The coming year is sure to delight kids of all ages with cinematic hilarity. Studios have drawn inspiration from Bestselling children’s books as well as recreating a classic Grimm fairytale, a Funny Pages staple and decades old but still beloved cartoon. The trend for 2010 kids movies is a mix of live action and animation similar to what was seen in Alvin & the Chipmunks (2007). Everyone is sure to find a favorite kids movie in 2010.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an adaptation of the first book in the Wimpy Kid illustrated fiction series by Jeff Kinney. As of November 2009 the series had been at the top of the New York Times Bestsellers list for 41 weeks and sold over 20 million copies. Greg Heffley, a middle school student, experiences preteen drama throughout his sixth grade year including haunted houses, wrestling, forbidden cheese and your typical family fears. Zachary Gordon who lends his voice to the popular children’s television show Ni Hao Ki-Lan will be Greg. If the movie hasn’t lost the hilariously believable narration and Greg’s deadpan voice found in the series it will be a hit with both preteens and parents alike. Readers have high expectations set to be (hopefully) well met April 2010.
Ramona and Beezus
The movie is based on the long adored Beverly Cleary series about the misadventures of grade school Ramona and her big sister Beatrice. Beatrice is nicknamed Beezus by Ramona, who couldn’t say Beatrice when she first began to talk. Uncertain as to the focus of this anticipated 2010 kids movie release it has many mishaps written about in the Ramona series to find its inspiration. Often times sibling rivalry is a source of hilarity all its own! Selena Gomez, best known for her starring role in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place television show will be playing Beezus. Others ,such as Joey King (Ramona), Josh Duhamel (Uncle Hobart), Bridget Moynahan (Dorothy Quimby) and Sandra Oh (Mrs. Meacham) lend their acting talents as well. Ramona and Beezus is set to release in August 2010.
Rapunzel
The classic tale about a long-haired princess who spends her life in a tower awaiting her prince’s rescue; Rapunzel is one of the few fairy tales to have little film adaptation. The Disney twist added to this Grimm fairytale for the big screen, Rapunzel falls for a bandit who passes by and ventures into the world in search of him. Mandy Moore lends her voice to Rapunzel. She is joined by Matthew Gray Gubler (Criminal Mind’s Dr. Spencer Reid) as a Young Prince Flynn, Zachary Levi (Chuck) as Flynn, David Schwimmer (Friends) as Father Sam, John Goodman (Roseanne) as Uncle Jordan and Kevin Michael Richardson (Ian the Gator, Princess and the Frog) as Darker the Warlock. The Disney soon to be classic kids movie is anticipated to be in cinemas November 2010.
Marmaduke
Everybody has read the comic with the great, big, lovable, mischief making Great Dane Marmaduke. The comic began appearing in newspapers in 1954 and has since been a staple of the Funny Pages. This year director Tom Dey brings the Great Dane to the big screen as a much anticipated kids movie of 2010. In this live action / animated film audiences will get to watch the well loved Marmaduke wreak oblivious havoc on his family and those around him. Owen Wilson provides the voice of Marmaduke along with a fun filled cast including the human players William H. Macy, Judy Greer, and Lee Pace. Marlon Wayans, Damon Wayans, Emma Stone, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, George Lopez, Fergi and Steve Coogan lend their voice talents. This film with 55 years of canine humor to mine has the potential to have kids and adults alike well entertained. Marmaduke is set to be released June 2010.
Yogi Bear
Breaking out with his first show in 1961 the favorite picnic basket stealing bear returns to amuse a new generation. In this live action / animated movie Anna Faris is the voice of Rachel, a documentary filmmaker who travels to Jellystone Park on assignment. While working on the project she crosses paths with Yogi Bear (Dan Aykroyd), sidekick Boo-Boo (Justin Timberlake) and Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh). Adults are sure to enjoy the reviving of this classic with kids certain to adore the mischief making Yogi and adorable Boo-Boo. The last of the 2010 kids movies is set to release December 2010.
