12 Inspiring Movies for Women’s History Month to Watch with Your Kids

By Common Sense Media

February 9, 2024

Hidden Figures is a must-watch Women’s History Month movie

March is Women’s History Month! Here are 12 fact-based films about women that can spark great conversations with your kids. From a 1960s classic about Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan to new documentaries chronicling women and girls all around the world, these powerful Women’s History Month movies are an excellent way to celebrate the strong females of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

A Ballerina’s Tale
Misty Copeland was the first African-American principal dancer for New York's American Ballet Theater. Copeland's place in ballet history—and American history—comes to life in this engrossing documentary.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

Directed by Nelson George

(Sundance Selects, 2015)

Anne Frank Remembered
Through interviews with schoolmates, relatives, camp survivors, and the family's heroic protector, Miep Gies, this powerful documentary completes the story of young Anne Frank’s last days.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

Directed by Jon Blair

(Columbia Tristar, 1995)

Hidden Figures is a good Women's History Month movie

Hidden Figures
Based on the nonfiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures is the true story of three brilliant African-American women who worked for NASA in the 1950s and '60s as "human computers.”

Recommended for ages 10 and older

Starring Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughn, Janelle Monae as Mary Jackson, and Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson.

Directed by Theodore Melfi

(Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, 2016)

The Miracle Worker
This outstanding classic is based on the true story of two of the great figures of American history, Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan Macy.

Recommended for ages 10 and older

Starring Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan

Directed by Arthur Penn

(MGM/UA, 1962)

RBG is a good women's history month movie

RBG
This riveting documentary chronicles the extraordinary life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting the esteemed jurist's lifelong fight for gender equality.

Recommended for ages 10 and older

Directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West

(Magnolia Pictures, 2018)

Amelia
A historical biopic about the famed female pilot Amelia Earhart offers an uplifting message and a strong role model for preteen girls and boys.

Recommended for ages 11 and older

Starring Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart

Directed by Mira Nair

(Fox Searchlight, 2009)

Betty & Coretta
This is a poignant tribute to the courage and fortitude of two lesser-known civil rights heroes: Dr. Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King, the widows of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Recommended for ages 11 and older

Directed by Yves Simoneau

Starring Angela Bassett as Coretta and Mary J. Blige as Betty

Directed by Yves Simoneau

(Lifetime, 2013)

Speed Sisters
Spirited, inspiring documentary teaches kids about the first all-female car racing team in the Middle East and the stark realities of Palestinian life on the West Bank.

Recommended for ages 11 and older

Directed by Amber Fares

(Dogwoof Global Sales, 2017)

A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story
This moving documentary is about a woman who was born with a very rare congenital disease that makes her look unlike anyone else. The inspiring story is a must-see for anyone who's ever felt like they just didn't fit in, and Lizzie—who has fought tirelessly against bullying—is an amazing role model.

Recommended for ages 12 and older

Directed by Sara Hirsh Bordo

(Cinedigm, 2015)

Girl Rising
Girl Rising is an informative, educational documentary about the lives of impoverished girls living in countries where education for girls isn't a priority. It’s the kind of stirring film that parents should watch with their mature tweens or teens and then discuss the ideas it raises—girl empowerment, education, and equality.

Recommended for ages 12 and older

Directed by Richard Robbins

(GathrFilms, 2013)

He Named Me Malala
This inspiring and deeply affecting documentary explores the life of iconic teen Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.

Recommended for ages 12 and older

Directed by Davis Guggenheim

(Twentieth Century Fox, 2015)

on the basis of sex is a good women's history month movie

On the Basis of Sex
On the Basis of Sex is another 2018 film about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this one a biographical drama that covers her time as one of a handful of women attending Harvard Law School in the late 1950s to her first groundbreaking gender-discrimination case in the early '70s.

Recommended for ages 12 and older

Starring Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Directed by Mimi Leder

(Focus Features, 2018)

Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

10 Movies to Educate & Entertain During Black History Month

By Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 15, 2024

Watch these Black history movies with your kids and learn as a family

These Black history movies for kids were hand-picked to give the 10 and younger set an opportunity to watch and learn about some of the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the Black community. Watch these movies with your child to tap into important conversations you can have during Black History Month and throughout the rest of the year.

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World

March On! is a Black history movie for kids — Common Sense Media

This Scholastic Storybook DVD includes narrations of four children's books about the civil rights movement and Black history. It manages to explain how Black people were treated unequally in a way even preschoolers can understand on a basic level.

Recommended for ages 4 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Paul R. Gagne, Melissa R. Ellard
Scholastic, 2010

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World

This is the uplifting true story of Janet Collins, whose dedication and determination led her to become the first African-American ballerina in the country to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House. Narrated by Chris Rock, this inspirational film can teach kids a lot about the lingering effects of slavery and racism in Jim Crow America.

Recommended for ages 5 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Saxton Moore
Sweet Blackberry, 2015

Garrett's Gift

Narrated by Queen Latifah, this short movie about Garrett Morgan is a great primer on the history of a famous Black inventor and on the fascinating places where ideas originate.

Recommended for ages 5 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Karyn Parsons
Sweet Blackberry, 2007

The Journey of Henry Box Brown

The Journey of Henry Box Brown is an educational, uplifting short film that tells the true story of a former enslaved person who shipped himself to freedom in a crate in a harrowing 27-hour journey. It’s a perfect introduction to Black history.

Recommended for ages 5 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Karyn Parsons
Sweet Blackberry, 2005

And the Children Shall Lead

This powerful drama provides a great way to open discussion with kids about racial issues. Direct and sensitive, it personalizes a portrait of America's arduous struggles to break free of racism.

Recommended for ages 9 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Directed by Michael Pressman
HBO, 1988

A Ballerina's Tale

A Ballerina's Tale examines the life and career of Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer at New York's American Ballet Theater. Not only is Copeland a significant role model for any young girl who dreams of a career as a dancer, but she's also emerged as an important example for the Black community.

Recommended for ages 9 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Nelson George
Sundance Selects, 2015

Thunder Soul

Black history movies for kids — Common Sense Media

This documentary about one of the country’s top jazz bands in the mid-‘70s is full of inspiring messages and strong role models. The Kashmere Stage Band was an all-Black high school band from Houston that not only revitalized the predominantly Black school but also revolutionized the entire concept of the stage band.

Recommended for ages 9 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Mark Landsman
Roadside Attractions, 2011

Hidden Figures

Based on the nonfiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures is the true story of three brilliant Black women who worked for NASA in the 1950s and '60s as "human computers.” This is a story that needed to be told—and it's told in a triumphant manner.

Recommended for ages 10 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Theodore Melfi
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, 2016

Remember the Titans

Remember the Titians is a Black history movie for kids — Common Sense Media

Remember the Titans tells the inspirational true story about the struggles and victories of a newly-integrated high school football team in 1971 in Alexandria, Virginia. It’s a deeply moving film about the courage of individuals and the power of sports to transcend perceived and ingrained differences.

Recommended for ages 10 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Directed by Boaz Yakin
Walt Disney Pictures, 2000

Woodlawn

Woodlawn is a faith-based drama inspired by true events at a Birmingham, Alabama, high school in 1973. The movie focuses on how a sports chaplain helped convert nearly the entire Woodlawn High School football team to born-again Christianity after it was desegregated, helping the players deal with racial strife on and off the field.

Recommended for ages 10 and older
Quality: 3 out of 5
Directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin
Pure Flix Entertainment, 2015

Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

‘Wednesday’ Cast Discuss (& Confirm) Top Fan Theories for Season 2

by Erica LoopJune 26, 2023

Wednesday season 2 is officially underway

Netflix’s creative take on the Addams Family has been a runaway success. Wednesday, a coming-of-age tale directed by Tim Burton following the angsty teen, is one of the most-watched series ever to stream on Netflix. In January 2023, the streamer announced the show was getting a second season and has just released a new video in which members of the cast discuss (and confirm) top fan theories.

The video features Jenna Ortega, Emma Meyers (Enid), Joy Sunday (Bianca), and Hunter Doohan (Tyler) discussing potential plotline theories for season 2, like Crackstone’s ring and whether or not someone will inherit its power, what Eugene might have in store, and whether or not Professor Weems met her end in Episode 8. While the actors admit that most of season two is so top secret that even they don’t know for sure what’s coming, they did confirm one theory about the new season that revolves around the Addams family itself.

“We can’t wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky, spooky world of Nevermore,” said Wednesday Season 1 co-showrunners Miles Millar and Alfred Gough. “We just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first.”

Will Christina Ricci reprise her role in Season 2?

In March 2023, when asked whether her character, Marilyn Thornhill, would be returning for a second season, Ricci told Entertainment Tonight, “I don’t think I’m allowed to say… on my end, the door is open. She was so fun to play! It’s always so fun to play a villain.”

Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 Release Date

While there’s no news on a release date, fans can still learn about the plot theories and maybe rewatch season one to get more ideas before the second season arrives.

In season one, as Wednesday attempted to master her budding psychic powers, the iconic character also aims to “thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago—all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships of the strange and diverse student body,” per Netflix.

My Young Sons Aren’t “Heartbreakers.” Here’s Why

By Elizabeth Brunner

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 4, 2021

When I realized I was going to be a #boymom, I mentally prepared myself for a lot of things from being completely surrounded by testosterone to having to wipe the toilet down multiple times a day. What I wasn’t prepared for was the influx of outdated and insulting stereotypical phrases directed towards young boys.

From the moment onlookers experienced my five-year-old’s heartwarming hugs or my 2-year-old’s swoon-worthy dimples, I’d be bombarded with “compliments” ranging from “He’s gonna break some hearts” to “That’s an aspiring lady killer” and “He’ll definitely be a ladies man.” And then, we have “Boys don’t cry.” “Boys will be boys.” “Boys are much rougher than girls.” Every time those remarks hit my ear, I’d instantly cringe. I understood there was no malice behind these phrases. They were people making conversation, trying to connect. But what I heard were stereotypes being perpetuated onto my young sons. And these stereotypes had the capacity to do very real damage to their sense of self, their relationships, and even their safety. Let me explain.

I believe children hear and absorb more than we realize. But young children don’t necessarily have the capacity to decipher these supposed “well-meaning” phrases. If they hear them enough and start internalizing them, there’s a chance they become a reflection of those stereotypes. They become boys who grow up to lack respect for another person’s body and personal space, demean another’s display of emotions and not feel the need to be held responsible for it because “boys will be boys.” That is not what I want for my kids.

And it’s even more essential for me to shut down these stereotypes because I’m the mom to two Black boys. When I hear them, I feel like these phrases have the potential to erase the small dose of innocence little Black boys are allowed in a world destined to vilify them. Being wild and rough, or being a “heartbreaker” in relationships are generalizations society routinely associates with Black men. However, the difference is that when Black boys absorb those generalizations, there is little grace that may be extended to white children. According to a 2014 study conducted by the American Psychological Association, Black boys are viewed as older and less innocent in comparison to white boys from the age of 10—which leads to harsher disciplinary actions.

Words have power. I want my children to be well-adjusted, functioning members of society. That’s why I do everything in my power to not only shower them with positive affirmations, but I correct any adult who dares repeat those narrow minded ideologies about or around my children in the hopes they will one day learn the error in their words.

Until then, I’ll continue to do what I can to surround my boys with positive images of masculinity and defy gender stereotypes in the hopes that they will learn that “boys will not be boys.” Instead, boys can aspire to be “good people.”

—Written by Terri Huggins Hart
Terri Huggins Hart is a nationally-published journalist, freelance writer, and public speaker. Find her on Instagram @terrificwords.

This post originally appeared on StereoType.

Elizabeth Brunner

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Elizabeth Brunner is a San Francisco-based designer and the founder of StereoType, a gender-free, st‌yle-forward kids clothing brand that’s designed to celebrate individuality and freedom of self-expression by blending traditional ideas of boys’ and girls’ wear. StereoType combines st‌yle, design and comfort to inspire creativity, individuality and freedom of expression.

Your “Addams Family 2” Sneak Peek is Here

by Sarah ShebekJuly 6, 2021

Bah duh duh dum…snap snap. There’s another Addams Family movie coming out this fall and the new poster just dropped! “Unhappy to see you again” colorfully captures the crew as they prepare for one last family vacation.

In The Addams Family 2, Morticia and Gomez are struggling with the fact that their children are growing up and skipping family time. The solution? Cramming the fam into the haunted camper and hitting the road! As they adventure across America, they’ll have laughable run-ins with Cousin It and a host of kooky new characters.

The cast is packed with star power, featuring Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Snoop Dogg, Bettle Midler and Bill Hader! It’s directed by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon and is scheduled to premiere in theaters on October 1. Just in time for spooky season!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.

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Get Jumping: 10 Trampolines to Amp Up Your Backyard Fun

by Kate LowethMay 15, 2021

Cooped up and going a little stir crazy? We get it. There’s nothing that gets the kids moving like a trampoline. Whether you go for a massive outdoor trampoline, or an indoor trampoline for the living room, we’ve got the scoop on the best trampolines for kids right here. There are even a few springfree trampolines and mini trampolines to give you tons to choose from. Order yours before they sell out for summer!

Want to save to Pinterest? Click here.

Little Tikes Climb 'N Slide Trampoline

This 7-foot trampoline will be the talk of the neighborhood when you set it up in your backyard. Easy to assemble, it's also easy for little ones to climb in and out of with the special climbing ladder and slide. It's low height protects kids from unexpected falls. You can even set it up in your living room or garage for rainy days.

Get yours here, $438.60.

HearthSong Inflatable Trampoline

This is a great option if you don't want to have your trampoline taking up prime real estate in your backyard all summer long. This one is inflatable and you can fill the chambers with water to make it more stable.

Buy yours here, $129.

Harper&Bright Designs 15' Round Backyard Trampoline

If you are looking to practice your jump shot, this is the trampoline for you. This 15-foot design comes with a basketball hoop and ball, guaranteeing hours of fun in your backyard. An included spring pull tool makes setup even easier (you'll thank us later).

Get yours here, $599.99.

Little Tikes 3-Foot Trampoline

We love this option for little ones who need a movement break during the day. It doesn't take up much space in your home and you can keep it indoors or out.

Buy yours here, $59.67.

Jump Power Rectangular Trampoline

This trampoline has a 100 lb. weight capacity, safety net and padding. It's a great option if you want something different from the usual round shape.

Buy yours here, $271.96.

ACON Trampoline with Enclosure

This Finnish brand offers top-of-the-line trampolines for families all over the world. Their focus is on the bounce, studying it in a laboratory so that you have the best trampoline experience. Add on an air trampoline board for even more fun! You get what you pay for with ACON as they offer a 10-year warranty and 100% spare parts availability to keep you jumping for years.

Get yours here, from $589.

Springfree Trampolines

This familiar brand is known for its safety (and hefty price tag) and is uber popular with families. Their trampolines start at $799 and run up to $2,399 for the 13-foot jumbo square. Visit local distributors to check them out or pre-order yours online.

Get yours here.

AirZone Indoor/Outdoor Youth Trampoline

Perfectly sized for little ones (up to 60 lbs.), this trampoline has a small footprint and can be used either indoors or out. It's also springless, adding another layer of safety for your little jumpers.

Get yours here, $99.99.

ATIVAFIT Folding Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline

We love this option because of its low price tag and easy of storage. The handle of the trampoline provides stability for little jumpers and can be folded down when you want to store it away. Plop this one in front of the TV and have them jump while watching their favorite show!

Get yours here, $69.99.

LIN MIE 12' Trampoline with Enclosure

This trampoline is the perfect pick if you have a couple kids who want to jump together. The weight limit is 333 lbs. and you'll get the safety netting with your purchase.

Buy yours here, $337.53.

—Kate Loweth

Editor’s note: As with any product your children will be using, consider the safety features on any trampoline you plan to purchase. Follow the product’s safety recommendations and limit the number of children on the trampoline at one time as directed by the manufacturer.

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New Netflix Movie “Fatherhood” Is a Guaranteed Tearjerker

by Sarah ShebekMay 14, 2021

Someone’s cutting onions! Kevin Hart’s newest movie finds him as widowed new dad navigating life with a baby girl. Based on a true story, Fatherhood is fittingly set to premiere over Father’s Day weekend, June 18 on Netflix.

The official trailer dropped this week and Hart took to Instagram today to express his excitement about the film. “Can’t wait for y’all to see how special this one is. You guys are going to love it!!!!” he wrote, accompanied by a short movie clip.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real)

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions, will present the film along with Netflix and Sony. Fatherhood is directed by Paul Weitz (About a Boy) and also stars Academy Award nominee Alfre Woodard and Emmy Award nominee Anthony Carrigan. It’s based on the book Two Kisses From Maddie: A Story of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin.

Dads are special and this Father’s Day weekend you can bond together over the beauty and pain of Fatherhood. Save the date and add this one to your Netflix queue!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of DFree / Shutterstock.com

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19 New Family Movies for Summer & Beyond

by Jesseca StensonMay 13, 2021

As theaters slowly continue to reopen, studios are starting to release movies they’ve pushed back over the past year. That’s great news for fans of family movies because there are tons of awesome flicks to look forward to this summer and beyond. Plus, even if you’re not ready to go to a theater yet, there are also plenty of new movies to choose from on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Keep reading to find out what’s in store for the rest of 2021.

Cruella

What makes one of Disney’s most infamous villains just so villainous? And what’s with her obsession with dalmatians? Find out in Cruella, the origin story of Cruella de Vil, which is based in 1970’s London and features Emma Stone as the title character.

Directed by: Alex Timbers and Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Joel Fry, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, Emma Thompson
Studio: Disney
Opening on: May 28, 2021

Spirit Untamed

Horse lovers, take note! This movie follows a city slicker who moves to a small frontier town and befriends a wild mustang named Spirit.

Directed by: Elaine Bogan and Ennio Torresan
Starring: Mckenna Grace, Eiza González, Jake Gyllenhaal
Studio: DreamWorks
Opening on: June 4, 2021

Wish Dragon

Friendly dragons are having a moment, and we’re not mad about it! This movie follows Din, a college student who’s desperate to reconnect with his childhood best friend with help from a wish-granting dragon.

Directed by: Chris Appelhans
Starring: John Cho, Jimmy Wong, Constance Wu, Jimmy O. Yang
Studio: Netflix/Sony
Opening on: June 11, 2021

Luca

Follow along as an unusual friendship develops along the Italian Riviera between a local human and a sea monster in this new original movie from Pixar.

Directed by: Enrico Casarosa
Starring: John Ratzenberger, Drake Bell
Studio: Disney Pixar
Opening on: June 18, 2021

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

Everyone’s favorite talking rabbit will find himself in new surroundings in this sequel, having left the farm for the big city. You can bet the beloved rabbit will be knee-deep in mischief and will find some pretty hilarious ways to get out of trouble. The movie is currently slated to open in theaters, but given the uncertainty of Covid restrictions this, as well as the release date, can change.

Directed by: Will Gluck
Starring: James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, David Oyelowo, Elizabeth Debicki
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Opening on: June 18, 2021

Space Jam: A New Legacy

LeBron James and Bugs Bunny star in this long-awaited sequel which puts LeBron and Company up against an evil A.I. basketball team. In order to get back home, they must win the game.

Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee
Starring: LeBron James, Don Cheadle
Studio: Warner Bros
Opening on: July 16, 2021, with a simultaneous release on HBO Max

Cinderella

This reimagining of the fairytale features Camila Cabello as Cinderella, Billy Porter as her genderless fairy Godmother, and Idina Menzel as the stepmother. With musical powerhouses like that, it’s sure to be a fantastic live-action version of the classic. Plus, James Corden is producing and starring as one of the famed mice, along with John Mulaney. Music, laughs and magic? Sign us up.

Directed by: Kay Cannon
Starring: Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, Idina Menzel
Studio: Sony Pictures
Opening on: July 16, 2021

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

Executive producer Guillermo del Toro brings this popular trilogy to a close with Rise of the Titans. The heroes are back for another epic adventure in Arcadia. Your favorite characters are reunited on a quest to control the magic that connects them.

Directed by: Johane Matte, Francisco Ruiz-Velasco, Andrew L. Schmidt
Starring: Nick Frost, Nick Offerman, Diego Luna, Steven Yeun, Kelsey Grammer, Charlie Saxton
Studio: Netflix
Opening on: July 21, 2021

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

We can safely say this fourth installment makes Dracula and fam an official franchise. Expect more “bleh bleh bleh,” but specifics for the plot aren’t being released just yet. But really, who doesn’t know what to expect from these fun films by now?

Directed by: Derek Drymon, Jennifer Kluska
Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez
Studio: Sony Pictures
Opening on: July 23, 2021

Jungle Cruise

This long-awaited movie, which was originally pushed back because of the pandemic, will be released in theaters this summer Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt will take fans on quite the adventure down the Amazon in this movie based on Disneyland’s ride. In an alternate move, Disney is so far only releasing this one in theaters and not on Disney +.

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Édgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti
Studio: Disney
Opening on: July 30, 2021

Paw Patrol: The Movie

It was only a matter of time before everyone’s favorite furry pals got their own movie. Kids can follow Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker as they head out on a major rescue mission.

Directed by: Cal Brunker
Starring: Dax Shepard, Iain Armitage, Tyler Perry
Studio: Paramount
Opening on: August 20, 2021

The Boss Baby: Family Business

The sequel to the Oscar-nominated blockbuster Boss Baby brings the Templeton brothers back together and on a mission to start a family business (with some direction from a new boss baby).

Directed by: Tom McGrath
Starring: Amy Sedaris, James Marsden, Jeff Goldblum, Alec Baldwin
Studio: Dreamworks
Opening on: September 17, 2021

The Addams Family 2

Featuring an all-star cast headed up by Charlize Theron and Oscar Isaac, this sequel to the popular 2019 animated film follows everyone’s favorite spooky family as they encounter more crazy adventures.

Directed by: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon
Starring: Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaac, Chloë Grace Moretz
Studio: Universal Pictures
Opening on: October 1, 2021

Ron’s Gone Wrong

This sci-fi story takes a look at friendship in the social media age. Follow awkward middle schooler Barney and his new best friend: a walking, talking, digitally connected device named Ron.

Directed by: Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine
Starring: To be announced
Studio: Twentieth Century Studios
Opening on: October 2021

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Clifford gets a live-action computer-animated makeover in this new film that follows a young girl and her giant puppy.

Directed by: Walt Becker
Starring: Darby Camp, Sienna Guillory, Rosie Perez
Studio: Paramount
Opening on: November 5, 2021

Encanto

This film follows a magical family in Colombia where one daughter doesn’t have any magical powers like the rest of her family. With songwriting brilliance from Lin-Manuel Miranda, we’re sure this movie will boast quite a few songs to remember.

Directed by: Jared Bush
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz
Studio: Disney
Opening on: November 24, 2021

Sing 2

This sequel to the toe-tapping 2016 film follows Buster Moon and his friends as they try to persuade a reclusive rock star to join them for the opening of a new show. We're betting that this one will have an amazing soundtrack!

Directed by: Garth Jennings, Christophe Lourdelet
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, John C. Reilly, Idina Menzel, Reese Witherspoon, Nick Kroll, Scarlett Johansson
Studio: Illumination
Opening on: December 22, 2021

Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure

This animated feature from Netflix will tell the story of the 1969 moon landing from two very different points of view.

Directed by: Richard Linklater
Starring: Zachary Levi, Jack Black, Glen Powell, Josh Wiggins, Samuel Davis
Studio: Netflix
Opening on: 2021

Vivo

Vivo is an animated musical adventure featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and tells the story of music and friendship. Specific plot points are being kept under wraps, but expect dazzling locales not seen before in animated film.

Directed by: Kirk DeMicco
Starring: To be announced
Studio: Sony Pictures
Opening on: 2021

— Jesseca Stenson

Featured image: iStock

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Here’s Your First Peek at the New “West Side Story”

by Karly WoodApril 27, 2021

The Academy Awards are always a thrill, but this year it was even more exciting. During the show, musical nerds finally got what we’ve all been waiting for: the first teaser trailer of the revamped West Side Story.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the rebooted film appears to stay true to the classic in imagery, music and story set in 1957 amidst rival gangs. Keep scrolling to see for yourself!

So who makes up the Jets and the Sharks? The new film includes plenty of up and comers like Ansel Elgort (Tony), Rachel Zegler (María), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Mike Faist (Riff), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Ana Isabelle (Rosalía), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke) and Rita Moreno––who appeared in the OG West Side Story.

While the trailer likely got you amped up to belt out the chorus of “I Feel Pretty” and “America” alongside the cast, you’ll have to wait a little longer. West Side Story will release on Dec. 10, 2021.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Walt Disney Company

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Diverse Voices & Stories Shine with Disney+’s New Shorts

by Erica LoopApril 18, 2021

Disney+ recently announced the upcoming release of LAUNCHPAD, a curated collection of live-action short films that comes from a whole new generation of filmmakers.

The artists chosen for the inaugural season of LAUNCHPAD all come from underrepresented backgrounds. More than 1,100 filmmakers applied for the chance to share their vision and perspectives with the world, but these six stood out from their peers.

After the winners were chosen, each of the filmmakers were given the chance to work with an executive mentor from one of the Disney brand’s branches—Disney+, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

This year’s Launchpad films were inspired by different aspects of life’s journey and follow the theme “Discover.” Mahin Ibrahim, Director of Disney’s Diversity & Inclusion, Market, who oversees the LAUNCHPAD program, said in a press release, “this first group of shorts by these six gifted filmmakers took our breath away. They are moving, provocative and entertaining, and they each convey a unique perspective on living in America today and the things you learn about yourself and others when you follow your own path.”

This season’s LAUNCHPAD films will debut on Disney+ starting May 28 and include American Eid written and directed by Aqsa Altaf, Dinner is Served written by G. Wilson and Hao Zheng and directed by Hao Zheng, Growing Fangs written and directed by Ann Marie Pace, The Last of the Chupacabras written and directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros, Let’s Be Tigers written and directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz and The Little Prince(ss) written and directed by Moxie Peng.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo courtesy of Disney+

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