Yet another step in our shift to post-pandemic life, summer blockbuster season is here! Hollywood had to take a hiatus like many other industries but films are back on the big screen again, just in time to soak up some much need family fun in an air-conditioned setting.
Opening in theaters on June 4, Dreamworks Animation is continuing the story of Spirit, a wild horse, and his adventurous counterpart, Lucky Prescott. Spirit Untamed is an origin story of sorts for the franchise that includes an Oscar-nominate film and an Emmy-winning TV series. Since my nieces are fans of the movie and the show, they are looking forward to seeing more Spirit adventures.
The new film looks back at how Lucky and Spirit meet and shares more about Lucky’s mother and her Mexican heritage. While much of the action focuses on Lucky and Spirit, the pair also befriends two local girls that help with an important rescue effort and help Lucky find a place to belong, something that has been missing until she moves to the sleepy little town Miradero.
Together, the horse-riding trio takes on a heartless horse wrangler and his team. Dreamworks’ outlandish adventures, bold storytelling and the heartwarming message of individualism and friendship make Spirit Untamed a fun film to watch as a family.
Two other family films to look forward to this summer:
Boss Baby 2, in theaters July 2
- This sequel follows grownup brothers, Tim and Theodore, as they go undercover to stop an evil genius.
Space Jam: A New Legacy, in theaters and via HBO Max July 16 (PG)
- A reboot of the 1996 film, the stand-alone sequel stars LeBron James.
Jungle Cruise, in theaters and via Disney+ Premier Access July 30 (PG-13)
- Dr. Lily Houghton enlists wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff to help in her search for an ancient tree in the Amazon jungle with healing abilities.
