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Showing posts with the label 2000s

Andromeda, 2000–2005, TV-PG, 82 hr 30 min

Andromeda Age Rating: TV-PG Runtime: 4,950 minutes Studio: Fireworks Entertainment, Tribune Entertainment, Mace Neufeld Productions Country of Origin: Canada A starship captain from a golden age of civilization awakens three centuries after the fall of his government and embarks on a seemingly impossible mission: to restore order, hope, and justice to a fractured galaxy. Ratings: My Rating: 6.7/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 60% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.1/10 Plot Summary: Captain Dylan Hunt commands the Commonwealth warship Andromeda Ascendant, one of the most advanced vessels in known space. During a devastating surprise attack that triggers the collapse of the Systems Commonwealth, Hunt and his ship become trapped near a black hole. Over 300 years later, Hunt is rescued to find the Commonwealth gone and the galaxy descended into chaos. Former member worlds have splintered into competing factions, piracy is widespread, and countless civilizations strugg...

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, 2009, TV-14, 1 hr 30 min

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Age Rating: TV-14 Runtime: 90 minutes Studio: The Hatchery / Sony Pictures Television / TNT A struggling inner-city student overcomes poverty, prejudice, and personal anger through faith, discipline, education, and perseverance to become one of the world's most respected neurosurgeons. Ratings: My Rating: 7.7/10 The Dove Foundation: Family-Recommended / Inspirational IMDb: 7.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 85% Audience Score  Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 7.7/10 (approx.) Plot Summary: Based on the autobiography of Ben Carson, the film follows Carson's journey from a troubled childhood in Detroit to becoming a pioneering neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Raised by his single mother Sonya Carson, Ben struggles academically and emotionally. Despite having little formal education herself, Sonya insists that Ben and his brother read books, limit television, and pursue excellence. Through hard work and determination, Ben transforms from one of the weakest stud...

Taking Chance, 2009, TV-PG, 1 hr 18 min

Taking Chance Age Rating: TV-PG Runtime: 78 minutes Studio: HBO Films A quiet journey of honor follows one Marine officer as he escorts a fallen young Marine home, reminding the nation what dignity, sacrifice, and respect look like. Ratings: My Rating: 74% The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 57% Metacritic: 76/100 TMDb: N/A Plot Summary: Based on real events, Taking Chance follows Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, played by Kevin Bacon, as he volunteers to escort the body of 19-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps from Dover Air Force Base to his hometown in Wyoming. The film is not a combat movie as much as a solemn tribute. It shows the careful military process of preparing, transporting, and honoring a fallen service member, while Strobl witnesses quiet acts of respect from military personnel and civilians along the way. Critics Review: Critics generally viewed Taking Chance as a respectful, restrained, and emotionally powerful military drama. Many praised its quiet to...

Freedom Writers, 2007, PG-13, 2 hr 3 min

Freedom Writers Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 123 minutes Studio: MTV Films, Jersey Films, Double Feature Films, Paramount Pictures A powerful true-story drama about a young teacher who uses compassion, literature, and personal writing to break through racial hatred, gang violence, and hopelessness in an inner-city classroom. Ratings: My Rating: 7.1/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Approved / Mature Teen Audience IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 69% Metacritic: 64/100 TMDb: 7.4/10 Plot Summary: Set in Long Beach, California during the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots, the film follows Erin Gruwell, a new and idealistic English teacher assigned to a classroom full of students considered “unteachable.” Her students come from different racial gangs and backgrounds, and many have experienced violence, poverty, abuse, and death firsthand. At first, the class rejects her completely. Over time, Erin begins connecting with them through literature such as The Diary of Anne Frank and by encouraging them ...

Radio, 2003, PG, 1 hr 49 min

Radio Age Rating: PG Runtime: 109 minutes Studio: Columbia Pictures Country of Origin: United States An unlikely friendship between a high school football coach and a mentally challenged young man transforms an entire community. Ratings: My Rating: 6.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 35% Metacritic: 38/100 TMDb: 7.3/10 Plot Summary: Based on a true story, the film follows James “Radio” Kennedy, a shy young man with an intellectual disability who lives in a small South Carolina town. He is often misunderstood and mistreated until Coach Harold Jones, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., takes him under his wing. Coach Jones invites Radio to assist with the high school football team, gradually integrating him into the school and community. Over time, Radio becomes a beloved figure, and his presence challenges the town to confront its prejudices and learn compassion, patience, and acceptance. Critics Review: “Radio” received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised th...

Fat Albert (2004), PG, 93 min

Fat Albert Age Rating: PG Runtime: 93 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids Franchise Position: Live-action adaptation A heartfelt comedy that brings a beloved animated character into the real world to help a lonely teen rediscover friendship and confidence. Ratings: My Rating: 5.3/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved (Family-Friendly) IMDb: 4.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 23% Metacritic: 40/100 TMDb: 5.0/10 Plot Summary: Fat Albert follows Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids as they magically leave their animated world and enter live-action reality to help a shy teenager named Doris regain her confidence and social life. Led by the kind-hearted and wise Fat Albert (voiced and portrayed by Kenan Thompson), the group navigates the challenges of the real world, including school pressures, popularity struggles, and teenage relationships. As Albert spends more time outside the cartoon world, he begins to develop real emotions and faces a d...

Tigger Movie, 2000, G, 1 hr 14 min

The Tigger Movie Runtime: 74 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation Franchise: Winnie the Pooh, 5 Ratings: My Rating: 7.5 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Metacritic: 70 Plot Summary: Tigger sets out on a journey to find his family after realizing he doesn’t know where he comes from. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of family and friendship with the help of Pooh, Piglet, and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood gang. The story focuses on belonging, self-discovery, and the bonds that hold friends and family together. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s charm, heartwarming story, and the positive messages about friendship and identity. Some noted that it stays true to the spirit of the original Winnie the Pooh stories, though it does not break new ground in animation. Christian Perspective: The film reinforces values such as love, loyalty, compassion, and the importance of family. Tigger’s journey emphasizes themes of acceptanc...

Return to Never Land, 2002, G, 1 hr 22 min

Peter Pan 2: Return to Never Land Runtime: 82 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Peter Pan, 2 Ratings: My Rating: 7.1 The Dove Foundation: Family-Approved IMDb: 6.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 56% Metacritic: 57 Plot Summary: During World War II, Jane, the daughter of Wendy, is skeptical of her mother’s stories about Peter Pan and Neverland. When Peter returns to take her on an adventure, Jane finds herself in the magical world, encountering the Lost Boys, pirates, and Captain Hook once again. Through bravery, imagination, and friendship, Jane learns to believe in magic and discovers courage and self-confidence along the way. Critics Review: Critics had mixed reviews, praising the animation and continuation of the Peter Pan story, but noting that it lacked the originality and charm of the 1953 classic. The film was recognized for its messages of courage and imagination for children. Christian Perspective: The story emphasizes faith, belief in the unseen, courage, and standing up to f...

Walking Tall: Lone Justice, 2007, PG-13, 1 hr 27 min

Walking Tall: Lone Justice  Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 87 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Walking Tall Franchise Position: 5 Chris Vaughn continues his fight against crime and corruption, determined to protect his hometown and uphold justice after returning as a civilian hero. Ratings:  My Rating: 5.6/10 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 5.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 5.6/10 Plot Summary: Following the events of The Payback, Chris Vaughn faces new criminal threats in his hometown. He uses his experience, courage, and determination to confront local crime and protect the community, dealing with escalating dangers while upholding his personal sense of justice. Critics Review: The film, another direct-to-video sequel, received largely negative reviews. Critics noted weak storytelling, lack of originality, and formulaic action. While fans of the franchise appreciated the continuation of Chris Vaughn’s v...

Walking Tall: The Payback, 2007, PG-13, 1 hr 26 min

Walking Tall: The Payback  Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 86 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Walking Tall Franchise Position: 4 A former soldier takes on organized crime and corruption in his small hometown after returning to protect his community and loved ones. Ratings:  My Rating: 5.5/10 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 5.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 5.5/10 Plot Summary: Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown to find crime and corruption still rampant. Using his skills and determination, he takes the law into his own hands to protect the town and his family. The story follows his confrontation with criminal elements while navigating personal risks and the responsibilities of leadership. Critics Review: The film, a direct-to-video sequel, received mixed to negative reviews. Critics noted that it lacked the energy and star power of the 2004 theatrical release, and the plot was formulaic and predictable....

Walking Tall, 2004, PG-13, 1 hr 26 min

Walking Tall, Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 86 minutes Studio: Mandeville Films / Hyde Park Entertainment / RAI Fiction / MGM Distribution Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Walking Tall Franchise Position: 6 A decorated soldier returns home to take a stand against corruption when the community he loves is overtaken by crime. Ratings: My Rating: 5.7/10 The Dove Foundation: PG-13 IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 27% Metacritic: 44/100 TMDb: 6/10 Plot Summary: When decorated U.S. Army soldier Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown, he finds the local economy collapsed, the lumber mill shut down, and a casino run by his old schoolmate dominating the town. Crime, drugs, and corruption have taken over, and even the local law enforcement is ineffective. After a violent confrontation leaves him beaten, he runs for sheriff and, armed with a two-by-four, sets out to restore justice and order to his community. Critics Review: Critics found the film predictable and formulaic. Dwayne Johnson’s ch...

Ghost Rider, 2007, PG-13, 1 hr 50 min

Ghost Rider Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 110 minutes Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Ghost Rider Franchise Position: 1 A stuntman who once sold his soul must now face the darkness within him to stop a demonic uprising. Ratings: My Rating: 3.8/10 The Dove Foundation: Not approved IMDb: 5.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 27% Metacritic: 35 TMDb: 5.6/10 Plot Summary: Johnny Blaze is a motorcycle stunt performer who, as a teenager, made a desperate deal with a demonic entity to save his father. Years later, the deal comes due. Johnny becomes the Ghost Rider, a flaming skeletal enforcer bound to punish evil. When the demon Blackheart seeks an ancient contract that would unleash a thousand corrupted souls, Johnny must decide whether to reject the curse or wield its dark power to protect the innocent. Critics Review: Critics widely criticized the film’s uneven tone, shallow script, and over-the-top performances. The fiery Ghost Rider visuals earned praise, but reviewers agreed that the narrative lack...

Ike, Countdown to D-Day, 2004, TV-PG, 1 hr 29 min

Ike: Countdown to D-Day Age Rating: TV-PG Runtime: 89 minutes Studio: A&E Television Networks Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A commander weighed down by history’s greatest gamble must inspire divided allies to unity — and lead the greatest invasion in human history before time runs out. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (audience) Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.7/10 Plot Summary: Ike: Countdown to D-Day dramatizes the crucial ninety days leading up to Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Tom Selleck stars as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, depicting his struggles to coordinate British, American, and Canadian leaders while preparing for one of the most complex military operations ever undertaken. The film focuses on the human side of command — the diplomatic balancing act between figures such as Churchill, Montgomery, and Patton, and the emotional weight Eisenhower...

Cinderella III A Twist in Time, 2007, G, 1 hr 13 min

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time Age Rating: G Runtime: 73 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation / Walt Disney Home Entertainment Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 3 When the stepmother gains control of the magical wand, she reverses Cinderella’s happily ever after, and Cinderella must fight to reclaim her rightful place and true love. Ratings: My Rating: 7.1/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 53% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.4/10 Plot Summary: In this direct-to-video sequel, Lady Tremaine steals the Fairy Godmother’s wand and uses it to turn back time, switching the Prince’s affections to Anastasia. Cinderella must rely on her courage, kindness, and resourcefulness to undo the spell, prove her worth, and restore the love and happiness she earned. The story emphasizes standing firm in the face of adversity and trusting in the power of goodness and true love to triumph over deceit. Critics Review: Critics generally viewed Cinderella ...

Cinderella II Dreams Come True, 2002, G, 1 hr 14 min

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True Age Rating: G Runtime: 74 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Television Animation / Walt Disney Home Entertainment Franchise: Cinderella Franchise Position: 2 Cinderella adjusts to royal life through a trio of new stories that explore friendship, humility, and staying true to oneself — even in a palace. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 11% Metacritic: N/A TMDb: 6.0/10 Plot Summary: This direct-to-video sequel to the 1950 Disney classic is divided into three heartwarming stories. In the first, Cinderella learns to follow her heart instead of rigid royal rules while planning a grand ball. In the second, Jaq the mouse wishes to become human to be more helpful to Cinderella, only to learn he’s valuable just as he is. In the final story, Cinderella’s stepsister Anastasia falls in love with a kind baker, showing that even the most unlikely hearts can change. The stories tie together with a theme of gr...

Garfield: The Movie, 2004, PG, 1 hr 20 min

Garfield: The Movie Runtime: 80 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Garfield Franchise Position: 1 (First live-action film adaptation) America’s favorite lazy orange cat makes his big-screen debut — full of lasagna, sarcasm, and mischief — as he tries to save his owner’s new dog from trouble. Ratings: My Rating: 6.2/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 14% Metacritic: 27 TMDb: 5.6/10 Plot Summary: Garfield (voiced by Bill Murray) lives a pampered life with his owner Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer), ruling the house with snarky charm and a love for lasagna. His routine is disrupted when Jon adopts a sweet but dim-witted dog named Odie, who quickly steals the spotlight — and Jon’s attention. When Odie is kidnapped by a greedy television host seeking fame, Garfield must leave his comfortable home to rescue the pup, discovering courage, friendship, and a little humility along the way. Critics Review: Critics were ...

Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties, 2006, PG, 1 hr 26 min

Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties Runtime: 86 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Garfield Franchise Position: 2 (Sequel to Garfield: The Movie) Garfield crosses the pond for a royal misadventure when he’s mistaken for a pampered palace cat in England. Ratings: My Rating: 6.0/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for All Ages IMDb: 5.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 12% Metacritic: 37 TMDb: 5.7/10 Plot Summary: Garfield (Bill Murray) joins Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer) and Liz (Jennifer Love Hewitt) on a trip to England, where he’s mistaken for Prince, a royal cat who has just inherited a castle. With identical appearances, Garfield enjoys the luxury of his new life — endless food, servants, and admiration — until he realizes that Lord Dargis (Billy Connolly), the greedy estate manager, plans to get rid of Prince to seize the property. When the real Prince returns, the two cats must team up to outsmart Dargis, save the estate, and teach him a lesson about greed an...

My Big Fat Greek Wedding, 2002, PG, 1 hr 35 min

My Big Fat Greek Wedding Runtime: 95 minutes Studio: IFC Films / HBO Home Video Country of Origin: United States Franchise: My Big Fat Greek Wedding Franchise Position: 1 A culture-clash romantic comedy about a Greek-American woman breaking free from family expectations when she falls in love with a non-Greek man. Ratings: My Rating: 6.7/10 The Dove Foundation: Approved for ages 12+ IMDb: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 76% Metacritic: 62/100 TMDb: 6.4/10 Plot Summary: Toula Portokalos is a thirty-year-old Greek-American woman working in her family’s Chicago restaurant, where her father constantly reminds her to “marry a Greek, make Greek babies, and feed everyone forever.” Longing for more out of life, Toula takes computer classes and lands a job at her aunt’s travel agency. There she meets Ian Miller, a kind and open-hearted high school teacher who happens to be non-Greek. Their romance blossoms quickly, but Toula’s boisterous family disapproves. As wedding plans unfold, Ian struggles to ear...

Core, The, 2003, PG-13, 2 hr 15 min

The Core Runtime: 135 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A “The only way to save Earth is to go to the center of it.” Ratings: My Rating: 6.0 / 10 (average of IMDb 5.5, Rotten Tomatoes 41%, Metacritic 48, TMDb 6.0) The Dove Foundation: Not Rated (contains mild profanity and peril; not recommended for children) IMDb: 5.5 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes: 41% Metacritic: 48 / 100 TMDb: 6.0 / 10 Plot Summary: When the Earth’s core mysteriously stops rotating, the planet’s electromagnetic field begins to collapse, triggering catastrophic global disasters. Geophysicist Dr. Josh Keyes (Aaron Eckhart) and project leader Dr. Conrad Zimsky (Stanley Tucci) are recruited by the U.S. government to lead an unprecedented mission: travel to the Earth’s center in a specially designed vessel, Virgil, and restart the core using nuclear detonations. Joined by a diverse team—including pilot Major Rebecca “Beck” Childs (Hilary Swank), engineer Ed Braz (Delroy Lindo), and hac...

Heavy Metal 2000, 2000, R, 1 hr 28 min

Heavy Metal 2000 Runtime: 88 minutes Studio: Columbia TriStar Home Video Country of Origin: Canada Franchise: Heavy Metal Franchise Position: 2 An animated science fiction sequel combining futuristic adventure, vengeance, and interplanetary chaos — darker, louder, and more violent than the original. Ratings: My Rating: 5.5/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated (contains explicit adult content and strong violence) IMDb: 5.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 17% Metacritic: 35 TMDb: 5.3/10 Plot Summary: Heavy Metal 2000 follows Julie, a tough space miner whose peaceful life is shattered when a crazed prospector named Tyler discovers a mysterious crystal that grants immortality but drives its wielder insane. After Tyler massacres Julie’s colony and kidnaps her sister, Julie embarks on a relentless mission of vengeance across the galaxy. Her pursuit leads her through alien worlds, deadly battles, and moral corruption as the crystal’s power threatens to destroy everything. The story culminates in a climactic...