Family Movie Preview: Summer 2019 Vol. 1

With Easter Break in our rear-view, it’s time to look forward to Summer. 

“Wait”, you say.  “It’s only April.”, you say.

True. However, Summer really kicks-off, for movies anyway, April 26^th when Avengers: Endgame hits theaters.

With so much to offers families and kids this Summer, it’s tough to cover it all on one piece.  Therefore, in true movie-going fashion, we’re breaking up our blockbuster coverage into Vol 1 (April through June) and Vol 2, or the Sequel, (July and August).  Come back in June for Vol 2.

April

4/26    Avengers: Endgame   PG-13

By now, everyone knows “Avengers: Endgame” releases April 26^th.  After all, “Avengers: Infinity War” grossed nearly $700M in the US alone and over $2B globally, making this one of the highly anticipated movies outside of the “Star Wars” franchise.  There’s simply not much else to add.

The only questions remaining are:  Will it be any good?  Will it be too intense for my child?  Will I be able to get a ticket opening weekend?

Will it be any good? Super hero movies have always been an “eye of the beholder” proposition – you either love them or hate them. What can be said with some certainty, though, is that the stakes are higher with “Endgame”. So much so that it has to be good.  From both from a story perspective (end of half of all life, etc.) and from a business perspective.  “Endgame” is reportedly the highest budget of any Marvel movie, with production budget (excluding marketing) estimates as high as $300M to $400M.  Clearly Disney has a lot riding on it.

Will it be too intense for my child?  As with most PG-13 films, only you, as a parent, can answer this.  “Endgame” will have lots of intense action sequences, with life and death stakes on full display, though likely little in the way of blood and guts.  I have a tough-guy 9-year old son, but when we recently saw “Shazam”, there were parts where he was looking away.  I probably won’t take him to “Endgame”.  You know your child better than anyone, so plan accordingly.

Will I be able to get a ticket opening weekend?  Many box office prognosticators are predicting a record-breaking opening for “Endgame” north of $255M.  The combination of the (possibly) last chance to see some of these heroes, the cliffhanger from “Infinity War”, the recent blockbuster introduction of Captain Marvel, and the FOMO factor (fear of missing out) could well propel “Endgame” to an all-time opening weekend.

If you need to be part of an historical opening weekend, are afraid of stumbling across spoilers and unable to avoid social media, or just want to see what all the hubbub if about, by all means go forth and cheer with the masses.  If you prefer a slightly less stressful movie-going experience, wait for the second weekend.

May

5/3      Ugly Dolls   PG

Based on the toy line of the same name, “Ugly Dolls” creeps its’ way into theaters May 3.

A cynic might say this is just an attempt to sell more dolls and related merchandise.  Those cynics might be right.  But a more cynical cynic might say, “Aren’t all animated movies and attempt to sell more merch?”  And the more cynical cynic might be right.

Looking beyond the merch tie-ins, though, “Ugly Dolls” is actually a nice little story about inclusivity, celebrating differences and loving one’s self.  I’m usually not a big fan of social messages wrapped up in animated movies.  However, this one feels more worthwhile – especially given that its’ primary target audience is young girls.  As the parent of two daughters, I am a big fan of almost anything that supports girls’ self-images and delivers a strong self-esteem message.

Much like the “Trolls” movie of 2016, “Ugly Dolls” makes heavy use of musical numbers throughout.  Whereas “Trolls” had the Justin Timberlake chart-topping, finger-snapping “Can’t Stop the Feeling”, “Ugly Dolls” has original music by Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Blake Shelton and others.  There should be something for everyone in there.  This may be the sort of soundtrack you’ll end up buying and listening to on the way to school….over, and over, and over, and over.

Rated PG for thematic elements and brief action, “Ugly Dolls” will likely skew girls aged 4-9.

5/7      Detective Pikachu   PG

Another movie looking to capitalize on a successful toy line hits theaters May 7 in “Detective Pikachu”.  Pokemon has long been a popular property with more TV series and movies than I can count, though much of that success has come in Japan.  Then, almost 3 years ago, Pokemon hit the mainstream here in the US with the massively successful “Pokemon Go!” app that became a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

“Detective Pikachu” features the lovable, and arguably most popular, Pokemon character in it’s first live-action/animation hybrid movie.  The voice of Pikachu is provided by Ryan Reynolds, which answers a basic Pokemon question for me:  whether Pikachu is a boy or girl.

With that answered… Pikachu wakes up with no memory except a name and address in a hat but finds his way to Tim, the only person who can understand him.  Seems the name in the hat belongs to Tim’s father who has disappeared, so Tim and Pikachu team up in an interesting twist on the buddy-cop formula. 

Similar to the mystery at the heart of “Zootopia”, the search for Tim’s father provides a context for Tim and Pikachu to wind their way through their world together.  This is a world in which humans and Pokemon co-exist, but don’t always understand each other.  There are some funny moments as the movie plays up this angle often, and Reynold’s wry wit and sarcasm drive the comedy.  The scenes with Mr. Mime (the silent Pokemon) are particularly funny.

Rated PG for action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements.  Pikachu will likely appeal primarily to Pokemon fans, fans of the app, and boys 5-12.  Though Pikachu is cute enough that some young girls may want to see it for him alone.

5/17    A Dog’s Journey   PG

You’d be excused if you felt as if you’d already seen “A Dog’s Journey” – or at least the marketing for it.  You would be half right.  “A Dog’s Journey” is the sequel to 2017’s “A Dog’s Purpose”, and comes out only a few short months after “A Dog’s Way Home” released in January.  “A Dog’s Way Home” was not a sequel to “A Dog’s Purpose”, though all three films were written by the same writers.

Got it?

“A Dog’s Purpose” introduced us to Bailey, a lovable and loyal pup.  Baily grows up, and old, with his boy Ethan, played by Dennis Quaid.  As happens, Bailey passes away, but then comes back as another dog with another owner, passes away again, comes back again, etc.  Fortunately, Bailey always finds his way back to Ethan, albeit in the guise of another dog.  The not-so-subtle message here is that the bond developed between boy and dog transcends death.  At the core is a heartwarming way to look at the search for meaning in life.

“A Dog’s Journey” continues Bailey and Ethan’s story.  This time though, Bailey is sent off by Ethan to look after his granddaughter, CJ, who moves away with her mother.  As happens, Bailey passes away, but then comes back as another dog with another owner, wash-rinse-repeat.  Fortunately, Bailey always finds his way back to CJ.

Is it formulaic?  Yes.  Does it tug shamelessly at the heartstrings?  Yes.  Is it almost too sugary sweet, with a side of repeated death?  Absolutely. 

Is it the kind of family movie that is in too-short supply these days, and will families and kids like it?  Yes.

Especially if you love dogs, or have ever had a dog.  Or a daughter or a grand-daughter.  Or a daughter or grand-daughter who loves dogs.

5/24    Aladdin   PG

Disney tries to recapture its’ box office magic after the disappointing Dumbo, when it releases kids live action remake of “Aladdin” on May 24th.  There are many theories as to why Dumbo underperformed:  it was too old, Tim Burton’s visuals didn’t resonate, it wasn’t a musical, etc. 

Aladdin, on the other hand, is much more contemporary, will stick close to the original’s imagery, and it’s a musical. While the story will be well known to most moviegoers by now, and the music will be sure to please, the real showstopper should be Will Smith’s turn as the genie.

Much like Robin Williams stole the show in the 1992 animated original, Smith will bring his family-friendly “A” game to this highly anticipated remake.  Though William’s performance left immense shoes to fill, this is the sort of over-the-top comedy role that helped make Smith one of Hollywood’s most likable (and bankable) stars.

Rated PG for some action sequences, but “Aladdin” should be fine for audiences as young as 5.  Let’s face it, most 5-year olds have seen the cartoon version anyway.  Even though it’s live-action, most kids over 12 will probably not be too interested, save for those drawn by the music and Smith.

Aladdin should return Disney’s live action remake business to box office prominence. The well-loved story, music, and Will Smith in a wheelhouse roll, should be enough fun for the entire family to enjoy.

5/31    Godzilla: King of the Monsters   PG-13

I debated including this in the “Family and Kids” movies.  I decided to include it because I remember watching the old Godzilla movies when I was in elementary school.  The best week of the year (ok, behind Christmas) was when the local TV station would run the annual “Monster Week” and show Godzilla movies every day after school, culminating with the classic “Destroy All Monsters”.  So, good enough for me as a child….

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” is essentially a remake of “Destroy All Monsters”.  In the original, aliens were behind Ghidorah’s path of destruction, and Godzilla and friends were called upon to help save the planet.  In this update, mankind’s wanton ecological destruction of planet Earth (the film’s message, not mine) has led a group of scientists to resurrect a group of “Titans” – long since dormant god-sized mythological creatures – to save us from ourselves and restore balance to Earth. 

What could go wrong with that plan?

For starters, Ghidorah has other plans and coerces the other Titans (Mothra, Rodan, etc.) to vie for global supremacy and destroy the planet along the way.

What to do?  In a page torn from early 1980s Cold-War era monster-proliferation, the scientists decide to get a bigger, meaner, badder monster and unleash Godzilla!!!  Yeah, that’ll fix everything!!

I’m excited to see updated takes on my favorite childhood monsters, but please, for the love of God, NO BABY GODZILLA!!  He’s only slightly less annoying than the worst Cousin Oliver-inspired franchise extender of all time…. Scrappy Doo.

Rated PG-13 for violence, language and intense action.  “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” will primarily appeal to boys 12-years and up, as well as their now full-grown-but-former-latch-key-kid fathers. 

June

6/7      Dark Phoenix   PG-13

The final X-Men movie created by Fox before being absorbed into the Disney Universe, “Dark Phoenix” explodes into theaters June 7.  How Disney/Fox (DisFox?  FoxNey?) handles the X-Men franchise going forward remains to be seen, but will be interesting.  The X-Men films have always played much darker than the Disney produced Marvel Universe films.

“Dark Phoenix” is no different.  I mean, come on, “Dark” is in the title.  That tells you about the film right there.  There won’t be any of the Disney/Marvel trademark snark, comedic elements and battles with aliens.  Instead, there will be plenty of the Fox/Marvel trademark anger, angst and internal struggle.

“Dark Phoenix” is the origin story of how Jean Grey becomes Phoenix/Dark Phoenix, a character first seen at the end of 2003’s “X-Men 2”.  While on a mission to save imperiled astronauts, Jean absorbs the power of the Phoenix Force, an ancient, all-powerful celestial being (but really, aren’t they all?). 

The film’s villain, Smith, manipulates Jean into releasing the dark side of the Phoenix – you guessed it, “Dark Phoenix”.  Dark Phoenix has the power to destroy all creation, and it’s up to the rest of the X-Men team to stop Dark Phoenix while saving Jean.

Without divulging any spoilers here (this is an “origin” story, after all, so we already who survives), perhaps the most interesting aspect will be to see the Phoenix’s powers on full display and how the team stops Jean.  No doubt this will drive the final wedge between Magneto and Charles Xavier’s divided camps, which makes this feel like the last chapter of the X-Men franchise before DisFox reboots and Marvel-izes the franchise.

Not Yet Rated, I expect that this film will be PG-13 for intense action and violence.  [Update: film has been rated PG-13] Primary audience will be comic book fans, and boys 12+.

6/7      The Secret Life of Pets 2   PG

The sequel to 2016’s wildly successful “Secret Life of Pets” releases June 7, just as kids are getting out of school for the summer.

In the first film, we were introduced to the pets living in an apartment building, and were given a glimpse into their lives when their owners leave for the day.  Loyal Max, plucky Gidget and friends had to search the city (and sewers) for Max and his new “friend” Duke.

This time, we get a glimpse into the emotional lives of the gang.  Max and Duke have a new baby in the house, and Max turns into a neurotic helicopter dog and develops a tic, which requires therapy.  And a cone of shame.  On a family trip to a farm, Max meets a grizzled old farm-hand dog named Rooster (Harrison Ford in his animated-film debut).  Rooster shows Max how to slow down, relax, ditch his fears (and cone) and become a take-charge kind of dog.

Meanwhile, back in the city, Gidget and Snowball go on their own self-discovery journeys.  Gidget must infiltrate a cat-filled apartment in order to save one of Max’s favorite toys.  Snowball, who taken to the superhero pajamas his owner puts him in, has to face his own fears when a neighborhood dog thinks he’s a real superhero and enlist his help.

“Secret Life of Pets 2” will not win any awards for animation, though it’s bright colors and cartoonish character designs will nonetheless appeal to its primary audience.  Likewise, it’s not breaking any new ground story-wise.  At the end of the day, it won’t matter though.  The characters are likeable.  The story lines will be just deep enough to hold the attention of 4 to 9-year olds.  And, who doesn’t want a peak behind the curtain into the psyches of our pets?  I mean, we all know cats are nuts, and this just helps prove it.  Right?

Pets 2 should have enough appeal for both girls and boys, though girls will likely be the main audience.  Age range feels like 4-9.  Full disclosure:  I fell asleep in Pets 1, and plan to do so again in Pets 2 when I take my youngest.

6/14    Men in Black International   NYR

Twenty-two years after the original “Men in Black” released in 1997 and solidified Will Smith’s status as the reigning king of summer box office, and seven years after the third and last MIB featuring Smith made many forget about MIB 1, Sony is giving the franchise the re-boot.

“Men in Black:  International” releases June 14, this time without Will Smith to carry the film.  In place of Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, we get all-new younger recruits:  Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth.  We also get a new location as the action shifts from New York City to London.  Can’t have “International” in the title without going abroad now, can we?

Hemsworth plays “Agent H”, the MIB veteran, while Thompson plays “Agent M” the spunky new recruit who proves her worth to MIB by finding it in the first place.  H and M (get it, H&M?  Fitting since this in London) are tasked with ferreting out a mole within MIB, flash memory-erasing nearly everyone and kicking alien ass along the way.

I must admit, outside of his roles as Thor, Hemsworth has shown himself to be a capable comedic actor.  He certainly has the action-movie experience, but his self-deprecating style makes him well suited for action-comedies.  Thompson has solidified herself in Westworld and Creed I & II, but is poised on the precipice of a breakout year.  With 5 films releasing in 2019, beginning with Avengers: End Game where she reprises her role as Valkyrie, Thompson will be everywhere.

Not Yet Rated, I expect MIB: I will carry a PG-13 rating, similar to the other films in the franchise.  It looks to be a fun afternoon at the movies for older kids, 11 and up (yes, I know I said PG-13).  They won’t remember the earlier, better MIBs, and probably haven’t seen any of them, so this will feel all fresh and funny for them.  Parents…. well, there’s probably some decent laughs in there for us as well, but it may all feel a little “been there, done that”.

6/21    Toy Story 4   G

I always thought they made a huge deal about “Toy Story 3” being the last of the “Toy Story” movies.

Now, nine years after “Toy Story 3” comes “Toy Story 4”.  The films have a massive following (“Toy Story 3” grossed $415M in the US alone) and have all been extremely well-reviewed with the lowest score on RottenTomatoes.com being a 98.  That’s incredible!

So, I guess why not make another?

In the latest, Woody, Buzz and the gang welcome a new friend, a DIY toy named “Forky” that Bonnie made and takes with her everywhere.  While on a family road trip, Forky decides he isn’t a toy, doesn’t belong with the others and jumps from the family RV.  Woody, whose primary concern has always been the happiness of his child, whether Andy or Bonnie, knows Bonnie will be crushed if she loses Forky, so he leaves the RV behind in search of him.  That Woody, he’s a good egg.

On his journey, Woody is shown how big the world is and how many children there are in need of toys to make them happy.  Will Woody find Forky?  Will Woody leave the big outside world, and all the children, behind and return to Bonnie?  Will Buzz and the gang go in search of Woody and help him find his way home?

If previous “Toy Story” ending are any indications, I am sure there will be a happy ending.  Or a happy ending with sad undertones.  Or a sad ending.  Either way, there will be tears.

Not Yet Rated, this movie can’t have anything but a G rating, the same as the others in the franchise.  [Update: movie has been given a G rating] “Toy Story” has endured as one of the most wholesome family film franchises ever and will appeal to parents and kids alike.