By Jane Louise Boursaw

Steve Carell as a despicable guy, Nic Cage as a sorcerer, and Selena Gomez as a big sister are featured in this month’s movies. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new on the big screen in July:

THE LAST AIRBENDER

Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 7/2. Ok for kids 12+.

Based on the animated TV series, this live action film is directed by M. Night Shyamalan. It follows four nations tied by destiny -- Air, Water, Earth, and Fire – and the Fire Nation has launched a brutal war against the others. A century has passed, and there's no hope in sight to change the path of destruction, until Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers that he's the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) to restore balance to their war-torn world. Fans of the TV series will undoubtedly like this movie, although the action is geared towards kids 12 and older. It also has fantastic special effects. Official Site: www.thelastairbendermovie.com

GREASE SING-ALONG

PG. In theaters (limited) 7/8. Ok for kids 11+.

This fun sing-along version of the popular 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is only playing in limited theaters. But if it's near you, it would be super fun to take your kids to. It's rated PG, but the story definitely has some mature themes, like whether or not Sandy is a good girl or a bad girl. Then again, it's nothing you don’t see on 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager,' so it depends on whether you want your kids tuned into that. I think the T-Birds and Pink Ladies of Rydell High are ok for kids 11 and older. Official Site: www.greasemovie.com

DESPICABLE ME in 3D

Rated PG for rude humor and mild action. In theaters 7/9. Ok for kids 8+.

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world [insert evil laugh here] – he's planning to steal the moon! Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. Yes, he starts out evil and the movie has lots of action, but Gru has some redeeming traits, and the girls and minions are ultra cute. Official Site: www.despicable.me

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE

Rated PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language. In theaters 7/14. Ok for kids 8+.

There are some film teams that seem to bring it every time, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Jon Turteltaub, and actor Nicolas Cage is one such team. They did the 'National Treasure' franchise, and now they're bringing us 'The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.' Cage plays Balthazar Blake, a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). But Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy, as his reluctant protégé. Dave gets a crash course in magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness, save the city, and get the girl (Teresa Palmer). Cool special effects and a fun movie for kids 8 and older. Official Site: disney.go.com/disneypictures/sorcerersapprentice

RAMONA AND BEEZUS

Rated G. In theaters 7/23. Ok for kids 6+.

I'm always excited to see a G-rated family movie, and this one delivers the goods. It's got the genius of Beverly Cleary, who wrote the best-selling Ramona and Beezus books, as well as a great cast. The story follows the adventures of young Ramona Quimby (newcomer Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez). Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics keep everyone she meets on their toes. But her sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family's home. Also stars John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel and Sandra Oh. This movie makes me want to go back and read the books again! Official Site: www.ramonaandbeezus.com

CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE in 3D

Rated PG for animal action and humor. In theaters 7/30. Ok for kids 7+.

In the age-old battle between cats and dogs, one crazed feline has taken things a paw too far. Kitty Galore, formerly an agent for cat spy organization MEOWS, has gone rogue and hatched a diabolical plan to not only bring her canine enemies to heel, but take down her former kitty comrades and make the world her scratching post! Faced with this unprecedented threat, cats and dogs will be forced to join forces for the first time in history in an unlikely alliance to save themselves and their humans. This movie blends live action with state-of-the-art puppetry and computer animation. I’m such a sucker for these talking-animal movies, and this one is lots of fun. Cast includes Christina Applegate, Neil Patrick Harris, Bette Midler, Nick Nolte and Jack McBrayer. Official Site: catsanddogsmovie.warnerbros.com

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance writer specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.filmgecko.com and www.ReelLifeWithJane.com, or email jboursaw@charter.net.