New movies for kids and teens in February include a new LEGO installment, an interplanetary adventure, and a fun comedy about a musical dog. Here’s a sneak peek at all the new movies for kids and teens in February. Note that release dates are subject to change.

RINGS

Rated PG-13 for violence/terror, thematic elements, some sexuality and brief drug material | In Theaters 2/3 | Ok for Kids 14+ | Paramount | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels

In this new chapter in the "Ring" horror franchise, a young woman becomes worried about her boyfriend when he explores a dark subculture surrounding a mysterious videotape said to kill the watcher seven days after it's been viewed. She sacrifices herself to save her boyfriend and in doing so, makes a horrifying discovery: there's a "movie within the movie" that no one has ever seen before. Directed by F. Javier Gutierrez, this thriller stars Aimee Teegarden, Matilda Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki and Vincent D'Onofrio.

THE SPACE BETWEEN US

Rated PG-13 for brief sensuality and language | In Theaters 2/3 | Ok for kids 13+ | STX | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels

In this interplanetary adventure, a space shuttle embarks on the first mission to colonize Mars, only to discover after takeoff that one of the astronauts is pregnant. Shortly after landing, she dies from complications while giving birth to the first human born on the red planet – never revealing who the father is. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Gardner Elliot – an inquisitive, highly intelligent boy who reaches the age of 16 having only met 14 people in his unconventional upbringing. While searching for clues about his father and the home planet he’s never known, Gardner begins an online friendship with a street smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa. When he finally gets a chance to go to Earth, he’s eager to find his father and experience all of the wonders of the planet. But his  organs can’t withstand Earth’s atmosphere. Directed by Peter Chelsom, this movie stars Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Britt Robertson and Carla Gugino.

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

Rated PG for rude humor and some action | In Theaters 2/10 | Ok for Kids 6+ | Warner Bros. | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels

In the spirit of irreverent fun that made "The LEGO Movie" a worldwide hit, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – gets his own big screen adventure. There are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Directed by Chris McKay, this movie stars Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes.

THE GREAT WALL

Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action violence | In Theaters 2/17 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Legendary/Universal | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels

Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by visual stylist Zhang Yimou ("Hero," "House of Flying Daggers"), this movie tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou, this is the largest film ever shot entirely in China. "The Great Wall" also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.

COLLIDE

Rated PG-13 for violence, frenetic action, some sexuality, language and drug material | In Theaters 2/24 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Open Road | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels

After a heist goes terribly wrong, Casey Stein (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself on the run from a ruthless gang headed by mob boss Hagen (Anthony Hopkins). Now Casey has precious cargo that belongs to Hagen, who will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Left with no choice, Casey calls his former employer and drug smuggler Geran (Ben Kingsley) to protect his long-time girlfriend Juliette before Hagen gets his hands on her. Casey embarks on an adrenaline-fueled car chase on the German highways to save the love of his life before it's too late. Directed by Eran Creevy, this movie also stars Felicity Jones.

ROCK DOG

Rated PG for action and language | In Theaters 2/24 | Ok for Kids 6+ | Summit/Lionsgate | Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels

The Tibetan Mastiffs living on Snow Mountain have one goal: guard a peaceful village of wool-making sheep from the thuggish wolf Linnux (Lewis Black) and his rabid pack. To avoid distractions, Mastiff leader Khampa (J.K. Simmons) forbids all music from the mountain. But when his son Bodi (Luke Wilson) discovers a radio dropped by a passing airplane, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed: Bodi wants to be a rock star. But that means defying his father's wishes, heading to the city, and locating the legendary musician Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard), who needs to write a new song and fast. If Bodi can put a band together, help Angus with his song, and defeat the wolves' plot to take Snow Mountain, his life will be in tune. Directed by Ash Brannon, this fun movie also stars Kenan Thompson, Mae Whitman, Jorge Garcia, Matt Dillon and Sam Elliott.

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM

One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Jane Boursaw is the film critic and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Contact her at jboursaw@charter.net. Images used with permission of the studios and distributors.