At The Movies

Frankenstein Runtime: 70 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Based on a book: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley Franchise: Frankenstein  Franchise Position: 1 A driven scientist reanimates the dead, then abandons the being he creates — a creation that moves from innocence to tragic violence when rejected by the world. Ratings: My Rating: 7.8 / 10 (average of IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes audience 8.7, Metacritic 7.0) The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.7 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes: Critics 94%, Audience 87% (audience → 8.7 / 10) Metacritic: 70 / 100 (7.0 / 10) Plot Summary: Dr. Henry Frankenstein, obsessed with overcoming death, assembles a humanoid from corpses and animates it during a thunderstorm. The creature, intended to be a new life, is frightened, confused, and mistreated. After being tormented by assistants and rejected by townspeople, it lashes out in violence. Tragedy escalates — including the accidental drowning of a child — culminating in a mob-driven climax a...

Born to the West AKA: Hell Town Runtime: 59 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Distributor: Paramount Pictures Country of Origin: United States Based on a Book: Born to the West by Zane Grey Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A black-and-white Western film featuring John Wayne as Dare Rudd, a roguish cowhand who gets entangled in a cattle rustling scheme while trying to win the heart of his cousin's fiancée. Ratings: My Rating: 7/10 IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: Not Available Metacritic: Not Available TMDb: Not Available Plot Summary: Dare Rudd and his sidekick Dinkey Hooley arrive in Montana to visit Rudd's cousin, Tom Fillmore, a successful cattle rancher. Rudd falls for Tom's fiancée, Judy, and is persuaded to take a job as foreman for a cattle drive. However, he loses the herd's money in a poker game with a crooked gambler. Rudd and Tom must join forces to recover the money and thwart a cattle rustling plot led by the villainous Bart Hammond. Critics Revi...

The Black Stallion Runtime: 115 minutes Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Black Stallion Franchise Position: 1 A young boy forms a powerful bond with a wild stallion after being shipwrecked on a deserted island, leading to incredible adventures and horse racing triumphs. Ratings: My Rating: 8.2/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 82% (Audience) Metacritic: 76/100 TMDb: 8.0/10 Based on a Book: The Black Stallion by Walter Farley Plot Summary: After surviving a shipwreck, Alec Ramsey discovers a wild stallion on a deserted island. They form an unbreakable bond, and upon returning to civilization, Alec trains the horse for competitive racing. The story highlights themes of trust, friendship, courage, and perseverance, portraying the deep connection between humans and animals. Critics Review: The film was praised for its cinematography, particularly the desert island and race sequences, and for its faithful adaptat...

Mister Roberts Runtime: 123 Age Rating: Approved Release Date: July 30, 1955 Based on a Book: Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen Studio: Warner Bros. A comedic yet poignant portrayal of life aboard a U.S. Navy cargo ship during WW2, focusing on the frustrations and camaraderie of the crew as they endure the monotony of supply missions far from the front lines. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 84% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Lieutenant (j.g.) Doug Roberts, the cargo officer aboard the USS Reluctant, yearns for a transfer to a combat zone to contribute more directly to the war effort. However, his aspirations are thwarted by the tyrannical Captain Morton, who denies the crew liberties and privileges. Despite the captain's oppressive rule, Roberts becomes a source of inspiration and moral support for the crew, balancing his duties with acts of rebellion against the captain's authority. Critics Review: Critic...

Midway Runtime: 138 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: November 8, 2019 Studio: Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment Franchise: Midway Franchise Position: 2 A modern retelling of the Battle of Midway, focusing on the strategic intelligence and aerial combat that turned the tide in the Pacific Theater during WW2. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 42% (Critics), 92% (Audience) Metacritic: 49/100 Plot Summary: Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Theater in WW2, the film chronicles the events leading up to and following the Battle of Midway. It highlights the pivotal role of intelligence officers and naval aviators in countering Japan's plans after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The narrative intertwines personal stories with large-scale naval battles, emphasizing the strategic importance of Midway Atoll. Critics Review: Critics noted that while the film boasts impressive visual effects and a star-studded cast, its screenplay and character devel...

Midway Runtime: 131 Age Rating: PG Release Date: June 18, 1976 Based on a Book: The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds Studio: Universal Pictures A dramatization of the Battle of Midway, highlighting the strategic decisions and personal stories that led to a pivotal American victory. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 41% (Critics), 67% (Audience) Metacritic: 48/100 Plot Summary: In June 1942, U.S. Navy Admiral Chester W. Nimitz leads an outnumbered fleet to intercept and destroy a Japanese attack against Midway Atoll, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater. The film portrays the battle's strategic planning and execution, focusing on both military leaders and the personal lives of those involved. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews; some praised its historical accuracy and ensemble cast, while others criticized its pacing and reliance on stock footage. Despite this, it was a commercial success, grossing over $100 ...