Kid Movies

We're huge animated-movie fans, and so are our kids, so it was beyond exciting when we got an invitation from DreamWorks for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Croods, the soon-to-be-released caveman film from the makers of Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda. Hitting movie theaters this weekend, March 22, and featuring the voices of Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, and Nicholas Cage, The Croods is a classic family story — overprotective dad, feisty grandma, rebellious teen — mixed with fantastic creatures, a fierce, feral toddler, and a heavy dose of impending doom. Set sometime after the dinosaurs and before the rise of mammals, the movie is full of awesome action sequences, extraordinary settings and creatures, and even a bit of romance.

The 3D film builds on the studio's impressive three-dimensional resume, truly bringing audiences into the action. "There is more 3D knowledge, experience, and movie making here within the studio than any other place on the planet today," studio founder Jeffrey Katzenberg told us. "The goal always has been transporting you into that world, really make you feel as though you're in the center of it. That's the best use of 3D. It's less about gimmicks and things that kind of poke out of the screen as opposed to immersing the audience in it."

The innovative 3D experience is just one of the reasons we think moms, dads, and kids will all love The Croods. Keep reading for more reasons why you should journey into the "Croodaceous" era on March 22.

Source: DreamWorks Animation

It's Oscar weekend! We're getting the whole family involved with 10 family-friendly films that have been honored with nominations for the coveted best picture award. Keep reading for our favorite films that both kids and parents can enjoy, from the old-school classic Mary Poppins, which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards in 1965, to last year's best picture nominee Hugo!

This year's Oscar buzz has largely centered around big names like Lincoln and Argo, but impressive animated films are worth noting too. "Best animated feature film" only became an Oscar category in 2002, but since then, and even before that, kid-friendly films have blown us away with their award-worthy story lines and animations. Check out some of the top Oscar-nominated animated films, from this year's Brave to the beloved classic Beauty and the Beast, and let us know — what are your family's favorites?

Sit back and get comfortable, because you'll likely be spending quite a bit of time in a movie theater this year! The 2013 docket of kid-friendly films is filled with voices mom and dad will recognize and characters tots have seen before. While there are plenty of sequels in this year's lineup, be prepared to fall in love with some new faces as well. Keep reading to see the kiddie flicks we're anticipating the most this year.

Celebrate the season as a family with a warm and cozy movie night featuring your favorite holiday films. From classic Christmas movies including Home Alone and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to brand-new holiday specials like It's a SpongeBob Christmas!, we're highlighting all the must-watch flicks — plus the TV listing information so that you can set your DVR now! Click through to see which films air when, then get ready for a fun, festive month full of holiday movie marathons!

There are lots of cute child actors, but it takes an incredible talent to create an amazing lil movie character. Young kiddos who showcase the rare quality often enjoy a long stint in Tinseltown. From youngsters who made us belly laugh to those who had us in tears, we've rounded up some of our favorite lil ones we wish we could steal right off the big screen. Tell us which characters you would add to the list!

The riveting Olympics action has ended, but we have plenty of sports movies to keep the fun going. Help your kids foster that competitive spirit by watching classic sports films for the whole family. Whether they like timeless underdog tales or silly animated movies, these heartwarming picks are sure to bring smiles and inspire lessons. We've rounded up some of the most memorable, kid-friendly sports movies of all time, so grab some popcorn and get ready to channel the Olympic spirit with your little ones.

If you've paid any attention to the early buzz, trailers, and commercials, you'd be led to believe that Disney Pixar's Brave (in theaters this Friday, June 22) is defined by the plotline of a rebellious, bow-and-arrow-happy heroine. And while you'd be correct, there's more to this story than first meets the eye. Set in the Highlands of Scotland, Brave embraces a folkloric feeling, touching on themes of tradition, fate, and, of course, bravery.

Merida, the impetuous young princess, is determined not to accept her fate to be married to one of three "acceptable" suitors. Her attempt to challenge her destiny, however, goes horribly wrong, and she risks being responsible for the demise of her mother and the kingdom.

While red-headed Merida is a respectable role model for little girls, and she's a far cry from some of her glass-slipper-seeking predecessors, she certainly isn't the first of her kind. Disney's animated films have long championed the independent, free-spirited protagonist-princess. From the nonfictional Pocahontas's refusal to accept her arranged marriage to Mulan's acts of heroism to defend her family's honor, Merida joins a long-standing tradition of Disney "women" who determine their own destinies — which we love.

Brave is fast-paced, fun to watch (especially in 3D), and filled with wholesome, important lessons and plenty of good humor. Here, five reasons why it's worth taking your kids to see Brave . . . and why grownups will be happy to accompany them.

Source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures