Eenie Meenie Miney Movies: August 2011

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Spy Kids 4

Summer's winding down as kids head back to school in a couple of weeks, so the theatrical releases are tapering off. There's still plenty of summer fun in local movie theaters (I took my daughter to see Winnie the Pooh last weekend and had a pleasant time), so take advantage of the glut of kids' movies out there while you can.

Notable Theatrical Releases:

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (August 12, PG) - Not one for the younger kids, but it's not tough to imagine there will be 8-to-10-year-olds begging to see the Glee cast in concert. It's all the auto-tuned karaoke you can shake a stick at. Watch the trailer for a fun Jane Lynch cameo. (She's the only thing I miss about watching this show.)

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D (August 19, PG) - This is the sequel that went unasked for, perhaps, but it can be difficult to tell whether a Rodriguez film will be ho-hum or magical. The grown-up spy kids from the original series return to assist a new generation of pre-teen secret agents in a typically convoluted plot sprinkled liberally with jokes about bodily fluids and sibling rivalry. I do like the addition of the "fourth dimension" - scratch n sniff cards that enable the "Aromascope" experience. Even if this Austin-shot movie doesn't come through a winner, there will be some entertainment value in watching critics torture odor metaphors in their reviews. Will Spy Kids 4 have the sweet smell of success or will it simply stink?

Alamo Summer Kids Camp ends its run in August with a strong set of second-run films. The Corpse Bride, Fantastic Mr Fox and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in 3D will play at various Drafthouse locations this month. For a full rundown on which films play when and where, see the Kids Camp page.

Check our guide to free and cheap summer movies in Austin for more screenings.

Notable Home Video Releases:

Rio -- I missed this one in theaters but it seems well-liked by critics and audiences. An animated romp about the adventures of the last remaining flightless blue macaw.

The Gruffalo -- An Academy-award animated short from 2009, this is a 30-minute book adaptation with Helena Bonham Carter providing voice talent. Reviews refer to it as "pleasant," which may be damning with faint praise, but it's probably worth a rent.

Dance Pocoyo Dance -- The Pocoyo series is delightful - it reminds me of some of the early, subversive Muppet stuff on Sesame Street. Check out this or one of the other handful of Pocoyo DVDs.

 

Netflix Instant Pick:

The Lone Ranger: Season One -- Attention all cowboys! All 53 episodes of the 1949 first season of The Lone Ranger are now available to stream. What a way to waste a weekend.