Here are five movies from various platforms that families may want to consider, as recommended by the Deseret News arts and entertainment department. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations or ratings are included.
Pixar's latest release of "Incredibles 2" follows a long line of animated fun. Deseret News recently referenced a report from cabletv.com that listed Utah as the most Pixar-loving state, with a seven-way tie for the favorite Pixar movie. Here are five Pixar films for families to consider.
In theaters: 'Incredibles 2'
Fourteen years ago we saw baby Jack-Jack, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl's youngest son, as he was shape-shifting in the hands of Syndrome. The tiny fireball of fury, baby of steel and hair-pulling monster was taking down the supervillain. But then it was unknown what his powers and abilities would be.
"Incredibles 2" introduces an unsavory businessman who wants to bring back superheroes. Elastigirl is called up to save the work, while a tired, unshaven Mr. Incredible helps with homework, reads stories and witnesses the emerging powers of Jack-Jack. Josh Terry of Deseret News awarded the film three stars out of four and called the film "a fun, well-made return to one of Pixar's most beloved franchises that is great entertainment for the whole family." The animated movie has a 94 percent "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is rated PG for action sequences and some brief mild language.
Amazon video: 'Toy Story'
Pixar released its first computer animated feature film Nov. 22, 1995, according to Pixar.com. The story of a young boy whose toys come to life when he’s not there opened at No. 1 that weekend. The Dove Foundation wrote that the G-rated film includes “values of loyalty and friendship, as well as learning to trust someone.” Parent Previews called the film that introduced Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) "witty, charming and ever so believable."
Netflix: 'Finding Dory'
Fifteen years ago, Dory, a blue tang fish, helped Marlin, a widowed clownfish, find his son Nemo. In the 2016 Disney/Pixar film "Finding Dory," the forgetful Dory hopes to have her own under-the-sea family reunion. Josh Terry of Deseret News awarded the PG-rated film three stars out of four and said the "quality piece of family animation" features the importance of family and, while drawing attention to Dory's memory problems, focuses on her drive to "just keep swimming."
iTunes: 'Monsters University'
After a 12-year gap, Pixar returned with one-eyed Mike Wazowski and blue, furry Sulley in the prequel "Monsters University." The film finds the two monsters at the university where they initially don't like each other and must overcome their differences in order to become "scare majors" and graduate. PluggedIn referred to the film as a heartwarming story with friendship as the central theme. The G-rated, animated film has a 79 percent "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Amazon video: 'Cars'
A speed-racing car named Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) stops in the small town of Radiator Springs and learns the true meaning of friendship in the Disney/Pixar animated film "Cars." The Dove Foundation awarded the film its "Family-Approved" seal for all ages, calling the animated film a "creative and at times delightful story with something for just about everyone in the family." The website notes that although the film is rated G, there is a tense scene where Lightning McQueen tries to beat a train to the railroad crossing.