Bumblebee

Parents need to know that Bumblebee is a prequel in the big, boomy live-action Transformers franchise. Set in 1987, 20 years before the first Transformers movie took place, it follows 18-year-old Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), who discovers Bumblebee disguised as a broken-down VW Beetle. As the duo's bond grows, the appearance of a menacing government agency searching for Bumblebee threatens the safety of their coastal California town. While the previous, Michael Bay-directed Transformers movies are known for their intense battles and constant fiery explosions, new director Travis Knight (Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings) could bring more humor and a slightly lighter touch to this chapter in the franchise. But it's still safe to expect plenty of sci-fi/robot action, including gunfire and military-style weapons.