New movies for kids and teens in April include a story about a gifted girl, a new Smurfs movie, and an animated tale about a space-traveling monkey. Here’s a sneak peek at all the new movies for kids and teens in April. Note that release dates are subject to change.

GIFTED
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some suggestive material | Ok for Kids 13+ | In Theaters 4/7 | Fox Searchlight | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels

Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy - his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) in a coastal town in Florida. Frank's plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old's mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary's landlady and best friend. Jenny Slate is Mary's teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well. Directed by Marc Webb.

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE
Rated PG for some mild action and rude humor | In Theaters 4/7 | Ok for Kids 6+ | Sony | Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels

In this animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! Directed by Kelly Asbury, this cute installment features the voice talent of Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Julia Roberts and more.

SPARK
Rated PG for some action and rude humor | In Theaters 4/14 | Ok for Kids 7+ | Open Road | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels

The action-packed, humor and heart-filled "Spark" follows a teenage monkey Spark, voiced by Jace Norman (Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger”), and his friends Vix, a battle-ready fox voiced by Jessica Biel, and Chunk, a tech-savvy warthog, as they embark on a mission to take back the besieged Planet Bana from the power-mad General Zhong. Spark’s dangerous odyssey leads him to the farthest reaches of the universe, and to the secret of his true identity, with characters like the comically forgetful nanny robot Bananny, voiced by Susan Sarandon, and the noble, self-sacrificing Queen, voiced by Hilary Swank, by his side.

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.