At The Movies

Masters of the Universe Age Rating: PG Runtime: 106 minutes Studio: Cannon Films Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Masters of the Universe Franchise Position: 1 A live-action fantasy adventure that brings the battle between He-Man and Skeletor from Eternia to Earth. Ratings: My Rating: 5.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 21% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 5.7/10 Plot Summary: The evil Skeletor has conquered most of the planet Eternia and captured Castle Grayskull, giving him access to nearly unlimited cosmic power. He-Man, the most powerful warrior in Eternia, joins forces with his allies to stop Skeletor before the villain gains complete control of the universe. During the struggle, a mysterious device called the Cosmic Key accidentally transports He-Man, Skeletor's forces, and several Eternian heroes to modern-day Earth. There they encounter two teenagers, Julie Winston and Kevin Corrigan, who become caught up in the conflict. Together they must recover ...

The Delta Force Age Rating: R Runtime: 129 minutes Studio: Golan‑Globus Productions / Cannon Group Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Delta Force Franchise Position: 1st in series An elite U.S. special operations team races against time to stop terrorists who have hijacked a passenger jet and take innocent lives. Ratings: My Rating: IMDb 5.7 / Rotten Tomatoes 14% / Metacritic 37 / TMDb 6.0 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 5.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 14% Metacritic: 37 TMDb: 6.0 Plot Summary: After a commercial Boeing 707 is hijacked by terrorists, an elite team known as the Delta Force—led by Major Scott McCoy and Colonel Nick Alexander—mobilizes to save the hostages. Facing a tense international crisis, the commandos use specialized skills and tactics to infiltrate, confront the captors, and attempt a daring rescue in Beirut, racing against time as the lives of the innocent hang in the balance. Critics Review: Critics were largely unfavorable toward The Delta Force. Many described...

The Great Mouse Detective Runtime: 80 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 7.6 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Metacritic: 69 Plot Summary: In Victorian London, a brilliant mouse detective named Basil of Baker Street takes on the case of a kidnapped toymaker. With his trusty companion Dr. Dawson, Basil navigates a web of clues, danger, and the sinister schemes of the evil Professor Ratigan. The adventure unfolds through clever disguises, suspenseful chases, and a battle of wits between good and evil, culminating in a dramatic showdown that saves the city’s mice. Critics Review: The film was praised for its clever story, suspenseful tone, and lively animation. Critics highlighted the engaging villain, Ratigan, and the homage to Sherlock Holmes as standout elements. Some noted it as one of Disney’s stronger late-1980s animated features. Christian Perspective: The story emphasizes courage, ingenuity, and...

The Fox and the Hound Runtime: 86 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Standalone, N/A Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 74% Metacritic: 71 Plot Summary: A young fox named Tod and a hound puppy named Copper form an unlikely friendship despite their natural instincts and the societal pressures around them. As they grow, circumstances and loyalty to their respective human masters threaten to pull them apart, ultimately testing the bonds of friendship, trust, and forgiveness in the face of inevitable change. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s emotional depth, charming animation, and mature themes of friendship and loss. Some noted the bittersweet ending as a brave choice for a Disney animated feature at the time. Christian Perspective: The story highlights Christian values of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and compassion. The characters’ struggles reflect moral lessons about choosing love and kindness over inst...

Staying Alive Age Rating: PG Runtime: 96 min Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Saturday Night Fever Franchise Position: 2 A dance drama following Tony Manero six years after Saturday Night Fever, as he leaves Brooklyn for Manhattan and pursues his dream of becoming a Broadway dancer. The story traces his struggles balancing work, relationships, and artistic ambition while competing for roles in a major stage production. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.5–7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 3% Tomatometer, ~40% audience Metacritic: 24–38/100 TMDb: 5.8/10 Plot Summary: Former disco king Tony Manero now lives in Manhattan, working as a waiter and dance instructor while chasing a big break on Broadway. When he auditions for a new show, Satan’s Alley, he lands a part as a backup dancer and must navigate romantic entanglements, professional rivalries, and personal growth. Tony’s journey culminates in a high‑energy Broadway performance that t...

Night Crossing  Age Rating: PG Runtime: 107 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A quiet act of courage becomes a dangerous stand against oppression, proving that freedom is worth any risk. Ratings: My Rating: 7.3 / 10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.1 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes: 86% Metacritic: 61 / 100 TMDb: 7.2 / 10 Plot Summary: Set in early 1960s East Germany, Night Crossing tells the true story of Harry Tiede, his wife Doris, and her brother Günter Wetzel, who risk everything to escape Communist rule by building a homemade hot air balloon. Living under constant surveillance by the Stasi, the families secretly gather materials, design the balloon, and attempt a nighttime escape across the heavily guarded border into West Germany. Their first attempt fails, putting them under increased scrutiny and danger. With time running out and authorities closing in, the families make a second, more desperate attempt....

Beverly Hills Cop II Age Rating: R Runtime: 104 min Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Beverly Hills Cop Franchise Position: 2 Tagline: Axel Foley is back — and this time, the stakes are higher and the laughs are louder. Ratings: My Rating: 70% The Dove Foundation: Not listed IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 57% Metacritic: 46/100 TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills when a string of high-profile robberies and the murder of a fellow officer threatens the city. Reuniting with detectives Billy Rosewood and Sgt. John Taggart, Foley uses his street smarts and unorthodox methods to track down the ruthless criminals behind the crime spree, all while navigating the challenges of law enforcement bureaucracy and comedic misadventures. Critics Review: The sequel received mixed reviews. Critics praised Eddie Murphy’s performance and comedic timing but noted that the film relied heavily on action-comedy tropes from the original without offeri...

Beverly Hills Cop Age Rating: R Runtime: 105 min Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Beverly Hills Cop Franchise Position: 1 Tagline: A streetwise Detroit cop in Beverly Hills — Axel Foley doesn’t just break rules, he blows them up. Ratings: My Rating: 77.6% The Dove Foundation: Not listed IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 82% Metacritic: 66/100 TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: Axel Foley, a sharp-witted Detroit cop, travels to Beverly Hills when his childhood friend is murdered. Posing as a journalist, he infiltrates the world of upscale crime and art, suspecting that his friend’s employer, art dealer Victor Maitland, might be involved in something shady. Foley teams up with two skeptical Beverly Hills detectives, Billy Rosewood and Sgt. John Taggart, to unravel the conspiracy — but his unorthodox methods and refusal to play by the rules make him both a liability and an asset. Critics Review: The film was praised for its energetic direction, sharp humor, and Eddi...

A Christmas Story Age Rating: PG Runtime: 93 minutes Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Franchise: A Christmas Story Franchise Position: 1 A nostalgic and humorous tale of a young boy’s quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas — and the misadventures that come with it. Ratings: My Rating: 9.0/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for Ages 12+ IMDb: 7.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 90% Metacritic: 77 TMDb: 7.3/10 Plot Summary: Set in 1940s Indiana, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who dreams of owning a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. His Christmas wish is met with resistance from everyone — his mother, his teacher, even Santa — all warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Through a series of comical vignettes involving bullies, a foul-mouthed friend, a leg-lamp prize, and an unforgettable family Christmas, Ralphie’s innocent determination captures the chaotic magic and heartfelt warmth of growing up during the holidays. Critics Review: A Christmas Sto...

Major League Age Rating: PG Runtime: 108 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Major League Franchise Position: 1 A ragtag baseball team defies the odds to turn their losing streak into a season of unexpected triumph. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 82% Metacritic: 57/100 TMDb: 7.2/10 Plot Summary: The Cleveland Indians are a struggling baseball team on the verge of being moved or disbanded. New owner Rachel Phelps recruits a team of misfits and washed-up players, hoping they’ll fail so she can relocate the franchise. Against all odds, the players—led by pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, veteran catcher Jake Taylor, and rookie slugger Pedro Cerrano—come together, overcoming personal challenges and internal conflicts. As the season progresses, their chemistry and determination transform them into genuine contenders, culminating in a dramatic showdown that tests their skill and teamwork. Critics Re...

Twilight Zone: The Movie Runtime: 101 minutes Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Twilight Zone Franchise Position: Film adaptation / Anthology A chilling and imaginative anthology that reimagines four classic episodes from Rod Serling’s legendary television series, blending science fiction, horror, and morality tales into a single cinematic experience. Ratings: My Rating: 7.2/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 6.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 60% Metacritic: 55 TMDb: 6.5/10 Plot Summary: Twilight Zone: The Movie consists of four segments directed by John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller, framed by a darkly comic prologue and epilogue. The first segment follows a bitter, bigoted man who is transported into the bodies of the persecuted throughout history. The second tells of an elderly man in a retirement home who discovers a way to bring back the joys of youth. The third centers on a boy with godlike powers who traps people in...

Heavy Metal Runtime: 90 minutes Studio: Columbia Pictures Country of Origin: Canada Franchise: Heavy Metal Franchise Position: 1 A bold, adult-oriented animated anthology blending science fiction, fantasy, and rock music into a surreal journey across time and space. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated (contains explicit adult content) IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 61% Metacritic: 55 TMDb: 6.6/10 Plot Summary: Heavy Metal is a kaleidoscopic anthology film that unites several animated tales under the shadow of an evil, glowing green orb known as the Loc-Nar, the personification of pure evil. The stories range from futuristic dystopias to sword-and-sorcery adventures, featuring space travelers, warriors, and bizarre creatures. Each vignette, while distinct in style and tone, explores humanity’s darker impulses — greed, lust, corruption, and the struggle against evil — all framed by the cosmic influence of the Loc-Nar. The film’s vignettes include tales such as “Harry...

The New Adventures of the Lone Ranger Runtime: 5 hr 08 min (28 episodes, approx. 11 min each) Studio: Filmation Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Lone Ranger A Saturday morning animated Western series featuring the masked hero and his loyal companion Tonto as they travel the American frontier battling injustice and protecting the innocent. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: N/A Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: The Lone Ranger and Tonto roam the frontier confronting bandits, corrupt officials, and other threats to peace and justice. Each episode features a self-contained story highlighting courage, integrity, and the Ranger’s strict moral code—never firing his gun unless fired upon. Tonto’s wisdom and bravery complement the Ranger’s resourcefulness as they restore order and protect settlers across the Wild West. Christian Perspective: The show promotes timeless moral lessons consistent with Christian values—justice, honesty, ...

The New Adventures of Zorro Runtime: 582 minutes Studio: Filmation Associates Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Zorro Franchise Position: N/A A masked hero defends Spanish California against corrupt officials, tyranny, and injustice, as Don Diego hides his secret identity to protect the people. Ratings: My Rating: N/A The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: In The New Adventures of Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega leads a double life: by day he is a refined nobleman, and by night the daring masked vigilante Zorro. Aided by his loyal companion Miguel and his horse Tornado, Zorro uses wit, skill, and swordsmanship to fight against corruption in Spanish California. Each episode brings new challenges—greedy officials, scheming bandits, and unjust laws—that threaten the innocent. Balancing his public persona and secret identity, Diego strives to uphold justice while keeping his heroic alter ego hidden. Critics Review: This Film...

9 to 5 Runtime: 110 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Three female employees of a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot find a way to turn the tables on him. Ratings: My Rating: ~7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 70% (Critics), 70% (Audience) Metacritic: 58/100 TMDb: 6.9/10 Plot Summary: In this workplace comedy, Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), a recently divorced woman, starts a new job as a secretary at Consolidated Companies. She befriends her colleagues, Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin) and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), who share frustrations with their chauvinistic boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman). After a series of misadventures, the trio inadvertently kidnaps Hart and takes over his office, implementing their own changes to improve the workplace environment. Their actions lead to unexpected consequences, but ultimately, they find empowerment and camaraderie in their...

The Nude Bomb Runtime: 94 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Country of Origin: United States Based on: Get Smart television series Franchise: Get Smart Franchise Position: 2 Maxwell Smart returns to action to thwart a villainous plot involving a bomb that destroys all clothing, leaving the world exposed. Ratings: My Rating: ~5.1/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 5.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 17% (Critics), 39% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: Agent Maxwell Smart (Don Adams) is called back into service by the PITS (Provisional Intelligence Tactical Service) to stop a KAOS plot involving a bomb that destroys all clothing, leaving the world vulnerable. Smart teams up with fellow agents, including Agent 34 (Sylvia Kristel), to thwart the villainous plan and save the day. Critics Review: Critics found The Nude Bomb to be a disappointing continuation of the Get Smart series, citing a lack of the original's charm and wit. The film's reliance on slapstick humor and absence...

The Butter Battle Book Runtime: 52 minutes Studio: Random House Productions, Gramercy Pictures Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Based on: The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss Two neighboring societies, the Yooks and the Zooks, engage in an escalating feud over how to butter bread, illustrating the absurdity of conflict and the dangers of arms races. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.3/10 Plot Summary: The Yooks and Zooks argue over which side of bread should be buttered, leading to a dangerous buildup of weapons and tension. Through humor and exaggerated scenarios, the story presents a satirical lesson on pride, conflict, and the importance of resolving disputes peacefully. Critics Review: Critics noted the special’s sharp satire, colorful animation, and faithful adaptation of Seuss’s story. It was praised for its ability to communicate serious messages about co...

The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat Runtime: 26 minutes Studio: MGM Television, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Grinch Franchise Position: 3 Based on: Characters by Dr. Seuss The Grinch returns to cause chaos, this time targeting the Cat in the Hat, resulting in a comical battle of wits and mischief. Ratings: My Rating: 7.4/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved IMDb: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.2/10 Plot Summary: The Cat in the Hat attempts to entertain and educate the children, but the Grinch interferes with his plans, creating confusion and havoc. The story follows the humorous struggle between the Cat and the Grinch, highlighting cleverness, resilience, and ultimately, lessons in humility and cooperation. Critics Review: The special was praised for its animation, voice acting, and continuation of popular Seuss characters. Critics appreciated the humor, imaginative sequences, and the moral undertones of overcoming mischief...

Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? Runtime: 27 minutes Studio: MGM Television, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Based on: Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? by Dr. Seuss Pontoffel Pock, a clumsy yet well-meaning man, embarks on a fantastical adventure with a magic piano, learning lessons about responsibility, patience, and making wise choices. Ratings: My Rating: 7.3/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved IMDb: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.2/10 Plot Summary: Pontoffel Pock receives a magic piano that allows him to travel anywhere, but his impatience and lack of focus lead to comical mishaps. Guided by lessons along the way, he discovers the importance of responsibility, careful decision-making, and perseverance, ultimately learning to use his gifts wisely. Critics Review: The special was praised for its imaginative animation, whimsical humor, and faithful adaptation of Seuss’s story. Critics highlighted ...

Ernest Saves Christmas Runtime: 92 minutes Studio: Touchstone Pictures, Emshell Producers Group Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Ernest Franchise Position: 2 When Santa Claus decides to retire, Ernest P. Worrell is enlisted to find a replacement and help save Christmas, navigating comedic mishaps and holiday chaos along the way. Ratings: My Rating: 7.4/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 5.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 48% Audience / 30% Critics Metacritic: 50/100 TMDb: 6.1/10 Plot Summary: Ernest, a well-meaning but accident-prone man, becomes involved in a holiday adventure when Santa Claus chooses him to help find his successor. Along the way, Ernest encounters a young orphan, deals with holiday-related challenges, and works to ensure Christmas is celebrated properly. His bumbling nature leads to numerous comedic situations, but his good heart shines through. Critics Review: Ernest Saves Christmas received mixed reviews. Critics enjoyed Jim Varney's comedic performance, t...