Shrek 3, Meet the Robinsons, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ratatouille - those are the names of just a few of the animated movies slated for release this spring/early summer, and honestly, I wouldn't consider taking my child to one of them.  While the slick animation and colorful characters might hold her attention for a few minutes, I know most of the plot would go right over her head, the innuendo would be lost on her, and she would be trying to crawl back into my uterus every time the villain came on screen - there's always a villain. The movie ads and promotional tie-ins follow us everywhere,  whether we're at Target, driving past (okay, through) a McDonalds, or browsing in the bookstore.  We're supposed to want to see the movie - we get it. 

I know how it works; I know that "kids" movies have to appeal to the adults accompanying them to the theater on some level, or they wouldn't do well - but when did attracting mature viewers become the focus of the the youth movie machine?  And what does that mean for kids? 

Well, it means they're exposed to mature-themes situations like, violence (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), subtle drug references (Shrek 3), sexual innuendo (Ratatouille), and child abandonment (Meet the Robinsons), for one thing.  I guess that's cool.  Some may argue that they'll learn about those things sooner or later, which is true.  But why explain Mr. Incredible's mid-life crisis and implied infidelity to your 4-year old over a $5 bag of popcorn?  Why take little Billy to a movie you know he's not going to fully understand or enjoy, since the eeeeeeeeeeeevil adversary scares the living shit out of him every time he slinks into the frame?  Why not wait until little Susie hits kindergarten before she has to wrap her head why Lightening McQueen's is freaking out over his lack of corporate sponsorship?

I understand the need and desire to chill out at the movie theater with the kids.  It's nice to have that kind of quiet time together, and the exciting anticipation of the film's release makes the night you finally go to see it together really special .  And some kids really do like and "get" the plot lines - in my experience it's been the older, slightly more mature grade schoolers.  I fantasize about the time when our whole family can hit the town for dinner and a film that everyone understands and enjoys.  I'm hoping that Disney Fairies movie will be watchable for the under 6 set, but word is there's a violent, destructive hurricane, and a scary dragon.  Sigh. 

How do your kids react to the animated films in theaters today?  Is your family first in line at the theater for a new release, or do you steer your kids clear of the "kids" movies they're supposed to like?  Have you been able to find a middle ground when your kid wants to see a movie you don't think is appropriate for them?  Have you taken you little one to a "kids" movie, only to have to leave half-way through?