Film and Dvds

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian [ages 8–12]
Opens May 16; rated PG
narnia.com
The sequel to the 2005 blockbuster has the Pevensie siblings making a return trip to wondrous Narnia to face another challenge that will test their faith and mettle. It’s 1,300 years later in Narnia time (1 year for Earth), and the wonderful feeling left after a Christ-like lion inspired an overthrow of an evil witch has turned dark by an evil king who now rules Narnia.

Speed Racer [ages 7–14]
Opens May 9; not yet rated (PG likely)
speedracerthemovie.com
Here comes Speed Racer – he’s a demon on wheels and will be in pole position for what’s shaping up to be another competitive race at the summer box office. Baby Boomer boys who know the theme song by heart will look forward to exposing the next generation to the live-action adaptation of the classic Japanese-made cartoon. Emile Hirsch is the spunky dude behind the wheel of the super Mach 5, designed by dad (John Goodman). Christina Ricci plays Speed’s girlfriend, and Matthew Fox is Racer X, a rival with a secret past.

Iron Man [ages 12–17]
Opens May 2; rated PG-13
ironmanmovie.com
Another Marvel comic-book series goes Hollywood with Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark. By day, he is a wealthy industrialist and genius inventor; by night, he is Iron Man, the global protector against terrorism and corporate espionage – thanks mostly to a suit of armor loaded with high-tech devices that enable him to fight crime. Sounds like “Inspector Gadget,” but without the slapstick comedy.