5 Movies to See in Metro Phoenix This June

You may not have a summer break like you did when you were a kid, but that doesn't mean you have to be a grown up at the movies. Let's save the art house fare and thought-provoking movies for later this year. For June, it's all about being a kid again.


The Goonies
Plays Tuesday, June 9 at select Harkins Theatres

Was there anything more magical as a kid than pretending you were on an adventure? Not unless you were a Goonie, there wasn't. When a band of rag-tag wannabe adventurers stumble upon a local mystery, they go in search of the pirate fortune that could save their town from evil developers. Between a gang of bad guys who wants the treasure for themselves and enough booby traps to thwart even the most cunning treasure hunter, it's an action-packed classic that gave us the iconic phrase "Goonies never say die!"


Jurassic World
Opens Friday, June 12

Seriously, when will we learn to stop messing with dinosaur DNA? And more importantly, why would anyone conduct these experiments when people are actually at the theme park that houses these dinosaurs? Don't overthink this one and just get ready to have a good time. With Chris Pratt on hand to save the day, it's sure to be as funny as it is intense, even if it does kinda look like a couple of 8-year-old boys came up with the plot. Nothing can compare to the original in this series, but a little trip to Jurassic Park never killed anyone, except for all those people it's already killed. But don't worry; you should be safe in your seats, unless the 3D version becomes a little too realistic.


Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Opens Friday, June 12

In case the title didn't already spill the beans, this one isn't a super-happy, lighthearted summer release. Though the subject matter may be a bit heavy, this winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival has everyone buzzing, and for good reason. It's the kind of coming-of-age story that will tug on your heartstrings without overloading you on the sappy, mushy stuff.


Inside Out
Opens Friday, June 19

Speaking of sappy, mushy stuff, here's one that's all about emotions, literally. This Pixar film takes us inside the head of a young girl to see how hard growing up can be. Most kids feel like their emotions lose control as they hit those turbulent junior high and high school years, but for Riley, it's true. When Joy and Sadness get lost within her brain, it's up to Fear, Disgust and Anger to take over while they find their way back. Anyone who was a teenager or who has spent time around one recently can see how this might seem like the case for everyone at that time of their life. All signs point to a new Pixar hit.


The Karate Kid
Playing Friday, June 19 through Thursday, June 25 at FilmBar

It's hard to pick which movie to see at Filmbar this month for their Jerks series, celebrating some of the best bad guys to permeate pop culture. But really, we had to go with Johnny Lawrence, tormentor of young Daniel-son. Being the new kid in school is hard, but it's nearly impossible when you're being harassed by an out of control karate gang. Can Mr. Miyagi teach his student everything he needs to know to defend himself before Johnny puts him in a body bag? If you don't know the answer (and even if you do), check it out.

Follow Jackalope Ranch on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.