For long term readers of this blog, you know how much I love my animated features and movies made for kids. I feel that sometimes they have more meaning and depth than some of the movies that come out of Hollywood. It is my honour to host Corinne, a mom and homeschooler, with her take on movies to watch out for this summer. 

The countdown to summer has already begun and the movie world has promised us a slew of cinematic treats to celebrate. In order of date of release, here are the top 5 most anticipated family friendly movies of the summer of 2014.

LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN – MAY 9TH

Following the story line from where it left off in Wizard of Oz, Dorothy returns to Kansas to witness the aftermath of the tornado that first transported her to Oz. To her surprise, the minute she arrives home, she is whisked away to Oz again. Oz is in trouble – her friends are missing and the people need her help. Her quest leads her to make more friends and indulge in even more adventures.

MALEFICENT – MAY 28

You may remember Maleficent as the wicked witch in the kids’ classic movie, Sleeping Beauty. This live action remake delves into why a once good fairy becomes evil. She curses little princess Aurora only to find that she is the key to peace in the human and forest kingdom. The movie will take us through the drastic actions Maleficent will then take to restore balance.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 – JUNE 13

Easily the most anticipated movie this summer, How to Train your Dragon 2 takes place 5 years after Hiccup unites dragons and Vikings. In Berk, dragon races and exploring uncharted territory seems to be everyone’s new favorite sport. The story will show us a grown up Hiccup and Toothless who discover a cave full of undiscovered dragons and a dragon rider whose skill is levels above Hiccup. If the stir on the internet about the first 5 minutes of the movie (released by DreamWorks) is anything to go by, this will be summer’s favorite.

PLANES: FIRE AND RESCUE – JULY 18

Everyone loves stories of underdogs who emerge victorious after fighting for their impossible dreams. The endearing hero, Dusty, is back to his never-give-up ways in this sequel to Planes. After learning that his engine is damaged and that he may never be able to race again, Dusty joins the world of aerial firefighting and together with his friends battles a massive wildfire. The movie takes the characters on a journey to discover what it is that truly makes someone a hero.

THE BOXTROLLS – SEPTEMBER 26

Legend has it that beneath the cobblestone streets of the city live a bunch of vicious, child and cheese stealing boxtrolls. The truth, however, is that the Boxtrolls are a bunch of quirky and loveable boxes who have adopted an orphan human boy who they call Eggs. When the Boxtrolls are targeted by an evil exterminator, Eggs has to go out of his way to save his family. This movie is to be released a little later in the year and from the trailers, seems the best way to wrap up Summer 2014.

About the author: Corinne Jacob is a professional writer who is convinced that kids learn best when they’re having fun. She is constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to make learning an enjoyable experience. Corinne loves all things that scream out un-schooling, alternative education and holistic learning.