Oscar-nominee Will Smith and Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones are back in black in one of the summer’s most hotly anticipated films, “Men in Black II,” opening in theaters Wednesday. This PG-13-rated action comedy reunites agents Jay (Smith) and Kay (Jones), who, his memory neutralized at the end of the first film, must be brought back into the fold to face a new alien threat in the provocative form of the shape-shifting Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle).
Also opening Wednesday is the PG-rated “Like Mike,” a “Rookie of the Year”-esque wish-fulfillment fantasy starring rapper Lil’ Bow Wow as a diminutive orphan whose hoop dreams come true when he finds a pair of old sneakers inscribed with the initials M.J. He tries them on and finds himself able to slam dunk with the big boys.
NBA stars Karl Malone, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson appear as themselves.
‘Jimmy Neutron’ hits home video, gets a series
“Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius” blasts off Tuesday on VHS and DVD. Nominated for the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this computer-animated comedy charts the adventures of 10-year-old Jimmy, the smartest kid in Retroville, who must lead the rescue after aliens abduct all the parents. Nickelodeon will launch a weekly “Jimmy Neutron” series this fall.
Cartoon Network hosts ‘Iron Giant’ marathon
“The Iron Giant” was confoundingly neglected during its 1999 theatrical release. If you have not yet caught up with this film on video, Cartoon Network is giving you every opportunity to see one of the very best animated films in recent years when it presents a 24-hour “Iron Giant” marathon beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Directed by Brad Bird (“The Simpsons”), this exciting adaptation of Ted Hughes’ 1968 book tells the Cold War-era story of a friendship between a 9-year-old boy and a 50-foot robot that crash-lands near his small Maine town.
‘Latin Playground’ has a festive summer sound
The Putumayo world music label has released “Latin Playground,” a festive, perfect-for-summer collection of Latin American music for children and families. “Guantanamera” makes the inevitable appearance, as does a rollicking version of “Mardi Gras Mambo.” Among the artists is accordion legend Flaco Jimenez.
More Top Picks High Chairs