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Late-summer road trip? Here are 5 flicks to watch with kids in the car

Stop the backseat bickering with films everyone will enjoy -- just make the driver keep eyes on the road

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IMAGE: Cars
Pixar
What better film to watch on a car trip than "Cars"?
By
TODAY contributor
updated 8/4/2011 3:36:36 PM ET 2011-08-04T19:36:36

Planning a Labor Day or late-summer trip that will keep the kids stuck in the car for hours on end? Yes, back in our day, we toughed it out with license-plate games and I Spy (and actually talked to each other), but today's portable and in-car DVD players offer up other options for when you just can't stand the back-seat bickering one more second.

Here are five great bets. Just make sure the driver keeps eyes on the road.

'Cars'
Not the best-rated Pixar movie ever, but what better film for a road trip than a movie about a race car? It also reminds viewers that speed and winning aren’t everything, an essential lesson when in the midst of a seemingly endless trip.

Slideshow: A mom's look at recent kid flicks (on this page)

'Mary Poppins'
A classic choice, especially if you're carting around multiple generations of vacationers. Not only is it something that engages all ages and has lots of songs to sing along with, it takes up a lot of time. With a running time of nearly two and a half hours, it makes a long traffic jam go by as quick as magical  Mary can snap her fingers.

'The Princess Bride'
A great film if you have a car filled with kids in different age groups. It’s a classic with a narrator that steps in to alert the fretful viewer that nothing bad is going to happen, and features swordplay, jokes, a pirate, and true love.

TODAY Moms: 'Pooh' strikes blow for movie innocence

'Toy Story'
Any film in the trilogy is a great choice, but the original is the film that started it all for Pixar. Some moments are a little scary for youngsters (those mutant toys of Sid's!) but it all turns out fine in the end, and will keep kids riveted until you arrive at your destination.

IMAGE: Rio
Blue Sky Studios
Need something new for the car? "Rio" is just out on DVD.

'Rio'
Just released on DVD and Blu-Ray Aug. 2, "Rio" features a rare bird traveling from Minnesota to Brazil, finding love, learning to fly, and saving the day. The only catch? You’ll wind up very jealous of the adults partying down at Rio's famed Carnival when you’re stuck behind a minivan in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

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Photos: A mom's look at recent kid flicks

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  1.  Related interactive Is 'Oz the Great and Powerful' too scary for kids?

    'Oz the Great and Powerful'

    How did the Wizard get to Oz? "Oz the Great and Powerful" casts James Franco as Oscar "Oz" Diggs, a young magician who finds himself in the magical land. Warning to parents: While the original film is rated G, this one is PG, and for good reason. The flying monkeys are scarier, the witch has a creepy transformation, and beloved Glinda the Good is tortured. Not for the littlest or most sensitive kids, no matter how much they love the first film. (Walt Disney Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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  3. 'Rise of the Guardians'

    Naturally kids would think their fictional friends all know each other. In "Rise of the Guardians," Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy and Jack Frost all team up to fight Pitch, the creepy Nightmare King. Pitch is a little creepy for the littlest tots, especially when he blows his spooky nightmare dust on good dreams, but overall this 3-D film is a real charmer. Don't be surprised if it leaves your impressionable ones thinking Santa has a Russian accent and the Easter Bunny is Australian, though. (Paramount Studios) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Frankenweenie'

    Sweet at heart but too scary for very little kids, "Frankenweenie" mixes "Frankenstein" and "Pet Sematary." Tim Burton made the original short version of the film back in 1984, and was fired by Disney for it (reportedly it was too scary, spendy, and took too long). The new version is entertaining for older kids but we're still talking zombie pets here, and it's a tad unnerving even for adults. (Walt Disney Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Hotel Transylvania'

    "Hotel Transylvania" turns monsters into kid-friendly goofballs. Dracula (voice of Adam Sandler) runs a hotel that he started to keep his monster pals away from we dangerous humans. When his daughter Mavis falls in love with a stoner-like backpacker, he tries to keep her his little girl, but soon learns that kids have to grow up and not all humans are bad. Sure, it's full of monsters, but overall, this movie will only scare the littlest tots, who are more likely to laugh at the silly-looking creatures and emphasize with how very human they are. (Sony Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Brave'

    Redheaded Merida and her triplet brothers have a close and loving family in "Brave," but when she accidentally changes her mother's life, things start to go wrong fast. This Pixar film isn't up there with their top offerings, and some scenes involving a bear can be scary for the littlest moviegoers. But that said, any Pixar film is head and furry shoulders above most other kid movies, and as long as a parent is sitting by the child's side, this one shouldn't be missed. (Pixar) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Ice Age 4: Continental Drift'

    A small group of animals from the popular "Ice Age" series get separated from their families and must battle pirates and other menaces to reunite. Be warned, parents of sensitive little ones, this film features some creepy characters -- especially the shape-shifting sirens and Peter Dinklage voicing a toothy pirate ape -- but all's well that ends well. (Blue Sky Studios) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted'

    The animals from the "Madagascar" series find themselves trapped in Europe unable to get home, so they join a circus. Some scenes along their quest are heart-pounding, hence the PG over G rating, but nothing scary lasts too long, and most of the film's zany slapstick and animal antics are fine for all audiences. (DreamWorks Animation) Back to slideshow navigation

  9. 'Chimpanzee'

    No animation in "Chimpanzee," which instead uses real jungle footage of real animals. There may be some real tears as well, as young Oscar loses his mom. That loss does occur off-screen, but can be heartbreaking for little ones unable to understand. Still, he's eventually adopted into a new family, and there's a happy ending. (Mark Linfield / Disneynature) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'The Lorax'

    As you might guess, since it's based on a Dr. Seuss book, there's nothing too scary or inappropriate for any age in "The Lorax." Although even before the film came out, Fox's Lou Dobbs said that it and "Secret World of Arrietty" were examples of "Hollywood once again trying to indoctrinate our children." (Universal Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Secret World of Arrietty'

    Two preschoolers who attended "Secret World of Arrietty" with our movies editor haven't stopped acting out the movie since. Moms and dads may recognize the story from their own childhood -- it's based on Mary Norton's "The Borrowers," about little people who live under the floorboards of our homes. Nothing is too frightening in the film, not even the cat shown here. (Disney) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Adventures of Tintin'

    The name "Tintin" isn't well-known in America like it is in Europe, but this movie could change things. "The Adventures of Tintin" is a 3-D performance capture film in which young journalist Tintin and his trusty dog, Snowy, investigate a mystery involving a sunken ship. Older kids may want to go on this adventure, but it's a bit scary for young ones -- and a bit dry for adults. (Paramount Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation

  13. 'Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked'

    Alvin, Simon, Theodore and The Chipettes take a cruise with pal Dave Seville (Jason Lee), but find trouble fast and end up shipwrecked. Don't expect genius humor -- a typical scene features Lee getting gravy spilled on his crotch -- but kids of a certain age and temperament find the Chipmunks cute. (20th Century Fox) Back to slideshow navigation
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    Jason Segel, Amy Adams and a Muppet named Walter head to Hollywood to drag Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest back on stage. Parents who grew up with Jim Henson's Muppets will love passing these characters on to their children, and the self-aware film is jam-packed with retro references and celebrity cameos. (Disney Enterprises) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Arthur Christmas'

    Who knew Santa's organization had gotten so corporate? The elves and eldest Claus son Steve have it down to a science, but when a present is missed, it's klutzy younger son Arthur and scrappy Grand Santa who must come to the rescue. A charming twist on the old holiday stories. (Sony Pictures Animation) Back to slideshow navigation

  16. 'Happy Feet Two'

    The cheery penguins of Oscar-winning "Happy Feet" return for "Happy Feet Two." Shifting ice traps most of the penguin colony without food, and it's up to Mumble and friends to save them. The film's a bit long for wee ones, but is beautifully shot, and the 3-D is unobtrusive. (Warner Bros.) Back to slideshow navigation
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    Antonio Banderas takes his "Puss in Boots" character from the "Shrek" films into a movie of its own. The swashbuckling kitty meets up with sexy Kitty Soft Paws (voice of Salma Hayek) and his childhood pal, Humpty Dumpty. Nothing too scary here for kids, and the 3-D is actually exceptional in this fun film. (DreamWorks) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'The Smurfs'

    Neil Patrick Harris plays the human who befriends "The Smurfs" as the 1980s cartoon leaps to the big screen. Unlike their earlier animated feature, "Smurfs and the Magic Flute," from 1983, this one isn't rated G. Still, it's only PG for "mild rude humor and action," so nothing should be too bad. Gargamel just isn't that frightening of a villain -- he's no Cruella De Vil. (Columbia Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Winnie the Pooh'

    No 3-D, no violence, no bad words, very little potential for nightmares. "Winnie the Pooh" and his pals from the Hundred Acre Wood are back, and for once, a movie studio listened to its heart. Nothing has been altered or modernized about A.A. Milne's charming characters, and even the youngest toddlers will likely love this movie. (Disney) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Cars 2'

    If your kids loved the first "Cars," they've probably already been mooning over the sequel. In this one, Lightning McQueen and Mater head around the world to compete in a global Grand Prix. Nothing too scary here, though not every kid may be a fan of the four-wheeled friends. (Disney/Pixar) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Mr. Popper's Penguins'

    Based on the famous children's book, "Mr. Popper's Penguins" shows how a man (Jim Carrey) turns his stressed-out life around when six penguins move in with him. It's rated PG for some rude humor and language, but even little ones will enjoy the wobbly, waddly birds. (20th Century Fox) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer'

    Won't appeal to tots, but grade schoolers should be able to relate to "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer." Third-grader Judy and brother Stink are stuck in town while all their friends go away to camp for the summer. But lively Aunt Opal (a wacky Heather Graham) livens things up quickly. (Relativity Media) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Kung Fu Panda 2'

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    Yes, that's Hansel and Gretel. "Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil" turns the fairy tale into an action film. The voices -- provided by Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Joan Cusack, Martin Short and others -- are fabulous, but this fairy-tale mash-up isn't as fun as the "Shrek" series. (The Weinstein Co.) Back to slideshow navigation
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    "African Cats" focuses on two families of big cats -- a lion pride and a cheetah family -- in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It's over-narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, perhaps to help kids understand what's going on. That said, the images, especially of the adorable cheetah cubs, are delightful, but there's also a bloody zebra-eating scene that the AP reports made some families walk out. (Disneynature) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Born To Be Wild'

    "Born to be Wild" is fun in 3D, but if your child won't wear the glasses, it doesn't much matter. The extra dimension isn't really needed to tell the story of two admirable women, one who saves orphaned elephants and another who saves orphaned orangutans. Uplifting and at less than an hour, it won't stretch young attention spans. (Drew Fellman / Warner Bros.) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Rio'

    Family friendly "Rio" tells a sweet story of a macaw from Minnesota named Blu who never learned to fly. But when he heads south to Rio to meet Jewel, the last female of his kind, he has to learn to soar in more ways than one. Although the birds are birdnapped, there's nothing too scary even for the youngest kids here. You may find them flapping their arms around the yard later, playing Blu and Jewel. (20th Century Fox) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Hop'

    "Hop" is rated PG, but for no reason this mom and her toddler could ascertain. Not a scary moment in this sweet Easter-themed gem, and the cartoon violence is nowhere near as the Loony Tunes craziness we grew up on. This film will probably become an Eastertime staple, but note that the religious side of the holiday is never touched on, it's all jellybeans and bunnies and baskets and chicks. (Universal Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Mars Needs Moms'

    Which kid hasn't wished their mom would just leave them alone? In the engagingly animated 2011 film "Mars Needs Moms," Milo does just that -- and lives to regret it when Martians snatch his mom to take care of their own little ones. His battle to get her back is engaging and colorful for grade-schoolers, but probably too much for toddlers and not of interest to teens. (ImageMovers) Back to slideshow navigation
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    The critics loved 2011's "Rango," which was immediately mentioned as a possible best picture nominee for next year's Oscars. But it's not really for the littlest kids, as its PG rating suggests. But for older kids, and adults, the visuals are breathtaking and the story humorous and sweet. Yes, that's Johnny Depp as the voice of chameleon Rango. (Paramount Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Gnomeo and Juliet'

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    Oh Woody, Buzz and the gang, how we love you. The trilogy about toys who have active lives when humans aren't looking started back in 1995, and the final film came out in 2010. There's one rather scary scene where it looks as if the toys are going to be burned up in an incinerator, but if kids can cover their eyes for a minute, everything ends happily. And adults will need Kleenex to get through the ending, where loyal owner Andy heads off to college, leaving his toys with a new family. (Disney/Pixar) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Despicable Me'

    Steve Carell leaves bumbling Michael Scott at "The Office" to voice Mr. Gru in 2010's "Despicable Me." Gru is a supervillain with weirdly enormous shoulders and a laboratory full of dim but obedient yellow minions. He's battling his nemesis, a supervillain who looks shockingly like Bill Gates. But when Gru finds himself adopting three orphan girls, he slowly forgets about being a baddie and focuses on being a daddy. The story is sweet, and the pill-shaped minions keep the littlest viewers interested. (Universal Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Megamind'

    Two aminated supervillain movies in one year? 2010's "Megamind" didn't earn the critical love of that year's earlier release, "Despicable Me," but still, most of the reviews were positive. And since when have kids been offended by seeing the same film (or the same plot) twice? They watch the same "Yo Gabba Gabba" episode over and over again, for heaven's sake. (Paramount Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    The goofy bear from the 1960s is a big-time movie star now, thanks to 2010's "Yogi Bear" film. Dan Aykroyd voices Yogi, and Justin Timberlake is his shorter and warier pal, Boo-Boo. No pic-a-nic basket is safe. Don't expect Pixar-style charms -- reviews were mostly negative, and at least one critic called the film "dumber than your average bear." For Hanna-Barbera completists only. (Warner Bros.) Back to slideshow navigation
  37. IMAGE: Harry Potter
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    'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1'

    Obviously, not for the tot set. But the "Harry Potter" series seems to be getting better as it gets older. The final book, "Deathly Hallows," has been split into two films. The first part came out in 2010 and the second will arrive in November 2011. Fans of the book are thrilled because this means many of their favorite moments haven't been cut out, including a nice scene at Fleur and Bill's wedding. (Warner Bros) Back to slideshow navigation

  38. 'Ramona and Beezus'

    Ramona Quimby is well-known to kids and parents from Beverly Cleary's beloved book series. Joey King brought her to life in 2010's "Ramona and Beezus," with Disney teen queen Selena Gomez as oft-exasperated sister Beezus, although we don't think Beezus of the books ever looked this much like a Teen Vogue model. Still, the film kept its family focus and sweet plot, and what kid can't identify with such trauma as losing a beloved cat, ruining picture day, and throwing up on the drums in music class. (20th Century Fox) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Shrek Forever After'

    It's midlife crisis time for Shrek. In 2010's "Shrek Forever After," the green ogre is married and dad to triplets, but each day seems to progress in the same boring style. So he makes the fairy-tale mistake of cutting a deal with a magic creature -- in this case, con artist Rumpelstiltskin -- and suddenly everything goes all "It's a Wonderful Life." But what's a magical world without Shrek in it? Thankfully, everything gets fixed in the end and Shrek is newly in love with his life and family. A sweet ending to the four-film series. (Paramount Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
  40. Image: Scene from
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    'How to Train Your Dragon'

    Vikings: They're more than just a football team. 2010's "How to Train Your Dragon" tells the tale of Viking teen Hiccup. He wants to follow in his clan's tradition as a dragonslayer, but then discovers he really likes the dragon he's found. The youngest tots might not go for this one, with all its talk of slaying and battles, but older ones will enjoy it. (Paramount Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation

  41. 'The Karate Kid'

    What goes around, comes around. Parents who watched the 1984 "Karate Kid" with Ralph Macchio are now taking their kids to 2010's version, starring Will Smith's son, Jaden. If you've seen the first one, you know the plot -- young wimpy kid finds his strength when an old martial-arts master trains him for the big tournament against the bullies. This version is set in China, which adds a novel element. The fighting scenes are bloody and scary, but older grade-schoolers and up will appreciate the story of underdog who triumphs thanks to hard work and love. (Jasin Boland / Columbia Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
    Related story Review: 'Karate Kid' goes to China
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