Top Family Films of 2012 or What Movies Your Kids Will Drag You to This Year
Brave!
I have a prediction. You will go to see at least one of these 16 movies this year. Be it a 3D blockbuster that is cute; a 3D blockbuster that is creepy; a remastered 3D classic, a sequel to this, that, or the other, or the film that may not actually be in 3D at all. But regardless of how many dimensions it has, one thing is true: your kids will want — nay, beg and plead — to see at least 38% of them.
So what is in store for you at the theaters this year? Check out the selection here alongside numerous trailers so you can really get a taste of what you’ll be going to see. And you might be surprised, you may want to see more of these films than your kids!
Check out our 2012 Family Film Preview, from those who are Brave, to beloved Dr. Seuss characters, to remastered versions of family favorites right here:
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Beauty and the Beast 3D
On the heels of the uber-successful 3D release of The Lion King, Disney has remastered their classic Beauty and the Beast in 3D. Any and every princess-loving little girl will be pleading to have mom and dad take her to see this. And since they’ve probably only seen it on DVD at home, seeing it on the big screen — in majestic 3D — will be quite a royal treat. And the Tangled Happily Ever After short is seriously adorable. It opens for a limited engagement on January 13th.
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The Secret World of Arrietty
I was fortunate enough to see a sneak preview of The Secret World of Arriettyfrom the world renowned Studio Ghibli and I loved every second of it. It’s mysterious, mesmerizing and a wee bit magical. The film is based on the classic Mary Norton book, The Borrowers, and features the voice talent of Amy Poehler and her husband Will Arnett. The film will be released nationwide on February 17th.
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The Pirates! Band of Misfits
By Aardman Animation, the claymation geniuses behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, this is a tale of a group of pirates trying to win the coveted "Pirate of the Year" award. Featuring the voices of Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek and Jeremy Piven. It will be released on March 30th.
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The Lorax
Based on the beloved Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax has been re-imagined by the crew that brought us Despicable Me. Voice talents include Taylor Swift, Zac Efron, Ed Helms and Danny Devito. And yes, it is in 3D.
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Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee is part of Disney’s DisneyNature series, a collection of gorgeously filmed, touching and educational features on the world and its animals. Chimpanzee is grand, gorgeous and a powerful film about these amazing creatures. It opens on Earth Day 2012.
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Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Coming on June 8th is the newest installment of Dreamworks successful Madagascar series. This time the characters find themselves in Europe. Voiced by Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett and Chris Rock, among others. This sequel will be coming out June 8th.
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Ice Age: Continental Drift
On July 13th, the newest will hit theaters ... and this would be number 4! Yes, 4.
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Brave
Brave is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Finally, a Pixar film with a girl in the lead! And it looks amazing. But it's Pixar, so of course it does. Braveopens on June 22nd.
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The Wind in the Willows
Peter Jackson's animation studio will be taking on this old classic. Not much is known about the production besides the fact that Ricky Gervais was cast as the mole. Coming out sometime in the spring.
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Dorothy of Oz
This is a lush and lovely looking animated rendition of Dorthy of Oz, in musical form. Lea Michele of Glee fame voiced Dorothy. It's an all-star voice cast including Patrick Stewart, Hugh Dancy, James Belushi and Kelsey Grammer, among others. You can get a taste of this new Oz right here.
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The Odd Life of Timothy Green
The Odd Life of Timothy Green stars Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton and is about “a childless couple [who] bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears.” This looks to be a moving flick for the family with older kids.
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Hotel Transylvania
Coming out on September 21 is Hotel Transylvania , a tale about "Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenage daughter." Voice talent includes Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Andy Samberg.
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Frankenweenie
Tim Burton is back, this time from the grave, with his animated feature Frankenweenie. In the film a boy named Victor brings his beloved dog Sparky back from the dead and, well, hijinx ensue. I was able to do a set visit for the production and I can safely say it looks AMAZING! You can check out my set visit report right here. The film opens nationwide on October 5th.
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Finding Nemo 3D
Following in the footsteps of Lion King and Beauty and the Beast is another 3D remastered goody from the Disney vaults, this time a Pixar title. Will be released late this year.
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The Rise of the Guardians
Coming out just in time for the holiday movie season on November 21st is this new Dreamworks Animation project. The tale of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Jack Frost all coming together to stop the evil Boogeyman. Voice talent includes Hugh Jackman, Jude Law and Alex Baldwin.
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Wreck-It-Ralph
This one looks amazing! It's based on the characters in video games and what they do in their time off, following the misadventures of Ralph, the star of a Donkey Kong-like game. But you'll have to wait for this one. It won't be out until November of 2012.
Finding Nemo in 3D? That is sooooooo on the list for this year!
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