It may feel like spring break just ended, but I've got news for you: Summer vacation is right around the corner. How do I know? Because "Iron Man" comes
out in two weeks, and that officially kicks off the summer movie season. And once the blockbusters start, long, hot days with kids underfoot can't be far behind.
If you're already concerned about how to keep the little ones entertained -- and no, "Go outside and time how long it takes until you get sun poisoning" is not an appropriate parental response to the situation -- take a look at this list of five summer flicks you can take your children to see. Keep in mind that release dates, as well as my assessment of these films once I see them, is subject to change.
5. "Speed Racer": The Wachowski Brothers, makers of "The Matrix," aren't usually associated with family-friendly fare. But as Cole noted a few weeks ago, this is indeed a PG-rated film. The trailer makes it look like a movie that's very likely to induce seizures, but if it's a rainy day and your son has just dumped a Costco-sized box of Cheerios all over the kitchen floor, you might be willing to take the risk. Release Date: May 9.
4. "Space Chimps": This animated outer space adventure may be total crap. But there are monkeys in it. And kids love themselves some monkey humor. Release Date: July 18.
3. "Kung Fu Panda": A PG-rated cartoon about pandas who can do Kung Fu, featuring the voices of Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman. This is either a colossal train wreck or box office gold. Release Date: June 6.
2. "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl": Yes, this looks a little shmaltzy. And little Abigail Breslin has not had the best track record since her breakout role in "Little Miss Sunshine." But this is the first feature film based on the American Girl dolls. And as we all know, the American Girl dolls are a force that can't be stopped. To top it all off, the movie goes into wide release just in time for the July 4th holiday, so if you don't take your daughters to go see it, you're letting the terrorists win. Release Date: Limited on June 20, wide July 2.
1. "Wall-E": At this point, Pixar is practically infallible. After giving us "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Cars" and last summer's "Ratatouille," the animation geniuses turn their attention this year to a robot who falls in love. I hate to sound like one of those cheesy movie trailer voiceovers, but ... if you take your kids to just one movie this summer, this is the one to see. I like monkeys and pandas as much as the next person but the people at Pixar have cinematic gifts that are pretty much untouchable. Release Date: June 27.
Photo: Pixar Via The Daily Mail
