Can you believe the holidays are already in full swing? While you are working on your shopping lists, I’ve put together a list of the family movies coming to theaters, and on DVD, in November and December. Be sure to bookmark this page so you and your kiddos will be ready to enjoy some popcorn and memories together this holiday season.
November:
In Theaters:
The Peanuts Movie (in theaters now)
My family saw The Peanuts Movie this past weekend and we all loved it! Charlie Brown and the gang are finally on the big screen and the story stays true to all the classic Schulz elements. You’ll see Charlie Brown’s mishaps, the Red Baron adventures, and Lucy’s advice booth, but the best parts of the movie are the sweet messages about telling the truth and believing in yourself. My daughter loved Snoopy’s love interest, a new character named Fifi. Rated PG.
My All American (November 13th)
My All American is the true story of a high school football player who gets recruited to the University of Texas after being overlooked by most colleges. He becomes a star of the team until an unexpected tragedy changes his life. This one will be for older children who can handle some serious themes, but it’s from the writer of Rudy and Hoosiers so you know it’s going to be a film with major heart. Rated PG.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 (November 20th)
This is the fourth and final installment in the massive Hunger Games film series. Katniss and her closest friends Peeta, Gale, and Finnick, team up for the ultimate mission. They leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem. This one will be popular with your teens and preteens who have been following the series from the start. Be ready to get tickets early! Rated PG-13.
The Good Dinosaur (November 25th)
What if Earth was never hit by an asteroid and the dinosaurs never became extinct? That’s the premise of this much-anticipated Pixar film about a young dinosaur named Arlo who develops an unlikely friendship with an adorable caveboy. Pixar takes you on an epic journey as Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovering what he is truly made of. Rated PG.
On DVD:
Inside Out (Available Now)
This is the beautiful Pixar movie about growing up and learning to deal with all your complicated feelings. Inside Out tells the story of 11-year-old Riley and her move to a new city. Her emotions team up to help her get through the tough transition. You and your kids will definitely choose a favorite from Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, or Sadness. I love blue-haired Joy, voiced by the awesome Amy Poehler. Rated PG.
Shaun the Sheep DVD (November 24th)
Shaun the Sheep is the full-length spin-off of the same-named TV series. When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for in the “Big City.” This sweet adventure movie has great messages about teamwork and friendship. A fun watch for the whole family. Rated PG.
December:
In Theaters:
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (December 18th)
This is the seventh installment in the main Star Wars film series and this one is going to be huge. You can tell by all the Star Wars merch already in the aisles of your local Target and Walmart stores. The Force Awakens stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and newcomers Adam Driver and Lupita Nyong’o. The Force Awakens is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. Rated PG-13.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (December 18th)
Your favorite chipmunks are back just in time for Christmas and this time they’re road tripping! Alvin, Simon and Theodore believe their main man Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami…and then dump them. They only have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave, but from possibly gaining a terrible stepbrother. I’m just hoping those cute Chipettes make a guest appearance. Rated PG.
On DVD:
Minions (December 8th)
This prequel to the Despicable Me franchise focuses entirely on those beloved sidekicks, the Minions. Main Minions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob are recruited by super-villain Scarlett Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock) to take over the world. This one was not my favorite of the Despicable franchise, but your kids will love those little yellow guys all over again. Rated PG.
