Mascot versions of the characters in "Kwai Boo" present themselves to the press. (Photo : http://movie.mtime.com)
Summer break can be memorable in so many ways.
Cinemas are teeming with movies children might find interesting, and given the two-month summer vacation, they have plenty of time to go to the theaters with lots of options to choose from.
Here are ten local animation films kids--and kids at heart--would love to see this summer (in order of release):
First is Wei Liu’s “The Three Pigs and the Lamp.” Release date: July 4. Three kindergarten pupils who are good friends found themselves in a one-of-a-kind adventure as they trail down the location of a magic lamp using a map they discovered.
Second is Tian Xiao Peng’s "Monkey King: Hero Is Back." Release date: July 10. After a 500-year imprisonment, the legendary Monkey King was freed by accident by a child. He helps a village as it gets attacked by monsters.
Third is Raman Hui’s “Monster Hunt.” Release date: July 16. It’s humans vs. monsters (though not typically dreadful-looking ones). A man bears and gives birth (yes, a man) to a monster child that is destined to be a king. Like any loving parents out there, he protects his “son” as he and a fellow monster hunter joined forces in a battle against attacking monsters.
Fourth is Panxiong Yao’s "Aura Star: Attack of the Temple." Release date: July 23. A guardian of an ancient temple and his friends team up to protect the Aura star from forces of evil.
Fifth is Wang Zhang Jun’s “Seer 5: The Rise of Thor.” Release date: July 23. Rey, the lead in the “Seer” series, deals with a new villain plotting to ruin the peace and order in the cosmic world. The film outfit behind it promises better visual effects.
Sixth is Liu Yujun’s “The King of Tibetan Antelope.” Release date: July 31. A young Tibetan antelope loses his mother when she falls off a cliff while saving him from some poachers. He befriends some animals he meets in the wilderness and embarks on a journey to find his way back to his herd.
Seventh is Qiu Haojiang’s “The Little Mermaid: Attack of the Pirates.” Release date: July 31. As the movie trailer says, this movie is about the “rebirth of the magnificent mermaid princess.” She saves the life of a captain’s daughter when the little girl was thrown into the sea by huge waves during a voyage one stormy night. Their encounter leads to a land adventure.
Eight is Wang Yunfei’s “Kwai Boo.” Release date: Aug. 6. The title is the name of the lead character. He is a kid, a genius one, who often finds himself in trouble with his inventions.
Ninth is In Shengjun’s "Mr. Black: Green Star." Release date: Aug. 7. This is the film adaptation of the cartoon series “Black Cat Detective,” which aired in 1984-1987. Mr. Black Cat deals with different kinds of villains. In the movie version, he protects the city as it gets attacked by a big ape possessed with what seemed to be electrical powers.
Lastly, Tsui Hark’s "Jungle Master: The Candy World." Release date: Aug. 13. This movie teaches that in friendship, trust plays an important role.
Don’t forget the popcorns!
