At The Movies

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...

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 ...

Anna and the King of Siam Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Franchise: Anna and the King of Siam Franchise Position: 1 Based on a book: Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon Release Date: June 20, 1946 Runtime: 128 minutes Tagline: A story of love and understanding in a world of tradition and change. Ratings: Critics Ratings: My Rating: 8.5/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 4/5 IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89% Metacritic Rating: 75% Plot Summary: In 1862, British widow Anna Owens arrives in Bangkok to tutor the children of King Mongkut of Siam. As she navigates cultural differences and palace intrigues, Anna's progressive ideas challenge the traditional norms of the royal court. Her relationship with the king evolves from mutual respect to a deep, albeit complex, bond, highlighting themes of cultural exchange, education, and personal growth. Critics Review: Critics praised the film for its strong performances, particularly by Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison. The cinematogra...

God’s Not Dead 2 (2016), PG, 2 hr 1 min Franchise: God’s Not Dead Franchise #: 2 (Chronological and release order) Tagline: He’s still alive. Main Cast Melissa Joan Hart as Grace Wesley Jesse Metcalfe as Tom Endler David A. R. White as Reverend Dave Hill Pat Boone as Walter Wesley Hayley Orrantia as Brooke Ray Wise as Peter Kane Ernie Hudson as Judge Stennis Sadie Robertson as Marlene Robin Givens as Principal Kinney Fred Dalton Thompson as Himself --- Reviews  Synopsis Grace Wesley, a high school history teacher, quotes Jesus during a classroom discussion. When a parent files a complaint, she’s taken to court, accused of violating the separation of church and state. With her job and reputation on the line, she’s defended by a reluctant young attorney as the case becomes a national news story. Overview This sequel expands the scope from college campuses to the courtroom. It highlights how public expressions of Christian belief can lead to real legal consequences in an increasingly...