The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian

Adventure/Fantasy/Family/Sequel
In Theaters: May 16, 2008
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated: PG

One year after their heroic adventures in Narnia, Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan Pevensie return to the parallel world. They are surprised to learn they have been transported 1300 years into the future. Their mission is to restore Prince Caspian to the throne.

C.S. Lewis' books are a spiritual journey for its readers. The author, however, was not a theologian, nor was he particularly religious in his early years. He was a classics scholar and close friend of J.R. Tolkien, who wrote The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Both influenced the book series and Lewis' personal philosophy.

The latest installment in Disney's film franchise promises to be action-packed with stunning cinematography, but does have a fair amount of violence. It is, however, one of the few family films that has a positive message for all ages, without a condescending tone. Even if you aren't looking for a film to enlighten you, the story in and of itself is compelling enough to spend a couple of hours at the theater.

Prince Caspian Synopsis and Cast >>

Speed Racer

Speed Racer
In Theaters: May 9, 2008
Action/Kids/Family
Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures
Rated: PG for sequences of action, some violence and language. (Parents cautioned.)

This live-action adaptation of the classic anime series was overshadowed by Iron Man. While I'm not knocking the blockbuster, it's a shame that more families didn't go to Speed Racer's opening. The Wachowski Brothers remembered that the cartoons were written for kids, keeping the movie's parental guideline rating to a mere PG, making it suitable for all but the youngest children. It is another film with a positive message as Speed, his stylish girlfriend, Trixie, and his family fulfill their drive to win, as they defeat corruption and bad guys. Besides, the visual and special effects are stunning.

Speed Racer Synopsis, Cast, Characters and Fast Cars, Daring Tracks, Combative Races.