103 New Movies Coming Out This Summer
I don't know about you, but the fact that there will be 103 new feature films coming to the theaters between May 10th and the end of August does not "ring my chimes." Especially when I count the five or so family-friendly titles huddled among the masses that are vying for our votes (dollars).
The genre' breakdown tallies up 27 Comedies, 26 Dramas, 15 Action-Adventures. Another 26 titles are classified as Thrillers, Romance, SCI-Fi, or Horror. Only 5 titles fall into the safer categories of Children (1), Animation (2), or Family (2).
The ratings breakdown doesn't tell us very much. As of my deadline, 53 of the films haven't received their MPAA ratings yet. Several of the comedies, dramas or action pictures could meet Dove standards, depending on the way they treat issues of concern to families, like language, violence and immorality. It's hard to predict which stories producers or directors might decide need to be salted with a few profanities or sexual innuendoes to get the coveted PG or PG-13 rating.
The conventional wisdom in Hollywood still believes that a touch of profanity here, a sprinkle of blood there, or an occasional measure of fornication for seasoning are necessary ingredients in a "family" movie. Studio executives believe that it helps make "family" films more tolerable for those adults who are more likely to come with their children. I wonder if film makers have learned anything from last summer's family bonanza, Babe, The Gallant Pig. This Dove-approved megahit had plenty of action for the little ones, with just enough sophisticated dialog (sans swear words) to entertain us adults.
After looking at all 103 titles and their descriptions, the only sure things are: Flipper -- taken form the popular TV series, currently in theaters; The Adventures of Pinocchio - a live action version of the popular animated hit; and a reissue of the 1971 fantasy, Willy Wonka, due out in July. Beyond that, I make no predictions.
Maybe this is the summer to get in touch with other, more basic kinds of family entertainment -- like a day at the beach, or a family picnic, or a hike in the woods. It's amazing how much fun a family can have together, outdoors.
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Dick Rolfe is Chairman of The Dove Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. For more information about wholesome films and videos, write: 535 E. Fulton, Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or call (616)454-5024.
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