Free summer movies return to local parks

The county’s 11th annual free Summer Movies in the Park series has returned with 151 opportunities to see new and decades-old family-friendly flicks under the stars.

The first movie among local venues will be shown on Saturday, June 23 in Poway. It is “The Lego Ninjago Movie.”

This and all other movies will begin at dusk, about 15 minutes after sunset. Moviegoers will want to arrive early since many venues will offer arts and crafts activities, games, live entertainment and refreshments for purchase an hour or so before the movies are projected on a gigantic inflated movie screen.

Attendees are advised to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for grass seating, picnics and jackets in case it gets chilly after dark. Some venues permit dogs on leashes. Check the series’ website at SummerMoviesInThePark.com for details on specific venues and the list of all free movies being shown countywide through Oct. 27.

This year’s local movie options are:

► “The Lego Ninjago Movie” can be seen on Saturday, June 23 in Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive.

The 2017 animated action adventure movie is about the teenage son of an evil warlord who seeks to defeat his father with the help of other teen ninjas. It includes the voices of Jackie Chan and Dave Franco. The movie is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor.

► “Ferdinand” can be seen on Saturday, July 7 in Poway Community Park; on Saturday, Aug. 11 in Rancho Bernardo Community Park, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive; and on Friday, Aug. 24 in 4S Ranch Sports Park, 16118 4S Ranch Parkway.

Based on a book, the 2017 animated adventure comedy is about a bull with a big heart who is mistaken for a dangerous beast. After being captured, Ferdinand is determined to return to his family and home, but doing so requires going on the ultimate adventure with a team of misfits. It includes the voices of John Cena, Kate McKinnon and Bobby Cannavale. It is rated PG for rude humor, action and some thematic elements.

► “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” can be seen on Friday, July 13 in 4S Ranch Sports Park.

The 2017 animated action comedy is about two overly-imaginative pranksters who hypnotize their mean-spirted principal into thinking he is an enthusiastic, but dim-witted superhero named Captain Underpants. It includes the voices of Kevin Hart and Ed Helms. It is rated PG for mild rude humor.

► “Coco” can be seen on Saturday, July 14 at the Los Peñasquitos Adobe, 12122 Canyonside Park Drive in Rancho Peñasquitos; on Saturday, July 21 in Poway Community Park; and on Friday, Aug. 10 in 4S Ranch Sports Park.

The 2017 Disney Pixar animated adventure comedy is about an aspiring musician named Miguel who, when confronted by his family’s ancestral ban on music, travels to the Land of the Dead to meet his great-great-grandfather, who is a legendary singer. It includes the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt and Gael García Bernal. It is rated PG for thematic elements.

► “The Sandlot” can be seen on Friday, July 27 in Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Park, 10152 Rancho Carmel Drive.

The 1993 family comedy-drama is set in the summer of 1962, when a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team. Their many adventures include dealing with a legendary ball-eating dog dubbed The Beast. It features James Earl Jones, Denis Leary and Tom Guiry. It is rated PG for some language and kids chewing tobacco.

► “Despicable Me 3” can be seen on Friday, July 27 in 4S Ranch Sports Park.

In this 2017 installment in the Illumination franchise, the animated action adventure has Gru meeting his long-lost charming, cheerful and more successful twin brother, Dru, who wants them to team up on a criminal heist. It includes the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Julie Andrews and an appearance by the Minions. It is rated PG for action and rude humor.

► “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” can be seen on Saturday, July 28 in Rancho Bernardo Community Park.

In the franchise’s Episode VIII, released last year, Rey develops her newly-discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, while the Resistance prepares to battle the First Order. It features Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Adam Driver. It is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action sequences and violence.

► “Cars 3” can be seen on Saturday, Aug. 4 at two locations — Poway Community Park and Rolling Hills Neighborhood Park, 11082 Carlota in Rancho Peñasquitos.

The 2017 Disney Pixar animated adventure comedy has Lightning McQueen trying to prove to a new generation of racers that he is still the world’s best race car. It features the voices of Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Nathan Fillion, Larry the Cable Guy, Tony Shalhoub, Bonnie Hunt and Kerry Washington. It is rated G.

► “Moana” can be seen on Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Los Peñasquitos Adobe.

Disney’s 2016 animated adventure comedy is about an ancient Polynesian chieftain’s daughter who seeks out the demigod Maui to stop a terrible curse. It includes the voices of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson. It is rated PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements.

► “Robin Hood” can be seen on Saturday, Aug. 18 in Old Poway Park. 14134 Midland Road.

The 1973 Disney animated adventure comedy uses humanoid animal characters to tell the story of the legendary outlaw in Sherwood Forest. It includes the voices of Peter Ustinov, Brian Bedford and Monica Evans. It is rated G.

► “Despicable Me” can be seen on Saturday, Aug. 18 in Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Park.

The 2010 animated adventure comedy is about a criminal mastermind who uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns in his grand scheme that includes the Minions. It features the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett and Kristen Wiig. It is rated PG for rude humor and mild action.

email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com