summer movies 2011

Rated PG-13, In Theaters May 6
What It's About:
Banished from Asgard for reigniting an ancient war, an arrogant warrior ends up on Earth, where he is forced to defend his human neighbors against the dark forces of his real home.
What's the Buzz? This Marvel superhero is poised to take over the box office around the world--and possibly the universe.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: THOR!
Target Audience: Comic book fans
Watch Out For: Lots of fighting
Read our Age-by-Age review of Thor.

Rated PG-13, In Theaters May 20
What It's About: Captain Jack Sparrow unexpectedly finds himself aboard Blackbeard's legendary pirate ship, heading for the Fountain of Youth.
What's the Buzz? The franchise will continue to be box office treasure.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2, and 3
Target Audience: Everyone who has seen any of the first three--or none of them!
Watch Out For: Swashbuckling--and enchanting mermaids
Read our Age-by-Age review of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Rated PG, In Theaters May 26
What It's About: Po, aka the Dragon Warrior, bands together with the Furious Five to stop a formidable villain who wants to take over China and destroy kung fu.
What's the Buzz? Based on the success of the original, the answer is pretty black and white.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: Pandas and tigers and cranes and vipers...and all are martial arts masters!
Target Audience: Families
Watch Out For: Moves your little ones will want to try out themselves
Read our Age-by-Age review of Kung Fue Panda 2.

Not yet rated, In Theaters June 3
What It's About: Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr become Professor X and Magneto in this prequel to the X-Men phenomenon.
What's the Buzz? X marks the spot!
Why Kids Will Want to Go: To see how it all began.
Target Audience: Mere mortals
Watch Out For: Comic book violence
Read our Age-by-Age review of X-Men First Class.

Not yet rated, In Theaters June 10
What It's About: A precocious third grader stuck at home while her friends go off to camp is determined to make it a summer to remember.
What's the Buzz? The readers of the beloved books will line up to see their heroine come to life on the big screen.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: They can totally relate to Judy's desire.
Target Audience: Kids looking for their own summer thrills!
Watch Out For: Some behavior you may not want to see in your own household
Read our Age-by-Age review of Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.

Not yet rated, In Theaters June 10
What It's About: While making their own super 8 movie in the summer of 1979, a group of young friends witness a mysterious train wreck.
What's the Buzz? Because the movie has been kept under such close wraps, the anticipation just keeps building.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: It's produced by Steven Spielberg.
Target Audience: Sci-fi fans
Watch Out For: Frightening imagery
Read our Age-by-Age review of Super 8.

Not yet rated, In Theaters June 17
What It's About: The fate of the planet lies in the hands of the first human ever inducted into the brotherhood of warriors created to protect peace and justice and maintain the balance of intergalactic power.
What's the Buzz? The filmmakers are hoping the grosses will be out of this world.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: It's a summer of superheroes.
Target Audience: Fans of the popular DC comic
Watch Out For: High-tech weapons
Read our Age-by-Age review of Green Lantern.

Not yet rated, In Theaters June 17
What It's About: A businessman's life is totally turned around after he inherits half a dozen penguins.
What's the Buzz? These penguins will march into audiences' hearts.
Why Kids Will Want to Go: Jim Carrey and his tuxedo-clad co-stars
Target Audience: The generations of readers who have a soft spot for the classic book
Watch Out For: Some crude humor
Read our Age-by-Age review of Mr. Popper's Penguins.