Going to a good family movie in a cool theater on a hot summer day is a  good idea for kids, parents, and extended family and friends. All ages are engaged and entertained by the kinds of summer movies that are out now.  Shrek Forever After has already been entertaining many this summer. Now Toy Story Three and Marmaduke are out in movie theaters.

Regal Theaters are offering free family film festivals this summer. AMC Theaters are presenting $1 movies in summer movie camps for kids. The proceeds go to charities.

In anticipation of the coming 2010 release of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, families can watch on home video the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion and the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.  Summer is a great time to introduce, watch and discuss movies based on great literature with significant universal themes, such as the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. Taking kids to the library to find the Chronicles of Narnia books to read this summer is another valuable activity. Or supporting kids' participation in the Chronicles of Narnia plays in summer civic theater programs is also a wonderful follow-up project to seeing such great family movies. 

See Dr. Diane Howard's other film reviews, recommendations and publications.