Summer 2013's Best Movies for Tweens

By Evan Saathoff

After Earth - May 31

Despite being a sci-fi film where Will and Jaden Smith must battle a future Earth that seems determined to kill them, After Earth appears to focus on family. So it has a strong emotional element to it. Luckily, it's also a film where they must battle a future Earth that seems determined to kill them. So it has that action packed, exciting element to it as well. Everyone wins.
Man of Steel - June 14

You can't get more wholesome than Superman. As both Man of Steel and alter-ego Clark Kent, Superman represents the ideal human and the ideal superhero. Zack Snyder's modern update of the character looks eager to explore both sides of the character, making Man of Steel the comic book film to beat this summer, both emotionally and action-wise. It doesn't really matter how old you are, everyone is going to fall in love with this one.
Monsters University - June 21

Pixar returns to the Monsters Inc. world for a college centered prequel which shows us how top scarers Mike Wazowski (BIlly Crystal) and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan (John Goodman) first met and became best friends. Kids already know and love these characters, so this one's a no-brainer. And with Pixar's usual stamp of quality, Monsters University is a must see with or without the kids, though the kids might get upset if you don't invite them.
Despicable Me 2 - July 3

Gru and his minions are back in this sequel to 2010's Despicable Me. This time, a powerful organization called the Anti-Villain League recruits Gru to help them take out a scary new super villain. Steve Carell reprises his role as Gru, ensuring more of the fun and inventive parodies of superhero tropes and bad guy cliches that made the first Despicable Me so successful. Plus, those minions might be the most adorable characters of the summer.
The Lone Ranger - July 3

The Independence Day weekend will probably be owned by this update of the classic character which also happens to be the latest pairing of Pirates of the Caribbean's Johnny Depp with slightly off-kilter director Gore Verbinski. Lone Ranger offers viewers high doses of comedy and adventure in a Western setting that stands out in this sci-fi-heavy summer movie season. With any luck, Depp's Tonto will be just as charming and fun as his Jack Sparrow.
Pacific Rim - July 12

It's difficult to imagine a more automatically exciting movie premise than the one director Guillermo del Toro has for Pacific Rim. When gigantic monsters rise from the ocean floor to destroy the Earth, humans fight back by creating and driving gigantic robots. Granted, a great premise does not necessarily result in a great film, but based on footage released so far, it looks like del Toro nailed it. This is easily one of this summer's biggest must sees.
R.I.P.D. - July 19

Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges star in R.I.P.D. , a supernatural buddy comedy that, frankly, looks more than a little inspired by Men in Black. But Men in Black was great, so maybe that's not such a bad thing. The plot finds a recently deceased cop (Ryan Reynolds) learning the ropes of his new job as an undead policeman who protects the living from angry ghosts while also trying to find the man who murdered him. Mary-Louise Parker also co-stars.
The Wolverine - July 26

When it comes to mutants, everyone loves Wolverine. This second solo outing finds the fast healing, adamantium boned brawler facing love and conflict deep in the heart of Japan, a fitting location for his Ronan-like nature. Directed by 3:10 to Yuma 's James Mangold, The Wolverine looks to be the most action packed entry into the X-Men film series yet, and perhaps the one with the highest stakes since the plot strips Wolverine of his healing ability.
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters – August 7

The first Percy Jackson film was fun, but this adaptation of the popular young adult book series’ second entry looks like it will surpass the original in nearly every way imaginable. Young demigod Percy (son of Poseidon) must travel to the Sea of Monsters to reclaim the Golden Fleece in order to protect their home from an oncoming evil. The film promises enough action, monsters, and Gods to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – August 23

This adaptation of the popular Mortal Instruments young adult book series takes a darker tone with its fantasy and world building. When her mother is abducted teenager Clary Fray must call on a trio of strange Shadowhunters to bring her back. But she may find more than she bargained for. Angels and demons and vampires abound in this sure to be epic story. And this is just the beginning.
One Direction: This Is Us – August 30

Part biopic documentary and part epic concert film, One Direction: This Is Us offers fans of the boy band an unheralded, intimate view of the group both off and on stage, making this 3D film a must see for fans of Liam, Niall, Zayn, Harry, Louis and the music they make together. Supersize Me’s Morgan Spurlock directs.

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By Evan Saathoff

Man of Steel - June 14

Monsters University - June 21

Despicable Me 2 - July 3

The Lone Ranger - July 3

Pacific Rim - July 12

R.I.P.D. - July 19

The Wolverine - July 26

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters – August 7

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – August 23

One Direction: This Is Us – August 30

Check out these popular galleries: