Catch some fun family films this summer with these eye-popping cinematic confections. There are movies based on beloved books, a TV show, a video game and a comic strip. There are sequels and final chapters. And hold on to your seat—many will come zooming at you in 3-D!

Marmaduke
PG • June 4

This trouble-prone Great Dane became famous in the comic strips. The catastrophe-causing canine has appeared in 600 newspapers in over 20 countries!

Now “Marmaduke” comes to the big screen in a live action movie. Owen Wilson, the voice of Lightning McQueen in “Cars,” lends his vocal talents to the title character of Marmaduke. Can a super-sized dog fit in with four-legged friends and family?

The Karate Kid
PG • June 11

In an update of the ‘80s movie, this karate kid for a new generation has to tackle more than bullies—he has a huge culture shock to overcome. “The Karate Kid” stars Jaden Smith, Will Smith’s son, as an American boy named Dre who unwillingly moves to Beijing, China. He has a hard time adjusting until he finds an unlikely ally and teacher, played by Jackie Chan, who teaches Dre to stand up for himself.

Toy Story 3
G • June 18

You’ve got a friend in 3-D! A lot of friends, actually, as the entire “Toy Story” gang embarks on a new adventure. Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang return in this new offering from Pixar and Disney.

When the toys’ owner, Andy, heads to college, the toys find themselves in a day care trying to survive untamed toddlers! They meet many new friends and plan their great escape. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprise their roles as Woody and Buzz.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
PG-13 • June 30

The third movie of the Twilight series, based on the best-selling books by Stephenie Meyer, finds high-school heroine Bella caught between Edward and Jacob. Too bad one is a vampire and the other is a werewolf. “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. It is rated PG-13 so talk to your parents before you go to the movies.

The Last Airbender
Not yet rated • July 2

Mysterious beings with the power to control the elements wage war when the Fire Nation turns against Air, Earth and Water. A young boy named Aang (Noah Ringer) must give up his childhood and find the courage to end the conflict.

Based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon, “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” this live-action movie is the first in a planned trilogy. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the phenomenal action scenes in “The Last Airbender” are sure to jump off the screen in eye-popping 3-D.

Despicable Me
PG • July 9

An arch-villain named Gru is preparing to shock the world with his latest dastardly plot. With freeze ray in hand and an army of minions at his command, what could possibly go wrong? But Gru never counted on being put in charge of three little girls. Can he become a Mr. Mom and still maintain his master plan to steal the moon? Steve Carell, star of “Get Smart" and “Evan Almighty,” voices Gru.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
PG • July 16

A magical mentor takes a college student under his wing in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Nicolas Cage, who starred in the "National Treasure" movies, plays the sorcerer Balthazar Blake. He returns to Disney as a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan. Jay Baruchel (voice of Hiccup in “How to Train Your Dragon”) plays the reluctant apprentice.

Ramona and Beezus
G • July 23

Selena Gomez, who shot to stardom in “The Wizards of Waverly Place,” is Beezus in the film version of Beverly Cleary’s beloved book series. In this movie, Gomez isn’t bedeviling magical brothers—she’s trying to keep up with a pesky younger sister, the rambunctious Ramona Quimby, played by newcomer Joey King. Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy and accident-prone antics keep everyone on their toes. But her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping saving family’s home.

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
PG • July 30

This sequel to “Cats & Dogs” finds the two species forced to work together to fight a rogue cat. Kitty Galore is a very bad kitty, indeed. She plots to conquer the world and enslave mankind. Can covert canine agents and feline spies foil her plans?

If you loved the first movie, be sure to catch this one. There are spy gadgets galore, and lots of laughs and sight gags coming at you in 3-D.

Nanny McPhee Returns
PG • Aug. 20

Emma Thompson reprises the role of the magical nanny in “Nanny McPhee Returns.” Thompson wrote the screenplay and starred in the first movie. She’s back as this unconventional nanny sets out to help a struggling mother who is trying to keep her family together while her husband is off at war.

More Family Friendly Movies now playing

Shrek Forever After
PG

Everyone’s favorite ogre is feeling frustrated by family life. He misses the good old days, when angry townsfolk chased him with torches and pitchforks. But when he makes a wish to relive his past for a day, the consequences are more than he bargained for. He must fight to save Far Far Away from a bleak alternate reality.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas return as Shrek, Donkey, Fiona and Puss in Boots. But you’ll see these favorite movie characters in a whole new way in “Shrek Forever After.” And you can see the final chapter of the Shrek series in 3-D!
(See review in Scoop Stories.)

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
PG-13

This adventure, based on a video game, stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a rogue prince with a big destiny to fulfill. The prince teams up with a mysterious princess to find an ancient, magical dagger. The pair must keep the Dagger of Time from falling into the wrong hands—if it does, it could mean the end of the world!

Look for dazzling action scenes and fighting sequences that may be too violent for younger kids. Talk to your parents before you head to the cineplex.