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Showing posts with the label children

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...

Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle, 1976–1979, TV-Y, 18 hr 00 min

Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle Runtime: 1080 minutes Studio: Filmation Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Tarzan Franchise Position: N/A A faithful, action-oriented animated series where Tarzan protects the jungle from villains, explores lost cities, and upholds his role as guardian of the wild. 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: Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle follows the intelligent and articulate jungle hero Tarzan as he defends his jungle home from danger. Raised by apes and skilled in both wisdom and strength, Tarzan acts as protector of the animals and tribes that dwell within the vast jungle. Each episode features new challenges—lost civilizations, power-hungry explorers, poachers, or natural disasters—that test his resolve and courage. Tarzan uses his knowledge of nature, the Mangani ape language, and deep moral compass to restore balance and justice. The show is episodic, focusing on adventure...

Brady Bunch, The, 1969–1974, TV-G, 2 days 1 hr 40 min

The Brady Bunch Runtime: 2,980 minutes Studio: Paramount Television Distributor: ABC Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Brady Bunch Franchise Position: 1 A classic sitcom about a large blended family navigating everyday life, school, work, and family dynamics, emphasizing love, cooperation, and humor. Ratings: My Rating: 8/10 IMDb: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: Not Available Metacritic: Not Available TMDb: 7.2/10 Plot Summary: Mike and Carol Brady merge their two families, bringing together six children under one roof. The series follows the kids’ adventures, sibling rivalries, and the parents’ guidance through humorous and heartfelt situations. Each episode highlights lessons in honesty, teamwork, and respect within the family. Critics Review: Praised for its wholesome approach to family life, humor, and character development. Some critics viewed it as formulaic, but it became iconic for its positive portrayal of a blended family. Christian Perspective: The show reinforces fami...

Brady Kids, The, 1972–1974, TV-Y, 8 hr 5 min

The Brady Kids Runtime: 485 minutes Studio: Filmation Distributor: CBS Country of Origin: United States Franchise: The Brady Bunch Franchise Position: 2 An animated Saturday morning series featuring the Brady children on adventures at home and school, blending comedy, music, and moral lessons. Ratings: My Rating: 7/10 IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: Not Available Metacritic: Not Available TMDb: Not Available Plot Summary: The series follows the Brady children—Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy—in animated adventures that combine humor, music, and everyday life lessons. Each episode includes songs performed by the Brady Kids and storylines teaching teamwork, honesty, and family values. Critics Review: Critics praised the show’s fun approach and musical elements but noted that animation quality and plotlines were simple, tailored for young audiences. It remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of the Brady franchise. Christian Perspective: The show emphasizes moral lessons, cooperatio...

Cars 3 (2017), G, 1 h 42 min

Cars 3 Runtime minutes: 102 minutes Age rating: G Studio: Pixar Animation Studios Franchise: Cars Franchise Position: 3 Tagline: It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish. Trailer link: Cast list: Ratings My rating: 6 Dove Foundation rating: Approved for All Ages IMDb rating: 6.7/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 69%  Metacritic rating: 59  Plot Summary Cars 3 returns focus to Lightning McQueen’s racing career as he faces a new generation of high-tech racers. After a serious crash, McQueen works to make a comeback with the help of a young trainer, Cruz Ramirez. The film explores themes of perseverance, mentorship, and embracing change while staying true to oneself. Critics Review Critics praised Cars 3 for its emotional story and return to racing roots. The animation quality and character development were highlights. Some felt it didn’t reach the emotional depth of other Pixar films but welcomed the film’s heart and maturity. Christian Perspective The movie tea...

Cars 2 (2011), G, 1 h 46 min

Cars 2 Runtime minutes: 106 minutes Age rating: G Studio: Pixar Animation Studios Franchise: Cars Franchise Position: 2 Tagline: No race. No rules. No limits. Trailer link   Cast list : Ratings My rating: 6 Dove Foundation rating: Approved for All Ages IMDb rating: 6.2/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 39%  Metacritic rating: 39  Plot Summary Cars 2 takes Lightning McQueen and Mater overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix. However, Mater gets caught up in an international espionage plot, leading to spy adventures alongside his racing career. The film blends action, comedy, and mystery but shifts focus more toward Mater’s antics and spy story. Critics Review Critics were mixed on Cars 2, often criticizing the spy storyline for overshadowing the racing elements and the film lacking the heart of the original. However, the animation and action sequences were praised, and Mater’s humor appealed to younger audiences. Christian Perspective The film emphasizes loyalty, frie...

Cars (2006), G, 1 h 57 min

Cars Runtime minutes: 117 minutes Age rating: G Studio: Pixar Animation Studios Franchise: Cars Franchise Position: 1 Tagline: Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride. Trailer link: Cast list: Ratings My rating: 7 Dove Foundation rating: Approved for All Ages IMDb rating: 7.1/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 74%  Metacritic rating: 73  Plot Summary Cars follows Lightning McQueen, a hotshot race car who ends up stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs. As he repairs his car and befriends the quirky residents, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, humility, and what truly matters beyond fame and winning. The film blends high-speed action with heartwarming storytelling. Critics Review Critics praised the film’s vibrant animation and engaging characters but found the storyline somewhat predictable compared to other Pixar films. The movie was noted for its appealing design and fun voice performances but considered lighter on emotional depth. Christian Perspective The movi...

Beauty and the Beast (2017), PG, 2 h 9 min

Beauty and the Beast Runtime minutes: 129 minutes Age rating: PG Studio: Disney Franchise: Beauty and the Beast Franchise Position: 2nd major film adaptation Tagline: Tale as old as time Trailer link:  Cast list:   Ratings My rating: 7/10 Dove Foundation rating: Approved for Ages 8+ IMDb rating: 7.1/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 71%  Metacritic rating: 65  Plot Summary This live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic follows Belle, a bright and independent young woman who yearns for adventure. When her father is captured by a cursed Beast, Belle offers to take his place. As she gets to know the Beast and the enchanted castle’s magical inhabitants, she discovers the power of love to overcome curses and transform lives. The film expands on the original with new songs, deeper character development, and spectacular visuals, all while maintaining the story’s core message about looking beyond appearances. Critics Review Critics praised the 2017 Beauty and the...

Beauty and the Beast (1991), G, 1 h 24 min

Beauty and the Beast Runtime minutes: 84 minutes Age rating: G Studio: Disney Franchise: Beauty and the Beast Franchise Position: 1st feature film Tagline: Be our guest! Trailer link:  Cast list :  Ratings My rating: 8/10 Dove Foundation rating: Approved for All Ages IMDb rating: 8.0/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%  Metacritic rating:  Plot Summary Beauty and the Beast tells the timeless story of Belle, an intelligent and kind young woman who dreams of adventure beyond her small village. When her father is imprisoned by a fearsome Beast in an enchanted castle, Belle offers herself in his place. As Belle and the Beast spend time together, they discover love and compassion can break even the darkest curses. This animated classic explores themes of inner beauty, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Critics Review Critics have long praised Beauty and the Beast as a groundbreaking animated film that combines stunning hand-drawn animation with a memorab...

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015), PG, 1 h 32 min

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Runtime minutes: 92 minutes Age rating: PG Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: Alvin and the Chipmunks Franchise Position: 4th live-action/CGI hybrid film Tagline: On the road to adventure! Trailer link:   Cast list:  Ratings My rating: — Dove Foundation rating: Approved for Ages 8+ IMDb rating: 5.1/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 22% critics approval  Metacritic rating: 36 (Generally unfavorable reviews)  Plot Summary The Chipmunks and Chipettes take a road trip to stop Dave from proposing to his new girlfriend, fearing they will lose their family. Along the way, they learn lessons about trust, family, and growing up. Critics Review The film received mixed to negative reviews but was noted for its humor and appeal to younger audiences. Christian Perspective Focuses on family values, forgiveness, and unity, reflecting Christian teachings about love and reconciliation. Family Friendliness Rated PG for some rude humor and them...

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009), PG, 1 h 27 min

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Runtime minutes: 87 minutes Age rating: PG Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: Alvin and the Chipmunks Franchise Position: 2nd live-action/CGI hybrid film Tagline: New Chipettes. New Fun. New Trouble. Trailer link: Cast list: Ratings My rating: 5/10 Dove Foundation rating: Approved for Ages 8+ IMDb rating: 4.7/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 21% critics approval  Metacritic rating: 30 (Generally unfavorable reviews)  Plot Summary The Chipmunks return to help Dave after he loses his job, but this time the Chipettes join the fun. Together, they compete in a music competition, learning teamwork and the importance of family. Critics Review Mixed to negative reviews noted, though the film appealed to kids and fans of the original. Critics felt it lacked freshness compared to the first movie. Christian Perspective The movie encourages teamwork, family support, and forgiveness—values consistent with Christian teachings. Family Friendliness ...

Adventures of Puss in Boots, The (2015), TV-Y7, 7 hr 20 min

Title: The Adventures of Puss in Boots Runtime: 440 minutes Age Rating: TV-Y7 Studio: DreamWorks Animation Television Franchise: Puss in Boots Franchise Position #: 1 Tagline: Big Adventure. Small Cat. Trailer Cast list Ratings My Rating: 8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Not Rated IMDb Rating: 7.1/10  Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Not Rated Metacritic Rating: Not Rated Plot Summary This animated series follows the swashbuckling adventures of Puss in Boots as he protects the magical city of San Lorenzo from villains and dangers. Packed with humor, action, and fairy tale charm, the series explores themes of bravery, friendship, and cleverness, all aimed at children and family audiences. Critics Review Critics praise the vibrant animation and fun storytelling. The show retains the charm of the Puss in Boots character while appealing to younger viewers with lighthearted and accessible episodic adventures. Christian Perspective The series promotes virtues such as courage, loyalty, and standing u...

Flight of the Navigator (1986), PG, 1 hr 36 min

Flight of the Navigator Runtime: 96 minutes Rating: PG Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: “Who is he? Where did he come from? And why has he traveled through time?” Trailer link :  Cast link:  Ratings My Rating: 7/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Family Approved  IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 81%  Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary Flight of the Navigator follows the story of 12-year-old David Freeman, who mysteriously disappears in 1978 and returns eight years later without having aged a day. Taken aboard a futuristic spaceship controlled by an AI named Max, David embarks on an adventure through time and space to find his way back home while uncovering secrets about the ship’s mission. The film mixes sci-fi adventure with heartwarming moments and themes of friendship, trust, and growing up. Critics Review Critics generally enjoyed the film’s imaginative story, special effects (notable for the 1980s), and charming performances...