As the summer heats up, so do the movie releases. Use this guide to help you and your family pick a new favorite film with ease. After all, there is no better place to spend a rainy summer’s day than the cinema.
Organized by release date
June 12
Jurassic Park*. Run time: 2hours 4minutes. Rating: PG-13
Synopsis:22 years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a dinosaur adventure park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. This new park is owned by the Patel Corporation. Owen (Chris Pratt), a member of Jurassic World’s on-site staff, conducts behavioral research on the Velociraptors. Jurassic World’s attendance rates begin to decline and a new attraction, created to re-spark visitor interest, backfires.
June 19
Inside Out. Rune Time: 1hour 42minutes. Rating: PG
Synopsis: Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters.
July 10
Minions. Run Time: N/A. Rating: PG
Synopsis:Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. After accidentally killing off so many of them—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without a master to serve and fall into a deep depression.
But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow.
July 17
Ant-Man*. Running Time: N/A. Rating: Expected PG-13
Synopsis: Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
July 24
Pixels*. Running Time:N/A. Rating: PG-13.
Synopsis: Story is an adaptation of Patrick Jean’s short film, which depicted popular ’80s videogame characters attacking New York City. The movie follows a group of videogame experts who are recruited by the government to help deal with the threat.
Paper Towns*. Running Time and Rating: N/A
Synopsis: Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green , PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears–leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving.
Additional Info:Parents need to know that as with Green’s other books, this one contains some edgy material: teens will find plenty of salty teen language and sexual references here, though nothing graphic. Two kids come across the dead body of a man who killed himself, and later Q. wonders if Margo has committed suicide. Also, the very appealing main characters sneak out at night and conduct a series of pranks, involving vandalism and misdemeanors, for which there are no consequences other than a fond and amusing memory. But the characters — and the writing — are very sophisticated.
August 7
Fantastic 4*. Running Time: N/A. Rating: NR.
Synopsis:Fantastic Four, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.
Shaun the Sheep. Running Time: N/A. Rating: PG
Synopsis: When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for. A mix up with the Farmer, a caravan, and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City and it’s up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone safely to the green grass of home.
August 14
Underdogs*. Running Time: 1hour 22minutes. Rating: N/A.
Synopsis:The story of a reluctant hero whose town is threatened when his long-time rival returns home to avenge an old grudge. When the players from his foosball table are magically brought to life, he recruits them to help him enter into the biggest underdog match ever, save the town and win back the love of his life.
* indicates movies not currently rated as G or PG