little bit of rude humor, thus the PG rating. You can read Yamato’s full review of the movie here. Now playing.

A sneak peek at Fall 2010:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It comes as no surprise that this Fall flick will definitely be on the radar for kids (and adults) who've been following the franchise.” Yamato offers that this, the first of the final two films, will “definitely be a movie for high schoolers and beyond.” This film is not yet rated. Part 1 will hit theaters in November of 2010 followed by Part 2 in the summer of 2011.

Ultimately, you and your family will be the judge of these Summer flicks, so let us know what you think by posting feedback in the comments section below. Happy movie watching!

Resources:

About Jen Yamato: Whether she’s podcasting from Sundance, blogging from Cannes or tweeting from Toronto, Jen Yamato is a “digital diva” with her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world of film. She's a film critic for Movies.com and a regular contributor to popular movie blogs such as Cinematical.com,  Film.com and FEAR.net, combining up-to-the-minute information from the web with her uniquely opinionated and humorous style. Yamato is also the go-to resource for several radio and TV stations across the country. Prior to Movies.com, she was the senior editor at rottentomatoes.com, where she oversaw the largest collection of online film reviews. Yamato is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and now resides in Los Angeles.