The park is open! The “Jurassic World” park, that is, with a new crop of dinosaurs racing across the big screen. Also heading to theaters this month is a new Disney Pixar movie, a precision-trained military dog and more. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters and on DVD and Blu-ray this month. Note that release dates are subject to change.
INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3
PG-13 for violence, frightening images, some language and thematic elements | In Theaters 6/5 | Ok for Kids 14+ | Focus Features | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Insidious Chapter 3 | Twitter | Instagram
Ready for some scary shenanigans? This newest chapter in the terrifying horror series is written and directed by franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. The chilling prequel, set before the haunting of the Lambert family, reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity. And you just know bad things are going to happen.
JURASSIC WORLD
Not yet rated; likely PG-13 | In Theaters 6/12 (3D/2D/IMAX) | Ok for Kids 13+ | Universal | Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels | Jurassic World | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The park is open! The “Jurassic World” park, that is. Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series. Set 22 years after the horrific events of the original “Jurassic Park,” Colin Trevorrow directs this sci-fi terror adventure based on the novel “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton. Isla Nublar, an island located off Central America’s Pacific Coast near Costa Rica, now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. The new park is owned by the Masrani Global Corporation, so you just KNOW they’re always looking at the revenue.
Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), a member of the park’s on-site staff, conducts behavioral research on a group of Velociraptors known as Blue, Charlie, Delta and Echo. At the corporation’s request, the park’s geneticists create a genetically modified hybrid mutant dinosaur, known as Indominus Rex, to boost visitor attendance. Never mind that the creature cannibalized its own sibling. Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is the park’s operations manager, and her nephews, Zach (Nick Robinson) and Gray (Ty Simpkins), are visiting the island when the hybrid escapes and are subsequently caught up in its deadly rampage. Who will survive?!
INSIDE OUT
PG for mild thematic elements and some action | In Theaters 6/19 | Ok for Kids 6+ | Disney Pixar | Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels | Inside Out | Facebook | Twitter
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), an 11-year-old girl who’s 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 – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith).
The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life, but of course, chaos ensues. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. Directed by Pixar veteran Pete Docter (“Up” and “Monsters, Inc.” are among his many credits), this movie also features the voices of Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Richard Kind and Paula Poundstone.
BIG GAME
PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence, and some language | In Theaters 6/26 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Relativity Media | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Facebook | Twitter | Google+
In the rugged countryside of Finland, young 13-year-old Oskari (the amazing Onni Tommila) embarks on a traditional quest to prove himself by spending 24 hours alone in the wild, armed with only a bow and arrow. After witnessing a spectacular plane crash, he discovers the escape pod from Air Force One, containing the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson).
When they realize a group of kidnappers is hot on their trail with the intention of taking the President, this unlikely duo must escape their hunters as they search for the American Special Forces team sent out to find them. Jalmari Helander directs this action-thriller, which also stars Jim Broadbent, Ted Levine, Victor Garber, Felicity Huffman, Ray Stevenson Mehmet Kurtulus.
MAX
PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements | In Theaters 6/26 | Ok for Kids 8+ | Warner Bros. | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Max | Facebook
Max is a precision-trained military dog who serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell). But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service. Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins).
But Justin has issues of his own, such as living up to his father’s expectations, and Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front. As Justin’s growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self, and as the pair race against time to unravel the mystery, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. Directed by Boaz Yakin, this family movie also stars Lauren Graham, Thomas Haden Church and Jay Hernandez.
NEW ON DVD/BLU-RAY:
TURBO FAST: SEASON ONE
Not Rated | On DVD 6/2 | Ok for Kids 4+ | Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels | Buy on Amazon
Start your engines…and rev up the fun! From DreamWorks, creators of the hit movie “Turbo,” comes the high-speed animated series that takes comedy, action and excitement to the extreme. Join the world’s fastest snail and his Fast Action Stunt Team as they put their elite skills to the test against all-new opponents on and off the track. It’s a Turbo-charged collection of heart-racing thrills for little ones!
THE DOG WHO SAVED SUMMER
PG for some mild rude humor | On DVD 6/2 | Ok for Kids 4+ | Reel Review: 3 of 5 Reels | Buy on Amazon
When former police K-9 dog Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez) accidentally destroys an important party, the Bannister family decides to send him to obedience school. Meanwhile, a familiar trio of bumbling burglars (Dean Cain of “Lois & Clark,” Patrick Muldoon of “Days of Our Lives” and Joey Coco Diaz) is planning a daring diamond heist.
Can Zeus outsmart the hard-nosed instructor (Martin Kove of the original “The Karate Kid”) and his Marine K-9 dog Apollo to win the big tournament and foil the jewel robbery in time for the real dog days of summer? Gary Valentine (“The King of Queens”), Elisa Donovan (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”) and Francesca Capaldi (“Dog with a Blog”) co-star in this cute family movie.
BARNEY: IT’S SHOWTIME WITH BARNEY!
Not Rated | On DVD 6/9 | Ok for Kids 3+ | Reel Review: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Buy on Amazon
Lights, Camera, Action… Barney is ready to put on a tee-rific show! While everyone is excited to see the Harambee Dance Troupe, it may be curtains for Melanie’s movie premiere. Baby Bop worries about trying something new, as others around her share what they can do. Kids can take center stage as they sing and dance along with Barney and friends.
SPIRITED AWAY (2-Disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack)
PG for some scary moments | On DVD 6/16 | Ok for Kids 7+ | Reel Review: 5 of 5 Reels | Buy on Amazon
From Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema, comes this Oscar-winning fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi), who finds herself trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call on the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world. This unforgettable, dream-like story features gorgeous animation and a compelling story.
CURIOUS GEORGE 3: BACK TO THE JUNGLE
Not Rated | On DVD 6/23 | Ok for Kids 3+ | Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels | Buy on Amazon
Launch into the adventure of a lifetime with everyone’s favorite monkey in this all-new movie. When Curious George is asked to take part in a very important space mission, a little monkeying around forces him to crash-land in Africa. While a worried “Man with the Yellow Hat” searches for him, Curious George bravely explores the jungle and makes new animal friends along the way. Reunited at last, the two best pals have an unforgettable adventure shared with new friends! Featuring the voice talents of John Goodman and Angela Bassett, with music by the Plain White T’s, join Curious George on his fun-filled journey for the whole family. Includes sing-alongs.
TOM AND JERRY: SPY QUEST
Not Rated | On DVD 6/23 | Ok for Kids 4+ | Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels | Buy on Amazon
It’s just another day at the beach for the troublesome twosome of Tom and Jerry…that is until they bump into world-class junior spies, Jonny Quest, Hadji and Bandit (classic cartoons meet!). When longtime Quest family nemesis, Dr. Zin discovers Dr. Benton Quest has a device to solve the world’s energy problems, he sends his evil cat army to steal it and capture him and his bodyguard, Race Bannon. Jonny and his new furry friends must embark on an action-packed quest to find his father and save the world.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Images used with permission of the studios and distributors.
